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December 13, 2024

Hello Jessica,

This week, APHSA published our draft guidance on Broadening Public Participation and Community Engagement with the Federal Government to share insights on how federal agencies can better support inclusive public participation and community engagement. This document, and its accompanying toolkit, reaffirms our commitment to partnering with the federal government to build systems that reflect the lived experiences and needs of the communities we serve.

Moving Human Services Upstream

CB Updates Form CB-496 and Instructions

The Children’s Bureau (CB) has issued a renewed and revised Form CB-496 along with updated instructions. Form CB-496 is used for reporting quarterly financial information on the title IV-E Foster Care, Adoption Assistance, Guardianship Assistance, Kinship Navigator, and Prevention Services Programs. Revisions to the form are effective in Federal Fiscal Year (FY) 2025.

Advancing Social and Economic Mobility

USDA Memo Marks Internet as an Essential Utility

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) new rule, effective January 17, 2025, standardizes how Standard Utility Allowances (SUAs) are calculated for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), ensuring consistency and accuracy across states. It also expands allowable shelter expenses to include basic internet costs, with states required to adopt the changes by October 1, 2025.

Medicare Benefits Excluded from SNAP Income Calculations

Medicare Advantage supplemental benefits are now excluded from SNAP income calculations, per a recent USDA guidance. These health-related benefits, approved by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), are considered medical reimbursements and don’t count as household income.

Strengthening the Human Services Sector

Final Rule: Adoption and Foster Care Analysis & Reporting System Updates

On December 5, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) finalized updates to the Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System (AFCARS). Starting February 2025, state Title IV-E agencies must report new data related to the Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978 (ICWA) for children in out-of-home care. The aim is to improve accuracy and outcomes for Indian children in foster care.

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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.