Johnson City moves closer to UNICEF Child-Friendly City status

As it works towards UNICEF Child-Friendly City status, Johnson City in Tennessee is hosting a series of community sessions to give feedback on its analysis of child well-being.

It is holding three sessions, starting on December 4, where city officials will deliver the next stage of the city’s work plan for being officially recognised under the Child-Friendly Cities Initiative (CFCI).

It follows the local CFCI leadership’s recent detailed analysis of child well-being across the city, which has a population of around 71,000.

Through its framework for action, Johnson City will identify objectives under five key goal areas focusing on supporting children and young people – safety and inclusion; children’s participation; equitable social services; safe living environments; and play & leisure.

Julia Turpin, director of Johnson City’s public library, said: “We are excited to share the findings with the community. The city will implement an action plan that prioritises the best interests of children and youth using the findings from this analysis.

‘Our children are our most precious resource’

“Our children are our most precious resource and we are excited to be working with our partners and community members to take the next steps in being recognised as a UNICEF Child Friendly City.”

Originally created in 1996, UNICEF’s Child Friendly Cities Initiative uses a child rights-based framework to build a roadmap for establishing safer, more just, equitable, inclusive and child-responsive cities and communities around the world. Since its inception, CFCI has been adopted in over 3,000 municipalities in 40 countries.

“The City and its partners – ETSU, Ballad Health, Frontier Health, Johnson City Schools and the Johnson City Public Library – are developing a tangible, measurable work plan to ensure an optimum environment for Johnson City’s youth,” added Turpin.