|
As Congress did not enact full-year appropriations or a continuing resolution before the September 30 deadline, a lapse in federal funding took effect October 1. APHSA is closely monitoring developments and engaging with our federal partners to elevate the needs of human services agencies.
While the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has released its contingency plan, there is no guarantee this shutdown will mirror past shutdowns. This guidance reflects the most current information at the time of its writing. For state and local CEOs, additional materials are available on our member resources page. Please reach out to Lexie Kuznick, our Director of Policy and Government Relations, with any questions on how we can support you.
| |
Fiscal Responsibility Act TANF Pilots Relaunching
The Administration for Children and Families (ACF) is launching the redesigned Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) pilots with Arizona, Iowa, Nebraska, Ohio, and Virginia. These will test new approaches to promote employment, reduce government dependency, and strengthen family outcomes. As authorized under the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023, the six-year pilots will replace the Work Participation Rate (WPR) and instead measure state success using new, outcome-based metrics.
| |
ACF Posts FY 2025 CCDF Allocations
ACF has released the Fiscal Year 2025 allocations for the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF). The allocations will be distributed to states, territories, and tribes based on current federal appropriations. The release details how funding is divided among mandatory, matching, discretionary, and recovery act funds, showing the federal government’s cost-share and the corresponding state responsibilities.
| | |
ACL Awards $60 Million to Advance Make America Healthy Again Agenda
As part of its Make America Healthy Again agenda, the Administration for Community Living (ACL) within HHS announced $60 million in new grant awards to states, territories, tribes, and local organizations that support older adults and Americans with disabilities. The funding seeks to strengthen existing programs that protect health, preserve independence, and support caregivers. In September, ACL awarded 59 grants to recipients with the goal of bolstering the health and well-being of citizens. Additional funding opportunities will continue to be announced on Grants.gov and ACL.gov.
| |
GAO Report Recommends USDA Assess SNAP Benefit Theft Prevention Measures
A new Government Accountability Office (GAO) report examines the vulnerability to theft of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program’s (SNAP) Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) system. It notes the more than $320 million in stolen benefits reported by recipients and the lack of advanced fraud protections, while also reviewing the steps taken by the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) to counteract theft. The report concludes with recommendations that include supporting measures taken by state agencies.
| |
Dr. Ben Carson Sworn in as USDA National Nutrition Advisor
Secretary of Agriculture, Brooke L. Rollins, has sworn in Dr. Benjamin S. Carson, Sr., M.D., as the National Advisor for Nutrition, Health, and Housing at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). In this role, Dr. Carson will advise the administration on policies related to nutrition, rural healthcare quality, and housing accessibility. He will also partner closely with federal leadership in USDA’s Rural Development Mission Area.
| |
FNS Proposes Changes to Stocking Requirements for SNAP Retailers
FNS is proposing updates to the stocking requirements for retailers participating in SNAP. Currently, retailers must stock three varieties of food in each of four staple food categories—dairy, protein, grains, along with fruits and vegetables—for a total of 12 items. The proposed rule would increase the requirement to seven varieties per category, expanding the selection of foods available to participants. It would also simplify food classifications and close loopholes that allowed certain snack foods to qualify as staples.
| |
HHS Expands MAHA to Head Start Adding $61.9 Million to Nutrition Services for Children and Families
ACF announced that over $61 million in supplemental nutrition funding will go to over 290 Head Start programs around the nation. The funding will support nutrition services, promote healthy eating habits, and improve access to nutrient-dense foods for children and families. Selected Head Start programs will receive funds to implement their nutrition initiatives over the next 12 months.
| |
USDA Terminates Future Household Food Security Reports
USDA announced the termination of Household Food Security Reports. The 30-year program provided data from national food insecurity surveys and has acted as a source of information on access to adequate nutrition for Americans living with low-income.
| |
Notice of NPRM For Head Start
ACF released a statement on a future Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) aimed at modifying the Head Start Program Performance Standards. It would revise benefits, staff wage requirements, and family child care staff qualifications. The NPRM will also attempt to increase flexibility throughout the existing standards.
| |
WEBINAR: Motivational Interviewing Fidelity in Child Welfare: Real-World Strategies to Improve Outcomes
Join APHSA and our Strategic Industry Partner, Lyssn, in a webinar that explores how Motivational Interviewing (MI) can strengthen collaboration with families and improve outcomes in the child welfare system. Presenters will share their expertise in integrating MI into human services practice while also including a real-world case study from Wyoming’s Department of Family Services (DFS).
October 14, 12:30-1:30 pm ET
| | Were you forwarded this email? To join the mailing list, sign up here! | | | | |
