Welcome to the latest issue of The Connection, APHSA’s newsletter offering updates and resources pertaining to employment and economic well-being, child and family well-being, and H/HS integration.

Our latest Catalyst blog from APHSA President & CEO Tracy Wareing Evans: "Investing for the Future: The Possibility of the American Rescue Plan," shares how our members can leverage the plan's benefits for those they serve. It is the first of a multi-part blog series that will take a detailed look at the American Rescue Plan.

Our Director of Policy and Research, Matt Lyons has co-authored a blog with the Human Services IT Advisory Group (HSITAG):“Pandemic Reveals Path to Modernizing IT and Human Services Delivery,” which discusses the value of IT investments in human services.

We are proud to share the latest installment of our Cornerstone for Resilient Communities and a Revitalized Economy transition brief series. Core Principles for TANF Modernization highlights how we can build common ground on what families need to thrive and how TANF can align with other key building blocks of well-being to achieve the outcomes we desire. Our TANF North Star Map of Core Principles illustrates the renewed vision of what TANF can be and embedded within them are the values of equity, inclusion, and the limitless possibilities of human potential.

The Workforce IT Support Center Launches Workforce IT Insights. This dashboard presents insights on trends related to data and technology supporting Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) programs. The Workforce Information Technology Support Center (ITSC) is available to all state WIOA program partners, including TANF and SNAP E&T staff, to implement effective and creative technology solutions. A login is required to access Workforce ITSC tools and can be created by registering. If you have challenges registering, please contact webmaster@naswa.org.

Family Self-Sufficiency Demonstration Development Grants. The Office of Planning, Research, and Evaluation (OPRE) within the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) is requesting applications for the Family Self-Sufficiency Demonstration Development Projects to support planning for and execution of evaluation-related activities by eligible entities that serve low-income families with children. A letter of intent is due June 2; applications are due July 2.

Stories of Hardship From Families with Young Children as the COVID-19 Pandemic Persists - Urban Institute, 04/27/21

Mothers are Being Left Behind in the Economic Recovery from COVID-19 – The Hamilton Project, 05/06/21

Tune In To Ascend’s Student Parent Podcast: 1 in 5, February 2021 - This podcast series from Ascend at the Aspen Institute chronicles stories of student parents who are balancing parenting, school, work, and life. Twenty two percent, or 1 in 5, undergraduates are parents. Listen to the first 12 episodes now and subscribe anywhere you listen.

How to Cut U.S Child Poverty in Half, April 2021 - This report from the Institute for Research on Poverty discusses the structural and systemic inequalities in employment between African American and Hispanic children and non-Hispanic White Children. This report proposes numerous policy and program changes, such as increasing Earned Income Tax Credits (EITC) and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to reduce child poverty and boost employment.

Toolkit for Stimulus Check Outreach to Immigrant Families, May 2021 – This toolkit from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities features resources for how to connect with harder-to-reach populations and BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and people of color) communities. Featuring a media guide, talking points for media, a press release template, and a sample media pitch, the toolkit offers materials in multiple languages and can be used by organizations, local and state agencies, and advocates alike.

WorkRise 2021 Request for Proposals: Informational Webinar - Urban Institute.

OCC Releases Guidance for American Rescue Plan Funding -The Office of Child Care (OCC) on Monday released the first of three planned Information Memorandums (IMs) on funding provided by the American Rescue Plan (ARP) to state child care programs. This IM is designed to help states, territories, and tribes quickly distribute those funds and protect the existing child care market. The guidance explains specific requirements included in the Act, and identifies opportunities for lead agencies to leverage these funds.

Recovering Coaching Interventions for Families Involved with the Child Welfare System: Moving Toward Evidence-Based Practices, March 2021 - This report from the Office of Planning and Research Evaluation (OPRE) builds on its previous study—Evidence on Replicable Recovery and Reunification Interventions for Families (R3)—that assessed the use of recovery coaches in the child welfare system. This updated report explores recovering coaches with parents’ Substance Use Disorders (SUDs) treatments and recovery support services. Also, this report describes the replicability and scalability of the Oregon Parent Mentor Program.

Serving Youth Remotely: Strategies for Practitioners, March 2021 - This resource guide for practitioners from the Urban Institute describes creative strategies that youth-serving organizations have used to provide remote services while prioritizing equity. Urban conducted interviews with staff members at youth-serving organizations about how to equitably deliver remote services, which can potentially expand access and affordability, meaning the lessons learned are relevant beyond the COVID-19 crisis.

Using Record Linkage to Understand Family Needs: How Connecting Human Services Data Gives Insight to Improve Well-Being, May 2021 - This report from Chapin Hall at the University of Chicago introduces record linkage, an innovative tool and methodology that matches administrative records across systems to prevent foster care placement. This tool includes data from adult and juvenile incarceration records, child protective services, substance abuse, and mental health treatments. Also, this report presents some best practices in using those record linkages, such as the Illinois Integrated Database on Child and Family Services.

Family First Planning & Readiness Toolkit -This toolkit from Chapin Hall at the University of Chicago supports first phase implementation of the Family First Act, helping agencies define their strategic direction, engage stakeholders, analyze & visualize data, survey providers, and develop plans.

NICWA Webinar Touchstones of Hope: Self-Determination (Part 2) - National Indian Child Welfare Association (NICWA).

ABA National Conference on Parent Representation - National Alliance for Parent Representation Steering Committee, and ABA Center on Children and the Law.

Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow: A Resilient and Adaptable State IT Workforce, March 2021 - This publicaion from the National Association of State Chief Information Officers (NASCIO) includes data collected from state CIOs in February and March of 2020 and in January and February 2021 on a snapshot of the pre- and mid pandemic state IT workforce. CIO workforce priorities and lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic are detailed.

Buyer Be Aware: Integrating Cybersecurity into the Acquisition Process, April 2021 - This publication from the National Association of State Chief Information Officers (NASCIO) is a joint release between NASCIO, the Center for Internet Security (CIS) and the National Association of State Procurement Officials (NASPO) and addresses steps state governments should take to ensure cybersecurity is an integral part of the acquisition process.

Community Discussion on the American Rescue Plan (ARP) and Data Infrastructure - Actionable Intelligence for Social Policy (AISP). A call for states, counties, and cities to discuss: 1) Using ARP funding to support data access, use, and infrastructure; and 2) Leveraging existing data infrastructure to make evidenced-based decisions about aid allocation. Register for the call and answer a short preliminary questionnaire. Responses will help frame discussion.

Webinar - Addressing Health Equity During the COVID Pandemic: A Discussion with the State of California - BerryDunn and the CA Department of Public Health.

20th Annual Social Equity Leadership Virtual Conference - National Academy of Public Administration (NAPA).