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This year’s theme, Waves of Change: Advancing ICPC Policy and Practice, reflects the evolving landscape of child welfare and the importance of strengthening interstate coordination. Sessions will highlight practical strategies, emerging trends, and opportunities to leverage data and technology to support informed decision-making and improved outcomes for children and families.
We look forward to connecting with you in San Diego!
| | Dive into your Data: NEICE Office Hours at the 2026 AAICPC Conference | Join the NEICE team for dedicated Office Hours at the 2026 AAICPC Conference! This is a great opportunity to review and discuss your state’s data featured on the ICPC State and National Analytics Dashboard. | | | We encourage states to sign up for a time slot to connect one-on-one with NEICE staff, ask questions, and explore insights from your data. As a bonus, states that sign up will be entered into a raffle to win prizes (one entry per state)! RESERVE YOUR SPOT > | | Strengthening Security Across State Lines in NEICE | | | | Protecting sensitive ICPC information remains a shared responsibility for everyone. Through NEICE, states can securely exchange information to support timely decision-making for children and families. Maintaining strong security practices within the system is essential to preserving that trust. | NEICE includes several built-in features designed to support data security, including role-based access controls, audit trails, and secure data exchange across states. | | |
These tools help ensure that only authorized users can access case information and that activity within the system is tracked and transparent. Users play a critical role in supporting these safeguards by following these steps:
- Logging out of NEICE when not in use,
- Protecting your login credentials, and
- Ensuring information is only shared with appropriate parties.
| In addition, the system’s audit functionality allows states to monitor access and activity, reinforcing accountability across jurisdictions. Because NEICE connects multiple states, consistent security practices are essential. By using system features as intended and remaining vigilant, we can continue to support secure, efficient, and trusted interstate collaboration. | | Using Data to Strengthen Oversight of Residential Placements | | The Improving Safety and Oversight of Children in Residential Facilities factsheet highlights key challenges related to placing children in residential treatment facilities (RTCs) and outlines strategies to strengthen safety and oversight. It is intended to support state foster care managers, child welfare professionals, licensing bodies, and partner agencies in improving monitoring and outcomes for children in these settings. | | As part of this work, Carla Fults, Director of Interstate Affairs and Compact Operations with the American Public Human Services Association (APHSA), provided a strong overview of how the ICPC process functions and the current gaps in available information regarding the quality of residential facilities. | | | Lynnea Kaufman, NEICE Assistant Director and Marci McCoy Roth, APHSA Chief Impact & Innovation Officer, contributed data from the NEICE ICPC analytics dashboard, offering insight into the number of interstate placement requests into RTCs each year. This combined information helped inform the development of the final brief. | | | | NEICE Focus Training On Demand | On March 25, 2026, the NEICE Training Team hosted a Focus Training session covering key system functions and ICPC-related processes. | | |
The session provided practical guidance on topics including:
- Cloning a case
- Merging child records
- The Assignment Coordinator’s role
- Protocols for deleting cases, children, and documents
- Distinguishing between public and private cases as they relate to ICPC regulations
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If you couldn’t attend or would like to revisit the material, the recording and presentation slides are now available in the Focus Training Hub on the NEICE Support Desk.
Whether you’re looking for a refresher or exploring these topics for the first time, these resources are available for you to review at your convenience. View the recording and materials >
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- Colorado, Oregon, and Washington continue collaborating with the NEICE project team to complete onboarding and moving forward to full implementation.
- New Hampshire and North Dakota have recently connected with the NEICE project team to begin onboarding conversations.
- Mississippi has set May 25, 2026, as its updated target date to transition from CMS/MCMS to the NEICE Clearinghouse (NCH).
- New Mexico’s new transition target date from CMS/MCMS to NCH is August 17, 2026,
- Georgia new transition target date from CMS to MCMS to be determined,
- Hawaii transition from CMS to NCH targeted for November 2, 2026,
- Tennessee transition target date to CCWIS integration with NCH is October 19, 2026,
- Montana transition from MCMS to NCH is targeted for July 1, 2027
| | Maximize Your Experience: Visit the Support Desk Knowledge Base | |
The NEICE Support Desk Knowledge Base is a valuable resource designed to support you in your day-to-day work. Whether you are new to NEICE or an experienced user, the Knowledge Base offers a wide range of information to help you navigate the system efficiently and effectively.
Within the Knowledge Base, you can access resources on NEICE history, state-specific materials, training and practice guidance, job aids, and management information. You will also find training opportunities and meeting schedules, helping you stay informed and up to date.
We encourage you to use the Knowledge Base as a first step whenever you have questions or are looking to strengthen your understanding of NEICE. By taking advantage of these resources, you can maximize your use of the system, improve efficiency, and support consistent practice across states.
Visit the NEICE Support Desk Knowledge Base to explore available resources and support your daily work.
| | 2025 Impact Report Released | Amid a year of rapid change for state and local human services leaders, APHSA moved swiftly to translate policy into practical implementation support; while sustaining the technical assistance, learning, convening, and innovation space our members depend on every day. | | | We invite you to explore our 2025 Impact Report to learn more about what we accomplished together. While the numbers tell an important story, the true impact is reflected in stronger leadership, more effective services, and better outcomes for children, individuals, and families across the country. Thank you for being a part of it! | | APHSA AND NAPCWA Support Bipartisan Effort to Modernize Chaffee Foster Program | APHSA and its affinity group, the National Association of Public Child Welfare Administrators (NAPCWA), submitted a letter to the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Work and Welfare expressing support for a bipartisan package of legislation to modernize the John H. Chafee Foster Care Program for Successful Transition to Adulthood. The six bills, all proposed on March 20, aim to strengthen supports for youth transitioning out of foster care with a focus on housing stability, education and workforce opportunities, and improved coordination across systems. In the letter, APHSA and NAPCWA also emphasized the importance of adequate funding and thoughtful implementation to ensure these reforms deliver meaningful, sustainable outcomes for young people. | | NEICE Training Opportunities | NEICE offers monthly training for the various roles in NEICE. Training dates and times are listed below. | |
- May 13 | 1:00-3:00pm ET
- June 10 | 1:00-3:00pm ET
- July 08 | 1:00-3:00pm ET
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- May 20 | 1:00-3:00pm ET
- June 17 | 1:00-3:00pm ET
- July 15 | 1:00-3:00pm ET
| | NEICE has several meetings for lead state staff who are responsible for managing and administering NEICE. States with signed MOUs are welcome to attend any of these meetings. | | NEICE CMS/MCMS User Meeting | | NCH Direct Technical Meeting | | AAICPC hosts a monthly call to update members on recent and ongoing activities important to AAICPC, ICPC, or human services in general. The update call is held on the second Monday of each month at 2 pm ET, except on holidays. | | "Success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice and most of all, love of what you are doing or learning to do." | | |
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May is Mental Awareness Month: Founded by Mental Health America in 1949, this month focuses on promoting mental wellness nationwide
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National Safety Month: June 1-30, Promotes child safety in homes, schools and communities.
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July 4, 2026, the United States will celebrate its 250th anniversary, offering a moment to reflect on our shared history and the work ahead to support children, families and communities nationwide.
- Join the NEICE Learning Community and access NEICE e-Learning courses in THRIVE, APHSA’s Learning Management System (LMS).
| | With Appreciation: Honoring Wendy Lautsbaugh | | | | |
The work of interstate compacts is often unseen by the public, yet it is essential to protect children, support families, and maintain lawful cooperation between states. Wendy Lautsbaugh’s 25+years of service in Child Welfare, 16 of those in the ICPC arena reflect a commitment to these quiet but critical responsibilities.
As colleagues and partners reflect on her contributions, her impact will continue through the systems she helped guide, the professionals she supported, and the countless cases that benefited from her careful oversight and dedication to public service.
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For many years, Wendy Lautsbaugh has served as a central figure in Pennsylvania’s administration of interstate child welfare and juvenile justice matters, bringing consistency, expertise, and steady leadership to one of the most complex areas of public service.
Wendy Lautsbaugh has held the role of Commissioner and Compact Administrator for Pennsylvania, representing the Commonwealth in matters related to the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (ICPC) and the Interstate Compact for Juveniles (ICJ). She has faithfully served within the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, “I’m grateful for our time together, improving the lives of the population we serve by supporting and protecting children, youth, families, and communities.” Wendy, Congratulations and THANK YOU for you years of service.
| | 2025-2026 AAICPC Executive Committee | |
Shannon Freeman (WA) – President
Trissie Casanova (VT) – Vice President
Carissa Decker (ID) – Treasurer
Matt Doolittle (MI) – At-Large Member
Francis “Mike” Casey (DE) – At-Large Member
Tameka Kelley (VA) At-Large Member
Jessica Guthery (KS) – At-Large Member
Gilbert Soto (NJ) – At-Large Member
Anna Richmond (TN) – At-Large Member (Alternate)
| | 2025-2026 NEICE Technical Advisory Committee | |
Sara Lovorn (KY) – TAC Co-Chair
Pamala Gambrell (LA)
Mitchell George (WI)
Brian Thatcher (NJ)
Sachin Chugh (CO)
Shannon Freeman (WA) – AAICPC President
Past Committee Members (Non-Voting):
Shernelle Crawford (MD)
Leigh-Anne Bordas (ME)
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AAICPC Executive Members
Shannon Freeman (WA) – AAICPC President
Voting Platform/Members:
Althea Swinson (NC) – NCH
Candice Nahler (MO) – NCH
Carissa Decker (ID) – NCH
Carrie Kraus (WI) – CMS
Gilbert Soto (NJ) – MCMS
Karen Austin (LA) – MCMS
Maria Genca (CT) – MCMS
Scott Boland (FL) – CMS
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Non-Voting Members:
Amber Hasler (OK) – MCMS
Angela Frater (OH) – NCH
Angie Stackhouse (FL) – CMS
Carmen Fuentes (CT) – NCH
Dana Radford (KY) – NCH
Dory Zemanek (OH) – NCH
Erin Breitigan (DE) – NCH
Kara Smith Gregg (IL) – CMS
Lora Adams (OK) – MCMS
Sherre Henne (SC) – CMS
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Past Committee Members (Non-Voting):
Regi Daniel (DC) – CMS
Mical Peterson (MN) – CH
David Minko (AZ) – MCMS
Miranda Honigman (IL) – CMS
Jessica Guthery (KS) – MCMS
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APHSA Staff
- Carla Fults, cfults@aphsa.org – Director, Interstate Affairs and Compact Operations
- Marci McCoy-Roth, mroth@aphsa.org – NEICE Director & APHSA Chief Impact Officer
- Lynnea Kaufman, lkaufman@aphsa.org – NEICE Associate Director
- Marcus Robinson, mrobinson@aphsa.org – NEICE Senior Project Associate
- Beth Mullins, bmullins@aphsa.org – Compact Associate, AAICPC National Office
- Anastasia Gentilcore, agentilcore@aphsa.org – Senior Data Analyst, NEICE
- Bertha Levin, bertha.levin@aphsa.org – NEICE Historian, MOUs and Licensing Fees
- Scott Dunn, garyscottdunn@gmail.com – NEICE Security Consultant
- Tim Reiniger, tim@reinigerllc.com – NEICE Legal Consultant
Tetrus Staff
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