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June 28, 2024

Hello Donna,

Registration for the ISM + PHSA Education Conference & Expo is now open! This conference is jointly hosted by two APHSA affinity groups: the IT Solutions Management for Human Services (ISM) affinity group and the Public Human Services Attorneys (PHSA) affinity group. Their combined efforts and insights make this the premiere national event for human services IT leaders and attorneys. Take advantage of early bird pricing and save on registration before September 13!

This Week in Washington will take a hiatus next week, in line with the congressional calendar. Keep a look out for us in your inbox on July 12. In the meantime, we’ll keep you apprised of any important updates through our social media (linked above).

Top Headline

Stacy Dean Steps Down as USDA Deputy Under Secretary

Stacy Dean, the Deputy Under Secretary for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS), is stepping down from her position next month. It was recently announced that she will transition to become the inaugural Carbonell Family Executive Director of the Global Food Institute at George Washington University. At USDA, she guided the department’s food and nutrition policy and programs. She is expected to join George Washington University in late July.

Moving Human Services Upstream

Changes to SSBG Eligibility for COFA Citizens

The Administration for Children and Families (ACF) recently published a memorandum providing guidance on changes to Social Services Block Grant (SSBG) eligibility for citizens of Countries Governed by the Compacts of Free Association (COFA).

Guidance on Child Care and Development Fund Uploading

ACF recently released guidance on uploading ACF-801 data into the Child Care Automated Reporting System (CARS) and the use of the Summary Data Assessment Report (SAR). This report helps states and territories identify potential data or submission errors, ensuring accurate and complete information for the Child Care Development Fund (CCDF) program.

Approaches to Collaborative Partnerships in the CWCC Initiative

ACF released a research brief that describes the approaches to collaborative partnerships used in projects funded by the Child Welfare Community Collaborations (CWCC). The CWCC initiative is designed to mobilize communities to develop and evaluate multi-system collaboratives that address local barriers and provide a continuum of services to prevent child abuse and neglect.

Next-Generation Behavioral Science Interventions

A recent ACF article provides lessons learned from the Behavioral Interventions to Advance Self-Sufficiency-Next Generation (BIAS-NG) project. BIAS-NG collaborates with Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) programs to address administrative burdens and align services with client needs by enhancing employment and training services.

Advancing Social and Economic Mobility

TANF Work Outcomes Measures

ACF published the Interim Final Rule for TANF Work Outcomes Measures today (June 28). This includes proposed rules related to the 21st Century Cures Act, specifically the establishment of disincentives for health care providers that have committed information blocking. There is a six month comment period that will end on December 26.

TANF Policy Guidance Related to COFA Citizens

The Office of Family Assistance (OFA) at ACF has issued guidance on changes resulting from the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2024 regarding the treatment of citizens from countries governed by COFA. These changes pertain to how citizens of the freely associated states receive TANF assistance.

FRA Pilots Dear Colleague Letter

On May 28, OFA published a “Dear Colleague” letter related to the Fiscal Responsibility Act (FRA) of 2023, specifically the FRA pilot projects. The letter explains that ACF plans to release an application form in summer of 2024, with no fewer than 45 days for a state to submit a completed proposal. States are encouraged to consider their readiness to make changes to service delivery models and other factors as part of a possible pilot program. 

Strengthening the Human Services Sector

Addressing the Complex Needs of Dually Involved Youth

The Children's Bureau at ACF have published a joint “Dear Colleague” letter that highlights the challenges faced by dual system youth and invites child welfare and juvenile justice professionals to establish cross-systems collaborations to address their complex needs.

SSBG Deadlines, IUP, and Pre-Expenditure Report

ACF recently published essential guidance for states and territories applying for the Fiscal Year 2025 SSBG. Grantees must submit an Intended Use Plan (IUP) and a Pre-Expenditure Report (Pre-Ex) detailing how they intend to allocate their SSBG funds. 

APHSA Events

Register for Economic Mobility & Well-Being Conference

Registration for APHSA's Economic Mobility & Well-Being (EMWB) Conference 2024 is now open! Join us in Portland, Oregon along with human services leaders, policymakers, and researchers to help shape the future of human services programs through collaboration, integration, and modernization!

August 25 to 28

Partner Events

2024 National Tribal TANF Institute

The National Tribal TANF Institute will bring together Tribal TANF staff from across the country for an in-person educational experience in Davis, California. The theme, “Forever Native: Preserving Our Culture for the Next Generation,” will emphasize the importance of honoring tribal values, cultures and traditions while also embracing new ideas, practices and innovations to make native communities stronger for future generations.

July 15 to 18

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APHSA Career Center - Post Your Open Positions Today

APHSA serves as a clearinghouse for job opportunities throughout the Human Services sector. Employers reach a wide audience of candidates searching for careers and job seekers will find a number of opportunities throughout the country.