As a part of the Ready by 21 national partnership agreement between the Forum and the National Conference of State Legislatures, the Forum agrees to support state legislators as they work to implement a Ready by 21 approach in their states.

The 2008 Directory of State Children’s Cabinets and Councils provides at-a-glance responses to basic but important questions: which states have children’s cabinets and councils? Who is involved in them? What do they do? The guide provides summaries of interviews done with children’s cabinet and council directors in the latter half of 2007.

Twelve Children’s Cabinet directors came together to share ideas and hear from Karen Pittman about how to better align youth policy in their states. We also had the opportunity to facilitate a Consensus Planning Day with the Maryland Governor’s Office for Children and stakeholders from throughout the state.

The NGA Center for Best Practices hosted an audio conference on creating a children's cabinet, strengthening an existing cabinet and improving outcomes for children and youth.

Many policy advisors, chiefs of staff and even some Lt. Governors got on the phone to learn more as they think about shaping their work on children and youth.

At least 16 states currently have Children's Cabinets, and all indications suggest that many others are likely to follow.

Ohio Family and Children First Cabinet Council 2004 Indicator Manual includes six commitments:  expectant parents and newborn thrive, infants and toddlers thrive, children are ready for school, children and youth succeed in school, children and youth engage in healthy behaviors, youth successfully transition into adulthood.