Elisa Cafferata Takes Charge at Nevada’s Children’s Advocacy Alliance

News Summary

Elisa Cafferata has officially assumed her role as the executive director of Nevada’s Children’s Advocacy Alliance. With a strong background in governmental positions, she aims to enhance youth advocacy and drive significant policy changes. Cafferata plans to focus on issues affecting children and their families, emphasizing the importance of early childhood education and support systems. The alliance is committed to addressing gaps in children’s welfare and preparedness, particularly in light of challenges exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Under her leadership, the organization anticipates making considerable advancements in child welfare initiatives.

Las Vegas, Nevada – Elisa Cafferata has officially begun her role as the new executive director of Nevada’s Children’s Advocacy Alliance, aiming to enhance youth advocacy and create significant policy changes within the state. With a robust background in various governmental roles, including director of the Nevada Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation, Cafferata brings extensive experience to her new position.

Cafferata’s previous roles also include serving as deputy director in the state’s Division of Welfare and Support Services and as a lobbyist for Planned Parenthood in Nevada. Her diverse background equips her with a unique perspective on the challenges faced by children and families in the state. In her new capacity, she plans to focus on issues affecting children, particularly the youngest age groups.

The Children’s Advocacy Alliance has a longstanding commitment to advocating for children who often lack a voice in policymaking processes. The organization emphasizes the importance of early childhood education, health, welfare, and economic well-being. According to Cafferata, investing early in children’s health and education is crucial for achieving long-term beneficial outcomes.

Recent findings underscore the adverse effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on children’s education and their access to childcare services. While there was an increase in funding for childcare subsidies during the pandemic, Cafferata voiced concerns that as financial support diminishes, access issues may arise again. The rising costs of childcare are significant, with some families facing expenses comparable to mortgage payments.

Cafferata highlights the importance of addressing gaps in early school readiness and childhood developmental opportunities, pointing out that in Nevada, children are required to start school at age 7, which is two years later than in many other states. This requirement can limit early development opportunities for children, which she believes must be addressed.

The Children’s Advocacy Alliance is also focused on improving the coordination of systemic laws and programs that impact children’s welfare. During upcoming legislative sessions, the organization is poised to tackle several critical child welfare issues. Key discussions are set to include a proposed bill aimed at enhancing child welfare agency practices regarding federal benefits available to children in foster care.

In recent years, Nevada has faced a noticeable decline in children’s health and economic welfare, positioning the state at 47th out of 50 in terms of children’s well-being, according to the Annie E. Casey Foundation’s 2025 Kids Count Data Book. This alarming ranking has galvanized efforts within the alliance to advocate for policy changes that could reverse this troubling trend.

Previous legislative initiatives, including efforts to expand pre-K access and proposals for paid family leave, faced challenges, including vetoes from the governor. Nevertheless, Cafferata remains optimistic about the potential for positive change through effective storytelling and advocacy work.

The alliance’s overarching goal is to help build a strong infrastructure to support enhanced child welfare and provide economic assistance for families. Cafferata emphasizes the need for collective investment in early childhood programs to not only improve family stability but also foster better outcomes for children across Nevada.

As Cafferata settles into her new role, her leadership is expected to drive significant advancements in the organization’s initiatives, potentially enhancing the lives of many children and families within Nevada.

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Additional Resources

• Las Vegas Sun: Q&A with Elisa Cafferata
• News from the States: Children’s Advocacy Group Highlights Victories and Losses
• News 3 LV: Advocacy Group Calls Nevada a Childcare Desert
• This is Reno: Nevada Child Wellbeing Ranks Low
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Child Welfare