Child Friendly Cities Initiative (CFCI)
Decatur is taking significant strides to become a Child Friendly City through a groundbreaking initiative. In partnership with the Decatur Education Foundation, Decatur Housing Authority, and City Schools of Decatur, Decatur Parks & Recreation is working towards earning recognition for the City of Decatur from UNICEF as a city committed to improving the lives of its young citizens by upholding their rights as outlined in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.
A child-friendly city is a community that prioritizes the well-being and development of its children and youth by ensuring their rights are protected and promoted. Decatur aims to achieve this designation through the Child Friendly Cities Initiative (CFCI) as one of the first six cities in the U.S. to sign a memorandum of understanding with UNICEF to embark on this transformative journey.
The CFCI project involves a multi-year commitment to actively involve community members, especially children and youth, in identifying priorities and taking action in five key areas: Safety and Inclusion, Children's Participation, Equitable Social Services, Safe Living Environments, and Play and Leisure.
In its first year, the CFCI Teen Leadership Team, comprised of 28 high school students, explored these goal areas and identified five priorities that they believe will make a significant impact on the lives of young residents in Decatur. These priority areas include enhancing trust with law enforcement, promoting an equitable and inclusive city, improving access to and awareness of mental health services, fostering an environmentally conscious community, and enhancing public spaces for all.
The efforts and dedication of the Teen Leadership Team have already yielded remarkable results. On June 5, 2023, the City of Decatur's City Commission formally adopted the CFCI Local Action Plan for Youth, a testament to the city's commitment to its younger generation. The full plan can be found here.
Decatur's exceptional commitment to youth empowerment and community engagement was further recognized when the city was chosen as an All-America City by the National Civic League. This prestigious national award highlighted the City’s community engagement efforts – especially as relates to authentic youth engagement. Highlighted projects included CFCI, the Decatur Youth Council, and the new inclusive playground at Legacy Park.
Decatur is proudly leading the way towards a brighter and more child-friendly future, proving that a united community's efforts can bring about positive change and make a lasting impact on the lives of its youngest members.
Please visit www.childfriendlycities.org for more information on this exciting national pilot.
Young people interested in participating in the implementation process for the City of Decatur Local Action Plan for Youth can learn more about applying for the Teen Leadership Team here.
