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December 5, 2025

APHSA has shared insights about the impact the government shutdown had on the distribution of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits in October and November. Our recent letter urges the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to remove all October and November 2025 cases from the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 quality control sample and reduce the overall quality control sample size accordingly. APHSA will keep our members informed of any developments related to the letter.

Administration

ACF Updates Child Welfare Policy Manual to Clarify Uses of IV-B Funding

The Administration for Children and Families (ACF) released an update to Section 7.4 of the Child Welfare Policy Manual (CWPM). The revision clarifies that while Title IV-B funds generally cannot be used for medical or health care expenses, mental health and substance use treatment services are allowable uses of IV-B funding.

ACF Updates Child Welfare Guidance on “Federal Public Benefit” Definition

Select sections of CWPM and Information Memorandum (IM) 98-04 have been withdrawn by ACF following its updated interpretation of what constitutes a “federal public benefit” under the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (PRWORA). This interpretation means certain immigrant populations who are not otherwise qualified will be unable to access many child welfare programs. While ACF is updating the manual to reflect this interpretation, it is not currently adding any new immigration verification requirements for child welfare agencies.

ACF Launches “A Home for Every Child” to Address Foster Care Shortages

"A Home for Every Child" is a new initiative announced by ACF to ensure that every child in foster care has a safe, loving home. Currently, there are only 57 licensed foster homes for every 100 children entering care. The initiative's goal is to achieve a foster home-to-child ratio greater than 1:1 in every state by increasing recruitment and retention of foster families, prioritizing kinship care, and reducing entries into foster care through prevention and faster permanency efforts.

CMS Launches GENEROUS Model to Cut Drug Costs for Medicaid Programs

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced the release of the Generating Cost Reductions for U.S. Medicaid (GENEROUS) Model. Within the model, manufacturers will provide supplemental rebates to participating states for specific drugs in order to align Medicaid prices with what certain other countries pay. These rebates are intended to lower overall prescription drug spending for states and reduce Medicaid’s net costs.

For state Medicaid programs interested in joining the GENEROUS Model, CMS has released a non-binding letter of intent that it strongly encourages programs to submit by January 15, 2026 to generousmodel@cms.hhs.gov. Questions regarding the model may also be directed to the same email address.

APHSA Publications

Improving Outcomes for Young Adults and the Systems That Serve Them: A Playbook of Best Practices

The National Collaborative for Transition-Age Youth, a partnership between APHSA, Youth Villages, and FosterClub, has published its first project, “Improving Outcomes for Young Adults and the Systems That Serve Them: A Playbook of Best Practices.” The playbook was co-designed with young people who have lived experience in foster care and offers a roadmap for child welfare agencies, policymakers, and advocates who are committed to improving outcomes for young people who turn 18 while in foster care.

The playbook features 35 policy and practice recommendations, nearly 100 real-world examples, and tools for implementation and accountability. Read the full playbook to learn how these guidelines can help improve outcomes for young people transitioning out of foster care.

APHSA Events & Deadlines

THRIVE LMS Live Help Webinar

We’re inviting all THRIVE users and those interested in learning more to our THRIVE LMS Live Help Webinar next Monday! Attendees will find solutions, share feedback, and get tips on making the most of their learning experience. Come with questions, challenges, and ideas so that you and the THRIVE team can make learning easier, together.

If you are new to APHSA's Learning Management System (LMS), THRIVE, get started today!

December 8, 2:00-3:00 pm ET

2026 APHSA National Leadership Academy Application is Open

The APHSA National Leadership Academy is a space for human services leaders to reflect on, grow, and strengthen their leadership skills for the challenges and opportunities ahead. Take part in a program designed to reshape how you lead your teams and your organization, while also exploring next-generation leadership competencies that drive change centered in people and community. Learn more and apply today.

Application deadline: January 30, 2026

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