Early this morning, the U.S. Senate passed a bill to fund most of the Department of Homeland Security, with the notable exceptions of Immigration and Customs Enforcement and part of Customs and Border Protection. The House is now considering a path forward but rejected the Senate-passed version and has not yet agreed to a funding bill. APHSA is watching this and other developments closely, especially as the path forward here might have implications for a possible reconciliation bill this Congress. 

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

ACF Adds New Programs to FFPSA Clearinghouse

The Administration for Children and Families (ACF) announced the addition of new evidence-based interventions to the Title IV-E Prevention Services Clearinghouse, expanding the tools available to states to strengthen families and prevent unnecessary entries into foster care. Newly rated programs include Incredible Years—Preschool Basic Program (Promising), Multidimensional Family Therapy (Well-Supported), Multisystemic Therapy for Child Abuse and Neglect (Supported), and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (Promising), alongside continued efforts to expand access to services such as treatment for opioid use disorder.

Colin McDonald Confirmed to Lead DOJ Division of Fraud Enforcement

The Senate voted to confirm Colin McDonald's nomination for assistant attorney general on March 24, 2026. McDonald will lead the Department of Justice (DOJ) division focused on national fraud enforcement. The newly established division aims to strengthen DOJ’s ability to investigate and prosecute fraud impacting federal programs, federally funded benefits, and private citizens.

ASPE Brief Highlights Streamlined CSBG Reporting Protocols

A new brief from the HHS Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation (ASPE) explains that current Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) reporting requirements may be highly burdensome and not accurately reflect how funds are used. The brief highlights the administrative burden required to report on all services delivered by CSBG-funded entities and details the phased approach of implementing new streamlined reporting protocols to reduce workload. 

OCSE Requests Public Comment on Proposed Updates to Income Withholding Order Form

The Office of Child Support Enforcement (OCSE) is requesting public comment on proposed updates to the federal Income Withholding Order (IWO) form and instructions. Proposed updates address emerging pay practices, including on-demand and day labor, and introduce new checkboxes to distinguish between traditional employees and independent contractors. Public comments on the proposed updates are due by May 11. 

Draft Legislation on Child Care Program Integrity-Request for Feedback

A new discussion draft proposes updates to "strengthen the integrity and accountability of the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) program. "Stakeholders, administrators, and policy experts are invited to provide feedback on the draft, particularly on how these changes may impact program access, administration, and outcomes. Deadline for comments is April 8, 2026. 

House Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Modernize Chafee Program

House Ways and Means Committee members have introduced a bipartisan package of legislation to modernize the John H. Chafee Foster Care Program. The proposals focus on strengthening coordination across housing, education, and workforce systems; improving access to supportive and legal services; and ensuring existing resources are more effectively utilized to meet the needs of young people transitioning from foster care.