First Star's mission is to serve as a catalyst for meaningful reform of the child welfare system by highlighting critical systemic deficiencies, researching and publishing reports on these issues, and initiating reform that will ultimately strengthen the rights of America's abused and neglected children.

First Star advocates for federal, state and local laws that improve the lives of abused and neglected children.   Our policy work is guided by the First Star Policy Advisory Council, which consists of the country’s leading child welfare experts.  Through the First Star Congressional Roundtable on Children we educate lawmakers about policy and legislation that is:

• Based on proven models of effective practice
• Multidisciplinary in nature
• Prevention-oriented
• Focused on the child and the family
• Culturally sensitive
• Outcomes-driven