Kids Forward is a statewide antiracist policy center that inspires action and advocates for children and families of color and those furthest from opportunity in Wisconsin. We envision a Wisconsin where every child thrives.
Updates
Governor Signs Postpartum Medicaid Extension Bill
Today the Governor signed the postpartum Medicaid extension bill into law. For people that have given birth while on Medicaid/BadgerCare, they will have health insurance for a full year after giving birth, instead of the current 60 days. The bill, now Wisconsin Act...
A Step Forward for Opportunity, A Step Back for Safety & Dignity
Wisconsin expands opportunity for DACA recipients with AB 759, while AB 24 threatens to undermine safety, trust, and dignity for immigrant families. For Release: March 17, 2026Contact: Emily Miota, 262-853-6863 The WI State Senate passed Assembly Bill 759, a major...
Wisconsin Legislators Finally Pass Lifesaving Postpartum Care for New Moms
For Release: Thursday, February 19, 2026 Contact: Emily Miota, 262-853-6863 Today, the Wisconsin state assembly voted to ensure that new moms on Medicaid have health insurance for a year after giving birth, instead of the current 60 days. Wisconsin will soon become...
Wisconsin Agriculture, Hunger Relief Groups Call for Action to Support FoodShare
Last year, Trump & his supporters in Congress passed the Republican megabill. This bill gutted funding for a bunch of essential services our communities rely on in order to give tax breaks to the rich. One of those services was SNAP/FoodShare, which ensures that...
Honoring the Life & Legacy of Anne Arnesen
We’re deeply saddened to hear of Anne’s passing. Anne Arnesen served as Kids Forward’s Executive Director for more than 20 years, from 1981-2004 (formerly the Wisconsin Council on Children and Families/WCCF). Anne was a pioneer in racial disparity analysis,...
Fighting to Keep Groceries on the Table
“Rise Up” song by Andra Day & Jennifer Decilveo; check out our full curated playlist here – handpicked jams to keep the joy flowing! Andra Day’s “Rise Up” is a reminder that even in the face of hardship, communities find ways to stand together. Rising up, now...
Beyond Borders
A Series on the Diversity of Immigrants and Refugees in Wisconsin
Wisconsin has been shaped by successive waves of newcomers seeking refuge, opportunity, and a place to call home. Our immigration and refugee series explores the significance and diversity of the immigrant narrative in shaping the past, present, and future of Wisconsin.
Publications
It’s Time to End Juvenile Life Without Parole in Wisconsin
Community Explainer Main Takeaways In January 2026, Wisconsin lawmakers introduced Assembly Bill (AB) 895/Senate Bill (SB) 882, which focuses on how Wisconsin sentences people who committed serious offenses as children. If enacted, the legislation would end the...
Extending the Federal Health Care Tax Credits into 2026
If Congress fails to extend the federal health care tax credits in the next few weeks, health care will become a whole lot more expensive and inaccessible for millions of Americans starting January 1. We're asking Wisconsin's members of Congress to act now and extend...
Everyone & Their Mama Supports Medicaid for New Moms, Except Vos
Last week, one state legislator singlehandedly denied care for 16,500 people about to give birth in Wisconsin. For almost a decade, Representative Robin Vos has blocked Wisconsin from passing post-partum Medicaid extension, which would ensure that new moms on Medicaid...
Race to Equity 10-Year Report: Dane County
The Race to Equity 10-Year Report unpacks how race, class, and, in some cases, gender impact Black Dane County residents.
Stories
“They’re Safe. They Love Going. I don’t worry.”
Melissa Biel, Beaver Dam (WI) When my oldest was born, we didn't even think about childcare because we couldn't afford it. It was me staying home a couple of days a week, and my parents taking care of him when I had to work. After a couple of years, I needed to go...
“An Investment, Not a Burden”
Genevieve Gerou, Kenosha (WI) I live in Kenosha and there's not enough childcare centers for the amount of people in our city. We have a lot of parents who are nurses and emergency workers, such as EMTs and police officers, as well as people who work at factories. I’m...
“Make the Cost Make Sense”
Ashley Wells, Kenosha (WI) I've been working two jobs since my daughter, Kennedi, was born in 2015. Child care has always been a must. I chose an in-home daycare for my daughter. Of course, this meant that I missed some of her important moments. At daycare they saw...
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