On January 31, 2017, Raben Talk had a compelling hour-long conversation with Olivia Golden about the prospects for anti-poverty and children’s policy in the new political environment.

Olivia Golden, a former assistant secretary for children and families at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, became the executive director of the Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP) in 2013. Founded in 1968, CLASP is a nonpartisan anti-poverty organization that advocates practical and bold policy solutions for low-income people — including solutions to tear down systemic barriers affecting people of color and immigrants — at the national, state, and local levels. 

Olivia is regularly invited by Congressional leaders to testify on the importance of the safety net and economic security for children, families, and individuals. She frequently appears in the media to discuss and explore key policy issues, including repeated appearances on C-SPAN’s “Washington Journal” and NPR’s “The Diane Rehm Show.” Her byline has appeared in leading publications including The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Hill, and USA Today. She is also in demand to speak on issues of economic justice, child and family policy, and racial equity to a wide range of audiences around the country. 

Her career includes leading DC’s Child and Family Services Agency’s emergence from federal court receivership, which markedly improved the lives of children in DC (2001-2004). From 1993-2001, Olivia served in senior positions at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, first as commissioner for children, youth, and families and then as assistant secretary. She has also served as a fellow at the Urban Institute where she led major initiatives on poverty and the safety net, families’ economic security, and children’s well-being.