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September 27, 2024

Hello Jessica,

We are looking forward to seeing many of you in just one more week at our ISM + PHSA Education Conference & Expo. It's not too late to register!

We also invite you to join us at our National Staff Development and Training Association (NSDTA) Annual Education Conference in Albuquerque, NM, October 20-23. The conference brings together workforce development experts to connect, learn, and exchange best practices. Be sure to register today!

This Week in Washington will take a hiatus for the next several weeks in line with the Congressional calendar. Keep a look out for us in your inbox again on November 15. In the meantime, we’ll keep you apprised of any important updates through our social media (linked above) and website.

Top Headline

Continuing Resolution Passed This Week

Congress passed a continuing resolution (CR) this week that will fund the government at current levels through December 20. It includes funding for the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. In addition, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) stolen benefits will continue to be replaced through December 20. 

Moving Human Services Upstream

Enhancing School Meals Through Updated Training for School Staff

The USDA Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) announced it is awarding approximately $8.6 million in Team Nutrition Training Grants to 11 states that administer the National School Lunch Program. The funding is meant to help school nutrition professionals gain the skills and knowledge to prepare delicious and healthy meals.

Advancing Social and Economic Mobility

GAO Published Preliminary TANF Spending Report Included on Record for House Ways and Means Hearing

On September 24, the House Ways and Means Committee held a full committee hearing related to TANF spending trends. Included in the hearing record was the Government Accountability Office’s (GAO) report released the same day, "Temporary Assistance for Needy Families: Preliminary Observations on State Budget Decisions, Single Audit Findings, and Fraud Risks." The report was previously requested by the Committee's Work and Welfare Subcommittee in September of last year. Additional questions and comments can be submitted to WMSubmission@mail.house.gov. 

Strengthening the Human Services Sector

2025 Summer EBT Implementation Webinar Materials Posted by FNS

Recently, FNS held a webinar to provide information on the 2025 Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (Summer EBT) program requirements. It was also meant to help others identify where to access materials and resources to support 2025 Summer EBT program implementation. The webinar slide deck and toolkit are available for review.

Child Welfare Outcomes Data Site

The Children's Bureau recently announced it has updated the Child Welfare Outcomes’ data site to include "Child Welfare Outcomes 2018–2022: Report to Congress.” The updated site has comprehensive data on state performance in child welfare outcomes as well as insights into performance measures and demographic data.

ACF Publishes Portfolio of Research in Welfare and Family Self-Sufficiency

Earlier this month, the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) published the Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 Portfolio of Research on Welfare and Family Self-Sufficiency, offering a comprehensive overview of active and newly funded projects aimed at enhancing economic independence. This report aligns with the Welfare and Family Self-Sufficiency Learning Agenda (WFSSLA), a strategic framework developed to optimize the support provided by TANF and other human services. The report provides valuable insights into how these initiatives are designed to improve the economic well-being of families and children living with low-income.

APHSA Events

Bring on the Change at NSDTA

Enhance your facilitation skills and drive your organization’s projects forward at “Bring on the Change: An Organizational Effectiveness Training and Handbook for Change Management Facilitators.” This intensive workshop, held on the first day of the NSDTA Annual Education Conference, will utilize the revised APHSA Organizational Effectiveness (OE) Handbook. Participants will learn by doing in an experiential setting designed to equip them with the tools necessary to successfully facilitate their organization’s continuous improvement and change management projects. You’ll explore APHSA’s DAPIM™ model along with many other resources and tools within the OE Handbook that will boost your confidence in project facilitation.

*This is an optional add-on event with an additional fee. Seats are limited so be sure to reserve your spot while registering for the NSDTA Conference. 

October 20, 9:45 AM to 4:00 PM MDT

Partner Events

Tribal Integrated Early Education Services Listening Session

The Office of Early Childhood Development (ECD) within ACF is hosting an in-person listening session on the Tribal Integrated Early Education Services (TIEES) legislative proposal. This session aims to provide an overview of the legislative proposal, including how it would authorize the integration of funds for Tribal early childhood education services. TIEES also offers flexibility that aims to return more decision making to Tribes so that they can better center their culture, language, and values in programs that reach children during their most formative years. You can attend this listening session at the National Indian Education Association Annual Convention and Trade Show in Palm Springs, CA.

October 9 to 12

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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.