"The mission of the CDF is to Leave No Child Behind® and to ensure every child a Healthy Start a Head Start, a Fair Start, a Safe Start, and a Moral Start in life and successful passage to adulthood with the help of caring families and communities. We pay particular attention to the needs of poor and minority children and those with disabilities. CDF educates the nation about the needs of children and encourages preventive investment before they get sick or into trouble, drop out of school, or suffer family breakdown. Using research and data, we work to shape federal, state and local policies that best serves our children's needs in a cost-effective manner. CDF is a private, nonprofit, nonpartisan research and advocacy organization supported by foundations, corporate grants, and individual donations. As an independent voice for children, CDF does not accept government funds."