Decatur: A Recognized UNICEF Child Friendly City!
On March 21, 2025, the City of Decatur officially achieved recognition as a UNICEF USA Child Friendly City, joining Houston and Minneapolis as one of only three cities in the nation to receive this distinction. This milestone was celebrated with the community at Fair on the Square, where young leaders and residents gathered to mark this significant achievement.
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 set out to achieve this designation through the Child Friendly Cities Initiative (CFCI) and was among 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:
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Safety and Inclusion
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Children’s Participation
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Equitable Social Services
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Safe Living Environments
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Play and Leisure
Youth Leadership and Community Action
In its first year, the CFCI Teen Leadership Team, made up of 28 high school students, identified five priority areas to enhance life for young residents in Decatur:
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Building trust with law enforcement
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Promoting equity and inclusion
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Expanding mental health awareness and access
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Fostering environmental consciousness
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Improving public spaces for all
Their efforts led to significant milestones, including the formal adoption of the CFCI Local Action Plan for Youth by the City Commission on June 5, 2023. This plan serves as a roadmap for making Decatur an even better place for children and youth. The full plan can be found here.
Decatur’s commitment to youth engagement has also been nationally recognized. The city was honored as an All-America City by the National Civic League, highlighting its dedication to authentic youth participation through initiatives like CFCI, the Decatur Youth Council, and the inclusive playground at Legacy Park.
Decatur is proudly leading the way in fostering a child-friendly, inclusive, and engaged community. The city's recognition as a UNICEF USA Child Friendly City reflects years of dedication and hard work—proving that when a community comes together, lasting change is possible.
For more information on this national initiative, visit www.childfriendlycities.org.
Get Involved!
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.