November 17, 2021
Greetings!

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 new blog post, part of our ongoing blog series that takes a detailed look at the American Rescue Plan, highlights how to maximize benefits of federal funds by aligning across sectors. Authors Jeffrey Levi of George Washington University and Karen Minyard of Georgia State University discuss a new collaborative program and its principles for leaders to maximize the federal investments and lay the foundation for an equitable response to future crises.
APHSA Updates
Check out the latest podcast episode of Our Dream Deferred: Fulfilling the Nation’s Promise with Heather McGhee on the costs of racism, and how progress for all is possible when we refuse to buy into the zero-sum paradigm of a limited resource pool. You can find us on your preferred streaming platform by searching for “Our Dream Deferred” or our podcast page. Catch us every Tuesday, share with your network, write us a review - and send us your feedback and questions!

‌
Headlines
Resources
Persistent Gaps in SNAP Benefit Adequacy Across the Rural-Urban Continuum, November 2, 2021 - An Urban Institute brief showing that, before the Thrifty Food Plan increase that went into effect October 1, 2021 to increase Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits by over 20%, SNAP did not cover the real cost of food in 96% of U.S. counties. After the increase, that number has dropped to 21%, but there urban and rural gaps remain.

Hunger Among Veterans and Servicemembers: Understanding the Problem and Evaluating Solutions, November 10, 2021 - In honor of Veteran’s Day, the House Committee on Agriculture hosted a virtual hearing on hunger among vets and service members. The recording can be found at the link.
Events
Friday, November 19, 2:00 PM EST

Announcements
Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Week of Action - Early Childhood Workforce, November 14-20, 2021 - To help the early childhood workforce access health coverage during the Open Enrollment period for Marketplace coverage, the Administration for Children and Families is partnering with Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Beginning November 14th, the Week of Action will raise awareness among the early childhood workforce about how to access health coverage and connect with navigators and assisters.
Resources
Building from Success: Perceived Benefits and Implementation Challenges of Comprehensive Service Models for Youth and Young Adults at-risk of Homelessness, November 2021 - This report from the Office of Planning, Research, and Evaluation (OPRE) examines Youth at Risk of Homeless (YARTH)—a program designed to prevent homelessness among youth and young adults involved in the child welfare system. It advances numerous recommendations for strengthening success and overcoming implementation challenges of YARTH services.

Majority of CalYouth Participants Enrolled in College with 10% Attaining Degree by Age 23, November 2021 - This study from Chapin Hall at the University of Chicago examines the factors that promote, or hinder college graduation of youth involved in foster care. Using data from the Wave 4 CalYOUTH interviews and from National Student Clearinghouse, this study evaluates potential predictors of college success, including youths' demographic traits, educational background characteristics, involvement in foster care planning, and extended foster care. Other variables of interest in the study include behavioral health problems, social support, and post-secondary education services in youth county.

Places for All Babies: Home-Based Child Care is an Essential Part of the Solution, November 2021 - Highlighting the value of increasing and strengthening both family child care (FCC) and family, friend and neighbor (FFN) providers, ZERO TO THREE's new policy brief includes examples of state strategies, and recommendations that policymakers can explore to build robust mixed delivery systems that embrace both FCC and FFN as essential components in an array of high-quality options for infants and toddlers.

How Are Children’s Issues Portrayed in the News? A Media Content Analysis, November 4, 2021 - This Framework Institute report gives insight into the opportunities to create and communicate counternarratives that put the wellbeing of children and issues of equity at top of mind. The report highlights seven key findings and recommendations for those striving to elevate public discourse on—and action for—children’s health and wellbeing.
Events
Thursday, November 18, 1:00-2:30 PM EST

Announcements
New SOCI Report Highlights Importance of Consent and Trust to Improve Health-Related Data Sharing, Outcomes and Equity, November 15, 2021 - The Stewards of Change Institute (SOCI) has released a new report,“Modernizing Consent to Advance Health and Equity.” The report outlines processes for improving consent and explains SOCI’s open-source proof-of-concept initiative, the Consent Service Utility. It also highlights the voice of those in underserved communities who stand to gain the most from this work.
Headlines
Resources
Confidentiality Toolkit, November 4, 2021 - This Toolkit from the Office of Planning, Research and Evaluation (OPRE) is intended for staff at all levels of government who work within offices and agencies that promote the well-being of children and families. The Toolkit includes information on responsible record sharing, confidentiality considerations related to sharing records, and effective processes for successful record sharing.