Our latest release, The Connective Force: Driving Health, Well-Being, and Prosperity in America, is the first in a series aimed at providing recommendations to the incoming administration and Congress. The new series, Courageous Imperatives for Human Services, begins with a focus on how the new administration can leverage the human services infrastructure to advance national priorities. These priorities include economic prosperity, better health and well-being, affordable housing and food, and ensuring the labor market meets the demands of American businesses to keep them thriving. | |
Moving Human Services Upstream | |
Children’s Bureau Issues Important Dear Colleague Letter
On November 22, the Children’s Bureau (CB) released a Dear Colleague Letter titled, "Best Practices for Adhering to Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment (EPSDT) Requirements." The letter emphasizes the importance of the new guidance from the Center for Medicaid and CHIP Services, offering child welfare leaders strategies to address healthcare needs. These best practices aim to prevent children from entering the child welfare system and to support the well-being of those in foster care.
| |
Advancing Social and Economic Mobility | |
Empowering Foster Care Students: Guidance for Educational Stability and Success
The Administration for Children and Families (ACF) has released updated guidance to enhance enrollment and ensure educational stability for students in foster care. Developed with input from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Department of Education, this resource answers key implementation questions and offers practical strategies for child welfare and education agencies to collaborate in meeting the unique needs of foster care students.
| |
HUD Unveils $1.3 Million Initiative to Combat Homelessness
In November, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced $1.3 million in funding to support young adults under 25 transitioning out of foster care. Through the Foster Youth to Independence (FYI) program, this funding will assist 21 Public Housing Agencies (PHA) across 15 states in preventing homelessness and providing critical housing support for eligible youth.
|
|
Strengthening the Human Services Sector | |
Updates on Federal Funding for State Assistance Programs
HHS has released the Federal Medical Assistance Percentages and Enhanced Federal Medical Assistance Percentages rates for Fiscal Year (FY) 2026. These rates determine the federal funding states receive for Medicaid, Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and other state assistance programs. The update also includes adjustments for disaster recovery and unique circumstances, ensuring tailored support for state needs.
| |
Essential Resources for Empowering Foster Youth: A CWIG Collection
The Child Welfare Information Gateway (CWIG) has introduced a comprehensive resource collection to support youth at every stage of the foster care journey—before, during, and after. This collection offers valuable insights on adoption, kinship care, and culturally responsive practices, providing essential tools for improving outcomes for foster youth.
| |
SNAP Final Rule: Standardization of State Heating and Cooling Standard Utility Allowances
The Food and Nutrition Service (FNS), within the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) finalized a rule standardizing heating and cooling utility allowances for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Effective January 2025, states must update methodologies every five years and review costs annually. By October 2025, states must implement approved plans, with FNS providing guidance and webinars to support compliance.
| |
|
FNS Publishes Final Rule
Last month, FNS issued a final rule to strengthen oversight and reporting for SNAP Employment and Training (E&T). States are now required to include detailed data in their annual E&T reports, covering employment outcomes, earnings, participant demographics, and program components serving 100 or more individuals. To assist with implementation, FNS will offer guidance and host webinars for state agencies and partners.
| |
Learn to THRIVE... Live
Join us for an interactive live demonstration and walk-through of the various features within APHSA’s Training Hub for Resources, Innovation, and Virtual Exchange (THRIVE). THRIVE is our Learning Management System (LMS), providing users with access to various resources and interactive eLearning courses. The platform also includes online learning community spaces for continued collaboration and opportunities for engagement with dedicated human services professionals. Register now and learn about everything THRIVE has to offer!
December 11, 2:00 to 3:00 PM ET
| |
If you were forwarded this email sign up here to get the next This Week in Washington newsletter sent directly to your inbox! | | |
|
|
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.
| | | | |
