Protecting America’s Youth Workers
Kids Over Kapital
Child labor violations in America have reached crisis levels. Kids Over Kapital is a nonpartisan advocacy organization working to protect America's children from labor exploitation through evidence-based research, policy advocacy, and grassroots mobilization.
5,792+
Children found in documented violations in 2023
88%
Increase in violations since 2019
$15.2M
in federal penalties in 2024
12 States
have weakened child labor protections since 2021
$2 Trillion
in federal infrastructure spending with no child labor oversight
Figures from latest Department of Labor Report
Child Labor Is Surging Across the United States
Child Labor Is Surging Across the United States
Child labor violations have increased dramatically across the country. Since 2019, documented cases are up 88%, with more than 5,792 minors found working illegally in 2023 alone. These figures show the scale and urgency of a crisis affecting children in every major industry.
*Latest available data: FY 2024 (FY 2025 pending)
Child Labor in the U.S. By the Numbers
Child Labor Is Surging Across the United States
A future where all young workers enjoy safe working conditions and proper workplace protections.
Raising awareness about child labor exploitation across all industries while advocating for comprehensive federal accountability systems and stronger enforcement.
We are guided by child safety and protection.
Every decision we make is evaluated through the lens of child safety. Protecting children from exploitation is both a legal requirement and a moral imperative.
Our Safety Framework
-
Zero tolerance for hazardous work by minors
-
Comprehensive age verification systems
-
Mandatory safety training and supervision
-
Regular workplace inspections
We are nonpartisan and evidence-based.
Our research and advocacy transcend political boundaries. We focus on data-driven solutions rather than ideology.
Evidence-Based Approach
-
Rigorous data collection and analysis
-
Peer-reviewed research methodologies
-
Cross-verification of statistics
-
Transparent reporting of findings
We are transparent and accountable.
We believe in full transparency about our methods, funding, and findings, and we hold ourselves to the highest standards.
Transparency Commitments
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Public access to research data
-
Clear methodology documentation
-
Open financial reporting
-
Regular stakeholder engagement
We are committed to justice and enforcement.
We work to ensure that child labor laws are not only written, but actively enforced through accountability and action.
Enforcement Focus
-
Supporting federal and state investigators
-
Corporate accountability measures
-
Legal action against violators
-
Victim support and remediation
A future where all young workers enjoy safe working conditions and proper workplace protections.
The Principles That Drive Us
Raising awareness about child labor exploitation across all industries while advocating for comprehensive federal accountability systems and stronger enforcement.
Every decision we make is evaluated through the lens of child safety. Protecting children from exploitation is both a legal requirement and a moral imperative.
Our Safety Framework
-
Zero tolerance for hazardous work by minors
-
Comprehensive age verification systems
-
Mandatory safety training and supervision
-
Regular workplace inspections
-
Our research and advocacy transcend political boundaries. We focus on data-driven solutions rather than ideology.
Evidence-Based Approach
-
Rigorous data collection and analysis
-
Peer-reviewed research methodologies
-
Cross-verification of statistics
-
Transparent reporting of findings
-
We believe in full transparency about our methods, funding, and findings, and we hold ourselves to the highest standards.
Transparency Commitments
-
Public access to research data
-
Clear methodology documentation
-
Open financial reporting
-
Regular stakeholder engagement
-
We work to ensure that child labor laws are not only written, but actively enforced through accountability and action.
Enforcement Focus
-
Supporting federal and state investigators
-
Corporate accountability measures
-
Legal action against violators
-
Victim support and remediation
-
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