Issue 10; September, 2026

In the News

Missouri Department of Social Services Announces Updates to SNAP Verification Requirements Starting October 1.

The Missouri Department of Social Services-Family Support Division (DSS-FSD) recently announced Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) applicants will now be required to provide documented proof for specific expenses and resources, rather than relying solely on self-attesting statements.

Starting October 1, documented proof will be required for:

• Shelter costs, such as rent, mortgage, and utilities
• Dependent care or childcare expenses
• Countable resources, such as money in a bank account

These updates to the verification requirements for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will be effective October 1, 2026 and are intended to strengthen program integrity and ensure accurate eligibility decisions.

No immediate action is required for individuals currently receiving SNAP. View the full release online.

CTF releases factsheet in partnership with ASTHVI regarding MIECHV-funded work.

With the beginning of the reauthorization process through Congress, ASTHVI worked to support states and tribes in developing concise, one-page fact sheets that highlight their home visiting initiatives and MIECHV-funded work.

This one-page resource is intended for stakeholders seeking quick, accessible information beyond what is now available on the MIECHV dashboards.

Click the image [left] to view the factsheet.

Partner Spotlights & Updates

Have a powerful testimony or exciting update to share in the CTF Home Visiting newsletter?

Reach out to Bryanna.Baskett@oa.mo.gov

Latest Research & Resources

The National Maternal Mental Health Hotline Is Here for Families 

Recent national news coverage of postpartum mental health may be difficult for many pregnant women, mothers, and families experiencing stress, anxiety, and other mental health concerns.  

Now is a good time to remind clients and partners that the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline provides free, confidential support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Individuals can call or text 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262) or web chat to connect with a trained counselor who will listen, provide support, and connect them with resources. 

Free hotline promotional materials are also available for order or download and can be shared or kept readily available in all settings where pregnant women, mothers, and families receive services. 

Family Engagement Toolkit for Early Childhood Home Visiting Programs: Created by The Office of Planning, Research and Evaluation (an office within the Administration for Children and Families).

The Family Engagement Toolkit addresses engagement challenges—and opportunities—programs may be facing. The toolkit resources are flexible. Leaders can decide how much of the toolkit to use at any given time based on their needs and availability; their capacity for program improvement; and budget, funder, or home visiting model requirements.

Learn more and download the toolkit HERE!

Training & Development Opportunities

Prioritizing Home Visitor Safety: Strategies and Tools to Support the Home Visiting Workforce

Home visitor safety concerns are linked to burnout, lower job satisfaction, and higher turnover—yet safety is often treated as an afterthought.

To help address this challenge, the Home Visiting Collaborative Improvement and Innovation Network (HV CoIIN) is excited to announce the release of three new tools as part of the Home Visiting Safety Suite. When you visit the page, you will also find a link to an interactive webinar recording that explores how to incorporate safety into your program.

Questions or Comments?

Email: HVWorkforce@edc.org Visit: www.hvworkforce.org

Other Upcoming Training & Development Opportunities

• 2026 Fall Infant & Early Childhood Mental Health Conference — MOAIMH-EC: 2026 Fall Conference, Held In Mind: The Power of Being Seen with a virtual attendance option
• Institute for the Advancement of Family Support Professionals: "Practice and Purpose" sessions are offered separately for both home visitors and supervisors each month to share experiences, explore best practices and grow together in the community. October sessions focus on boundaries and ethics.

Amy Sielaff

Home Visiting Director

Children's Trust Fund

https://ctf4kids.org/

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