APHSA’s 2025 Impact Report is here! In a year of significant federal policy change, APHSA supported human services leaders across the country—expanding technical assistance, launching new learning resources, strengthening partnerships, and advancing innovation on the ground. We thank our members, partners, and funders who make this work possible, and we look forward to continued collaboration. Explore the full report here.

Continue below for the latest developments in Washington impacting human services.

ACF Announces Jurisdictions Joining Effort to Close Foster Home Gap

The Administration for Children and Families (ACF) announced that 15 jurisdictions have committed to its “A Home for Every Child” initiative, a national effort to address the shortage of foster homes. With only about 57 licensed foster homes for every 100 children in care, participating states are working to expand foster home capacity, strengthen kinship care, and improve caregiver recruitment and retention.

ACF Issues Dear Colleague Letter on IV-E Prevention Plan Amendments

ACF released a Dear Colleague Letter providing updated guidance to states on amending their Title IV-E Prevention Program plans. The letter outlines opportunities to streamline plan amendments and encourages jurisdictions to more quickly incorporate approved, evidence-based services, particularly as new interventions become eligible through the Prevention Services Clearinghouse.

ACF Announces Key Leadership Appointments

ACF announced several new leadership appointments across the agency. The appointees will support ACF's national efforts related to child welfare, family well-being, and human services delivery.

New OFA Publication on Work Participation Rate Data

The Office of Family Assistance (OFA), an office of ACF, published information about the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) work participation rate data for states.

USDA Updates Income Eligibility Guidelines for Child Nutrition Programs

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) issued updated income eligibility guidelines for child nutrition programs, adjusting thresholds used to determine qualification for Summer EBT, free and reduced-price school meals, and related benefits for the 2026-2027 program year.

New SNAP Guidance Outlines Non-Citizen Eligibility Changes and QC Error Protections

USDA released guidance to states on implementing SNAP non-citizen eligibility changes under H.R. 1. For states involved in litigation, a temporary quality control (QC) variance exclusion period runs from December 10, 2025 through April 9, 2026.

FNS Requests Input on SNAP Debt Collection Reporting Requirements

FNS is requesting public comment on a proposed extension of an information collection that supports federal methods for recovering SNAP recipient debts in compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act. Comments are due June 8, 2026.

FNS Updates Nondiscrimination Statement

FNS has issued an updated Nondiscrimination Statement (NDS) outlining current federal requirements for equal access, accessibility, and the handling of discrimination complaints in USDA-funded programs.

ASPE Releases Overview of HHS Home Visiting Programs

A new report from the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation (ASPE) highlights the role of federally funded home visiting programs in improving outcomes for children and families. The report outlines how multiple U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) funding streams support evidence-based models that promote maternal and child health, strengthen parenting, and enhance family well-being. It also emphasizes the importance of coordination across programs to expand access and better meet the diverse needs of families nationwide.

ASPE Report Focuses on Economic Stability for People with Disabilities

A second recently released report from ASPE examines pathways to long-term economic stability for people with disabilities. The report highlights disparities in employment and income among people with disabilities, as well as the role of public programs in providing critical supports. The analysis also notes that program rules may create challenges for individuals seeking to enter or advance in the workforce, pointing to opportunities to better align supports with long-term economic stability.

CMS Launches ASPIRE Model to Advance Care for Youth with Complex Needs

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has introduced the ASPIRE (Accelerating State Pediatric Innovation Readiness and Effectiveness) Model, a new Innovation Center initiative aimed at improving care for children and youth enrolled in Medicaid and CHIP with complex medical and behavioral health needs. This voluntary, 10-year model will support up to five states in implementing coordinated, whole-person care approaches that integrate physical health, behavioral health, and community-based services. CMS will release the NOFO this year.

APHSA and NAPCWA Support Bipartisan Effort to Modernize Chafee Foster Care Program

This week, 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.

House Prepares for Vote on Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026

House leadership is planning a vote the week of April 27 on the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 (H.R. 7567). The SNAP provisions of the bill focus on oversight and program integrity, including expanded error reporting, EBT cybersecurity requirements, and a GAO review of state administrative costs.