|
We're just one month away from the APHSA National Human Services Summit 2026 in Arlington, VA. Don’t miss your last chance to lock in early bird registration rates before the May 19 deadline. We can’t wait to see you there! Learn more and register here.
Continue below for the latest developments in Washington impacting human services.
| |
ACF Launches $7 Million “A Home for Every Child” Innovation Challenge
The Administration for Children and Families (ACF) has announced a new $7 million national Innovation Challenge designed to incentivize states to increase the number of foster homes available for children in care. The competition supports ACF’s broader A Home for Every Child initiative and its goal of achieving a 1:1 ratio of foster homes-to-children in foster care nationwide. The challenge will reward states with both the highest foster home-to-child ratios and the most improved ratios over a one-year period beginning in October 2026. To participate, states must be enrolled in ACF’s A Home for Every Child initiative and participating in the new Child and Family Services Review (CFSR) Program Improvement Plan pilot outlined in Technical Bulletin #14. Registration for the challenge is open through June 30, 2026, with winners expected to be announced in November 2027.
| |
ACF Publishes CCDF Final Rule and Sends Letter to Governors Announcing Child Care Reforms
ACF announced a new child care reform package aimed at expanding access, lowering costs, and increasing flexibility for states and families participating in federally funded child care programs. The reform package includes:
| |
OFA Releases Memo on TANF Transfers to CCDF for Two Parent Households
The Office of Family Assistance (OFA), an office of ACF, released an information memorandum (IM) on the transfer of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) funds to the state CCDF. Key highlights include:
- States should consider maximizing transfers to CCDF, potentially up to the 30 percent transfer amount.
- States have the option to provide assistance to two parent households who have one working parent and one parent who is caring for a child
- States are encouraged to utilize TANF flexibilities to examine current benefit levels for two parent households and examine who is eligible/meets the definition of needy.
| |
Updated Instructions for 196T Form for Tribal TANF Programs
ACF provided instructions for completing and submitting the ACF-196T, the quarterly financial reporting form used by Tribal TANF programs to report expenditures and request grant funds. It explains who must file, what financial data must be reported, how to submit reports electronically through the Online Data Collection (OLDC) system, and quarterly due dates.
| |
ACF Releases Updated Foster Family Home Licensing Standards
ACF released updated National Model Foster Family Home Licensing Standards and new Kin-Specific Foster Family Home Licensing Standards. Issued through Information Memorandum IM-26-02, the guidance encourages Title IV-E agencies to review and streamline existing licensing requirements, adopt kin-specific standards where appropriate, and remove barriers that may delay safe placements with relatives and foster families. The updated materials also include revised recommendations for licensing agencies focused on improving responsiveness, consistency, and support for prospective caregivers throughout the licensing process.
| |
Title IV-E Programs Expenditure and Caseload Data 2024
ACF released updated Fiscal Year 2024 Title IV-E expenditure and caseload data, providing a national snapshot of state and tribal use of federal child welfare funding across foster care, adoption assistance, guardianship assistance, prevention services, and kinship navigator programs.
| |
Child Welfare Information Gateway Announces Updates to Free Subscription Offerings
The Child Welfare Information Gateway announced updates to its free subscriptions available to those interested in child welfare. The updates include expert insights on emerging trends, innovations, and research-informed strategies, along with curated resource collections focused on topics such as workforce, prevention, safety, permanency, and child welfare systems and partnerships.
| |
ACF Seeks Comment on CSBG Disaster Supplemental Reporting Requirements
ACF's Office of Community Services is requesting public comment on a proposed Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) Disaster Supplemental Annual Report for disaster-related supplemental funding. The proposed report would collect information from states and eligible entities on administration of funds, expenditures, services provided, and populations served through disaster recovery activities administered through the CSBG. Comments on the proposed reporting requirements are due July 13, 2026.
| |
HHS Delays Digital Accessibility Compliance Deadlines
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued an interim final rule to delay compliance deadlines for digital accessibility requirements under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. The rule applies to recipients of federal financial assistance, including state and local governments, social service providers, child welfare organizations, and health care providers. The updated timeline allows entities with 15 or more employees until May 11, 2027 to comply, while entities with fewer than 15 employees will have until May 10, 2028 to comply. The rule took effect May 7, 2026, and public comments will be accepted through July 6, 2026.
| |
ED and HHS Launch FY 2026 Family Engagement Grant Competitions
The U.S. Departments of Education (ED) and HHS announced the first FY 2026 grant competitions under their new Family Engagement and School Support partnership, including the Ready to Learn and Promise Neighborhoods programs. The initiative aims to strengthen early childhood development, literacy, and family engagement through evidence-based strategies and expanded interagency collaboration.
| |
HHS and State Department Expand Coordination on Passport Enforcement for Child Support Debt
The U.S. Departments of State and HHS announced expanded coordination related to passport enforcement for individuals with significant child support debt. Individuals owing more than $2,500 in past-due child support may be denied passport issuance or renewal, and passports may also be revoked under certain circumstances.
| |
HHS Launches Moms.gov Resource Hub for New and Expecting Mothers
HHS has launched Moms.gov, an online resource hub for new and expecting mothers. The website provides information and resources on maternal and infant health, including nutrition, breastfeeding, mental health, adoption, preconception health, and family supports. The platform also includes information on pregnancy centers, Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), and other federal resources.
| |
USDA Releases Preliminary SNAP Program Integrity Data on Payment Accuracy and Eligibility Verification
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) released preliminary data and analysis related to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) integrity efforts, including findings on payment accuracy, duplicate participation, and eligibility verification. The agency said the data will help inform ongoing oversight and administrative actions aimed at reducing improper payments and strengthening program administration.
| |
USDA Issues SNAP Implementation Guidance on H.R. 1 Changes to Utility Allowances and Shelter Expense Policies
The USDA released SNAP implementation guidance related to H.R. 1, clarifying that internet expenses may no longer be included as allowable shelter expenses when calculating SNAP benefits. The guidance also limits automatic eligibility for the Heating and Cooling Standard Utility Allowance based on energy assistance payments primarily to households that include an elderly or disabled member.
| |
USDA Finalizes New SNAP Retailer Stocking Requirements
The USDA announced updated SNAP retailer standards that will require participating stores to stock a wider variety of staple and perishable foods beginning in fall 2026, with the agency stating the changes are intended to expand nutritious options and strengthen program oversight.
| |
USDA Expands Administrative Flexibility Through Merit Personnel Waivers
The USDA announced that states may request limited waivers permitting the use of non-merit personnel for certain SNAP administrative functions to support operational capacity and workforce needs.
| |
USDA Releases SNAP E&T Fiscal Management Tools
The USDA has released new fiscal management tools designed to support states in administering, tracking, and overseeing SNAP Employment and Training (E&T) program funds.
| |
Using Motivational Interviewing to Drive Workforce Success in the Mississippi Delta
OE Peer Learning Webinar Series
June 2 | 2:00pm ET
| APHSA's Organizational Effectiveness (OE) Team is proud to feature its collaboration with the Delta Health Alliance (DHA) on a Motivational Interviewing (MI) training series. Through this series, DHA workforce development staff are building practical skills that enhance engagement, improve outcomes, and deepen trust with the communities they serve. Join us to learn how MI can support workforce program retention and completion, as well as transform everyday conversations into powerful opportunities for change. | |
Strengthening Integrity in Child Care Subsidy Programs: Addressing Fraud Risk Through Design, Not Disruption
Presented by Vimo, APHSA Strategic Industry Partner
June 4 | 1:30pm ET
| Recent scrutiny has intensified focus on fraud and improper payments in child care subsidy programs, raising concerns about payments made without services delivered. This webinar examines where fraud risks typically arise and how states can address them without limiting access for families or providers. The discussion also emphasizes strengthening oversight without increasing administrative burden and what recent federal and state attention means for the future of Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) program integrity. | |
2026 EMWB Impact Award for Excellence in Human Services Nominations
| Each year at the Economic Mobility and Well-Being (EMWB) Conference, we recognize state and local human services agencies that make a meaningful, measurable difference in their communities with the EMWB Impact Award for Excellence in Human Services. Nomination deadline is Friday, June 12. | |
If you were forwarded this email, SUBSCRIBE NOW to receive This Week in Washington straight to your inbox! | | | | |
