World Childhood Foundation USA

The challenge

Every day, millions of children worldwide suffer from some form of abuse or exploitation, with many more at risk. Globally, an estimated one in five girls and one in seven boys experience sexual abuse during childhood and adolescence. These issues can have long-lasting consequences for a child’s mental and emotional well-being, severely impacting their development and future opportunities.

There is a significant gap in the systems designed to protect these children, with traditional approaches often failing to provide comprehensive, trauma-informed care. Vulnerable children, including those with disabilities, those in foster care, and marginalized groups like LGBTQ+ youth, face unique challenges that demand a more targeted and inclusive approach.

Turning challenge into opportunity

VISION
A world where all children are free from violence, sexual abuse, and exploitation.

MISSION
To inspire, promote, and develop solutions to end sexual abuse, exploitation, and violence against children.

World Childhood Foundation USA (Childhood USA) was founded in 1999 by Her Majesty Queen Silvia of Sweden, Childhood USA has worked tirelessly to fulfill its core mission by implementing coordinated and complementary efforts to enhance awareness of child sexual abuse and exploitation, empower children from vulnerable and marginalized communities, and drive significant advancements in child protection through research partnerships and systemic reform.

By working across three key areas—Child Supportive Environments & Relationships, Child Safety Online, and Child-Focused Response to Abuse—Childhood USA ensures children are protected from harm and receive the necessary resources to recover and thrive. They focus not only on preventing abuse but also on healing children who have been affected, providing mental health support that enables children to grow into secure, resilient individuals.

In addition to supporting innovative programs, Childhood USA is also empowering groundbreaking research and advocacy projects, including the Out of the Shadows Index, which shines a spotlight on state action—and inaction—to address child sexual exploitation and abuse.