City of Decatur Named Third Child Friendly City in the U.S.

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Community parks in Decatur, Georgia, with children playing.

News Summary

The City of Decatur, Georgia, has been recognized by UNICEF USA as the third Child Friendly City in the United States. This achievement highlights Decatur’s dedication to creating a safe and nurturing environment for young residents. The award reflects the city’s commitment to involving youth in governance and prioritizing key areas such as safety, health, and inclusivity. Mayor Patti Garrett praised community efforts, particularly emphasizing the role of local youth organizations. Decatur’s recognition sets a benchmark for other municipalities to enhance their child-friendly policies, ensuring that the voices of young people are valued.

City of Decatur Recognized as Third Child Friendly City in the U.S. by UNICEF

The City of Decatur, nestled in DeKalb County, Georgia, has proudly earned the title of the third overall Child Friendly City in the United States, as announced by UNICEF USA.

This notable accolade places Decatur alongside other esteemed cities like Houston and Minneapolis, carving a niche in a prestigious group of just 3,500 municipalities globally that epitomize the values of a Child Friendly City.

A Milestone Announcement

The big reveal took place on Thursday, marking a momentous achievement for the community and setting a benchmark for others to aspire to. The city’s commitment to creating a nurturing environment for its young residents has been a labor of love, dating back to 1996.

Celebrating Local Efforts

Decatur’s Mayor, Patti Garrett, recognized the hard work of the city’s youth, particularly highlighting the contributions of the Teen Leadership Team and the Decatur Youth Council. There is a clear emphasis on the significance of incorporating youth voices in city governance, aiming to inspire even more involvement from young representatives in future decisions.

The Child Friendly Cities Initiative

UNICEF’s Child Friendly Cities Initiative operates on a framework that prioritizes safety, health, inclusivity, and child-responsiveness. The recognition serves as a testament to Decatur’s relentless focus on these critical areas.

Criteria for Recognition

To obtain this designation, Decatur had to successfully meet five key priorities outlined by UNICEF:

Improve access to public spaces for all residents.
Increase trust between community members and law enforcement.
Enhance cleanliness throughout the city.
Foster inclusivity for all children and young people.
Promote sustainability and mental health resources for children and teenagers.

This initiative not only underscores Decatur’s commitment to fostering a child-centered environment, but it also serves as a model for other cities striving to enhance their child-friendly policies.

Encouraging Future Generations

In its ongoing mission, UNICEF continues to champion the idea that local governments should actively involve youth in decision-making. By doing so, they can create lasting impacts that resonate with future generations, ensuring that the voices of young people are heard and valued.

With this recognition, Decatur stands as a beacon of hope and inspiration, paving the way for a safer, more inclusive community that prioritizes the well-being of its younger citizens.