The Children’s Health Leadership Network (CHLN) strengthens the field of state-based leaders and advocates for children’s health policy. CHLN is an 18-month leadership development program that supports participants in building skills for system reform and stakeholder advocacy to improve health and well-being for all children in the United States and, most specifically, children at greatest risk for poor health. This opportunity helps teams of participants improve children and family health and well-being measurably and meaningfully in their respective states.
CHLN is built on Results Count®, the Casey Foundation’s approach to leadership development. For 30 years, the Foundation has seen leaders use the tools and skills of Results Count to accelerate lasting and measurable differences in the lives and prospects of children and their families.
Since its launch in 2016, CHLN has hosted four classes — a total of 63 participants — of state-based leaders and advocates for children’s health policy. Over time, it aims to develop a pool of 100 leaders and advocates who are driving change and forging partnerships within their communities. Along with past participants in Casey’s Leadership Institute for State-Based Advocates, CHLN alumni are part of the Children’s Advocacy Leadership Network, which hosts ongoing leadership learning opportunities.
A fourth class focused on youth behavioral health system reform launched in April 2025. Casey’s partner in program design and delivery for cohort four will be the Innovations Institute at the University of Connecticut School of Social Work.
In 2020–21, its most recent class brought together teams of advocates to help shape the health policy landscape in three states in the South and Southwest, with a focus on expanding and improving Medicaid coverage. Past program partners have included the David and Lucile Packard Foundation, The Atlantic Philanthropies and the Center for Children and Families at the McCourt School of Public Policy at Georgetown University.
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