Dear Donna,

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 Human Services integration.

We are excited to share our 2022 Annual Report, which includes highlights from last year's body of work. As you review the resources and recaps, we hope it's evident that none of it would be possible without you. Thank you for being a part of our collective journey to advance the well-being of all people. We look forward to deepening that connection in 2023!

The Call for Proposals is now open for the 2023 APHSA National Human Services Summit! Join us in “Co-Creating the Future of Human Services,” and submit proposals by February 24 on the latest trends and innovations in policy, practice, and programs. We are currently looking for engaging and interactive content that fits into this year's three focus areas: Moving Human Services Upstream, Advancing Social and Economic Mobility, and Strengthening the Human Services Sector. The Summit will be held May 21-24 in Baltimore, MD. Learn more and submit proposals here.

In February, we recognize Black History Month and celebrate African American history and culture. Visit the Smithsonian’s website to learn more about the contributions of Black pioneers to our shared history. To hear from an array of trailblazing BIPOC leaders in the human services industry, check out the APHSA podcast series Disrupt the Dialogue and hear insights on the effect race has had on their lives and careers.

Employment and Economic Well-Being

Announcements

The administration announced that it would end COVID-19 emergency declarations on May 11. The COVID-19 national emergency and Public Health Emergency (PHE) was put in place in 2020 by the previous administration but has been extended since then to allow millions to receive free tests, vaccines and treatments.

Headlines

Temporary Pandemic SNAP Benefits Will End in Remaining 35 States in March 2023 - Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, February 6, 2023

TANF Data Collaborative Pilot Profiles: A Collection of Data Analytics Projects from State and County TANF Agencies, January 2023 - This report from the Office of Planning, Research & Evaluation (OPRE) examines the TANF Data Collaborative, a key component of the TANF Data Innovation Project. It was designed to support eight state and county TANF agencies in leveraging administrative data to inform policy and practice. This report discusses key components of that pilot including research questions, data landscape, research methods, and initial findings for each site.  

Black Homeownership: Using Data to Navigate the Road to Equity, January 2023 - This brief from Urban Institute addresses the racial homeownership gap in the United States and uncovers systemic barriers preventing Blacks from buying and sustaining homeownership. Also, this brief provides an interactive dashboard to support stakeholders in developing effective policies to increase Black homeownership.  

The Potential for Supporting Low Income Renters Through Transportation Spending, January 2023 - This brief from the Urban Institute examines how policymakers can leverage transportation investments through the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Job Act (IIJA) for affordable housing preservation, development, and access. Also, this brief provides some guidance to policymakers and advocates seeking to integrate housing with transportation investments. 

Events

Disaster Human Services: Integrating Equity and Human Services Principles in Emergency Response - The Office of Human Services Emergency Preparedness and Response (OHSEPR). A series of webinars in February will be offered for regions 1, 2, 5, 7 & 8, explaining the importance of equity and human services in disaster preparedness, response and recovery.

February 9-10

NASWA’s 2023 Winter Policy Forum - National Association of State Workforce Agencies (NASWA).

February 15, 8:30-5:00 PM EST

NSDTA Showcase Series: Looking Beyond the Visible to Prepare for the Invisible: Accessibility is EDI - APHSA.

March 21, 3:00 PM EST

Child and Family Well-Being

Children’s Bureau Highlights Resources for Black History Month, February 2023 -Celebrating Black History Month and working to move equity work from conversation to action, the Children’s Bureau has highlighted several resources designed to give audiences a better understanding of the roots of systemic racism within child welfare and provide lessons learned from agencies when they reviewed the racial inequities within their policies and practices.

Strategies for Improving Public Benefits Access and Retention, January 2023 - This report presents a menu of strategies that have the potential to increase access to individual public benefit programs or a package of benefits. It focuses on Illinois, but the strategies identified are relevant throughout the country. 

Report: National Survey of Child and Adolescent Well-Being (NSCAW) Adoption Follow-Up Study, January 2023 - This report from the Office of Planning, Research & Evaluation (OPRE) within the Administration for Children & Families shares findings from the Understanding Post Adoption and Guardianship Instability (PAGI) NSCAW Adoption Study, examining the extent to which children who exit foster care to adoption experience post adoption instability, as well as risk and protective factors.

Events

Five Years Since FFPSA - APHSA & Prevent Child Abuse America. A series of webinars centering on how the Human Services sector has been advancing the use of prevention services to narrow the door to child welfare.

February - November

The Unique Dynamics of Co-parenting in Kinship Families - Grandfamilies & Kinship Support Network.

March 14, 2:00-3:30 PM EST

Native & Indigenous LGBTQIA2S+ Youth in Child Welfare - All Children - All Families. 

March 24, 1:00 PM EST

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