The Coalition was formed in 1994 by the merger of two earlier organizations.

One was the Coconino Council for Children (founded in 1972), an alliance which advocated for children’s needs, served as an informational resource about children and children’s services, and promoted the coordination of efforts on behalf of children.

The other group, the Child Health Committee, led successful projects involving accident prevention, teen wellness, teen pregnancy prevention, and nutrition, among other activities.

In 1997, the Child Abuse Prevention Council became part of the Coalition, providing yet greater unity of efforts for children and youth. The Child Abuse Prevention Council had been active for several years, providing child abuse prevention education to parents, educators, and health care and social service professionals.