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Earlier this week, the Immediate Office of the Secretary at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced it was rescinding the policy on "Public Participation in Rule Making" to realign HHS' rulemaking procedures with the Administrative Procedure Act.
The Administrative Procedure Act exempts agencies from being required to publish a notice of proposed rulemaking in the Federal Register, which provides interested persons an opportunity to participate in the rulemaking through the submission of written data, views, or arguments, and publish a final rule that is accompanied by a statement of the rule's basis and purpose. You can learn more here.
| In December, Congress passed a second Continuing Resolution (CR) to extend federal funding through March 14, 2025. Lawmakers are currently working to pass appropriations bills or extend funding to avoid a partial government shutdown. The CR, enacted to provide temporary funding, has kept federal programs running at current levels while Congress negotiates longer-term spending measures. APHSA will continue following the progress closely and keep you informed of any updates related to human services programs. | |
New Appointments
Dr. Krista Thomas has been appointed as the Acting Associate Commissioner of the Children’s Bureau, an office of the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) at HHS, bringing her expertise and commitment to strengthening child welfare systems. Additionally, Dr. Cheri Hoffman is serving as the Acting Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner of the Administration on Children, Youth, and Families (ACYF). Prior to this role, Dr. Hoffman led the Children and Youth Policy Division in the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation at HHS.
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Advancing Social and Economic Mobility | |
APHSA Response to SNAP Program Quality Control Review Handbook Incorporation by Reference Proposed Rule
APHSA, along with its affinity groups, the American Association of SNAP Directors (AASD) and the National Association for Program Information and Performance Measurement (NAPIPM), submitted a comment letter this week to USDA Food and Nutrition Service to oppose moving the SNAP Quality Control 310 Handbook into regulation via Incorporation by Reference. APHSA believes there needs to be a more transparent process to updating the handbook that governs SNAP QC, however, this is not the way to do it.
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LIHEAP IM: Federal Poverty Guidelines and State Median Income Estimates
The Acting Director of the Office of Community Services recently released an Information Memorandum (IM) on Federal Poverty Guidelines and State Median Income Estimates for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). These guidelines and estimates are necessary for determining income eligibility for LIHEAP assistance. Some of the highlights in this IM include:
- Federal Poverty Guidelines (FPG): Updated guidelines issued by HHS for optional use in federal Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 and mandatory use in FY 2025.
- State Median Income (SMI) Estimates: Provided for optional use in FY 2024 and mandatory use in FY 2025 to help LIHEAP grant recipients set income eligibility criteria.
- Specific Adjustments: Includes adjustments for the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and other U.S. territories that provide LIHEAP assistance.
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Strengthening the Human Services Sector | |
HHS Reopens Public Comment Period on OCSS Final Rule
HHS announced a direct final rule titled, “Name Change From Office of Child Support Enforcement to Office of Child Support Services,” in the Federal Register on December 31, 2024. Originally set to take effect on March 3, 2025, HHS is now extending the public comment period and postponing the effective date to address any potential questions regarding facts, laws, or policies related to the rule.
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PHSA Education Conference 2025 - Call for Proposals
Call for proposals for the Public Human Services Attorneys (PHSA) Education Conference, being held in Reno, NV, October 19-22, is still open. We are seeking proposals that highlight innovative, evidence-based, best or promising practices. Submissions should reflect on the current landscape of agencies and the communities they serve.
SUBMISSION DEADLINE: March 12, 2025
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March 13, 2025 | 12:30pm ET
Join us for a webinar highlighting the Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) collaboration with EY to implement a Human-Centered Design (HCD) approach for their Comprehensive Child Welfare Information System (CCWIS).
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Call for Human Services Research Poster Showcase Proposals
We are excited to announce the launch of our Research Poster Showcase at the APHSA National Human Services Summit in Philadelphia, June 1-4. The showcase aims to bridge the gap between researchers who explore effective strategies and the human services leaders implementing them nationwide. We are seeking proposals centered on forward-thinking research and solutions for Innovative Policy & Practice; Systems, Data, and Technology; and Leadership & Culture.
SUBMISSION DEADLINE: March 15, 2025
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March 28, 2025 | 1:00pm ET
This month's learning exchange with the National Staff Development and Training Association (NSDTA), an APHSA affinity group, will focus on strategies to evaluate skill demonstration in both the learning context and in practice. Together, we will explore evaluation techniques to assess how well learners are demonstrating competencies both in training and in practice.
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NSDTA Education Conference - Call for Proposals Now Open
*NEW* The NSDTA Education Conference, taking place October 5-8 in Norfolk, VA, is now accepting proposals! This event showcases collaborative efforts to enhance training and organizational development in human services. Learn about the tracks that the conference presentations will center on, and how you can add your voice by submitting your proposal.
SUBMISSION DEADLINE: April 11, 2025
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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.
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