This Week in Washington will be off next week, in line with the congressional calendar. However, we’ll keep you informed of any important announcements through our special updates and social media accounts (linked above). We'll be back in your inbox on December 5 and hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving! | |
DHS Publishes Notice to Rescind 2022 Public Charge Regulation
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published its intent to rescind the public charge final rule (the “2022 Final Rule”) and to eventually replace it with new guidance. Public charge is a ground of inadmissibility based on a person's likelihood to become primarily dependent on certain government benefits. When applied, it may lead to the possible denial of a green card, visa, or admission into the U.S. The intent of this recission is to provide broader discretion to DHS in evaluating inadmissibility. The deadline for submitting comments on the proposed rule is December 19, 2025.
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ACF’s Preschool Development Grant Birth through Five (PDG B-5) Program Systems-Building Grant Now Open
The Administration for Children and Families (ACF) has released the Fiscal Year 2025 Preschool Development Grant Birth through Five (PDG B-5) Systems-Building Grant to support state and territorial efforts to strengthen early childhood systems. The deadline to apply is December 1, 2025, with an award ranging between $500,000 to $15 million and total available funding of $222 million. Funding will support statewide systems-building for children from birth through age five and includes needs assessments, strategic planning, coordination across mixed-delivery providers, quality improvement, workforce supports, data integration, and parent engagement.
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LIHEAP Funding Expected to be Released Soon
APHSA received notice that an email was sent to grantees of the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and stated that funds were expected to be released soon. According to the source, the Office of Community Services will use special authority to release $3.7 billion in funding by the end of November to support LIHEAP grantees in assisting families this winter. This funding includes $3.6 billion in regular LIHEAP grant funds and $100 million of the final supplemental funding under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Appropriations Act.
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ASPE Releases New Report on 25 Years of CFSR Findings
The Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation (ASPE) has released a new analysis regarding Child and Family Services Reviews (CFSRs). It establishes that in the 25 years since the CFSRs began, no state has ever achieved full compliance across all performance outcomes and systemic factors. The report highlights persistent challenges in meeting federal standards for safety, permanency, and well-being, underscoring the need for continued system improvement and targeted support for state child welfare agencies.
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Designated Placements Final Rule No Longer in Effect
The Children’s Bureau (CB) announced through a new Information Memorandum (IM) that, following a Texas federal court decision, the “Designated Placement Requirements Under Titles IV-E and IV-B for LGBTQI+ Children” regulations are no longer in effect. This Designated Placements final rule had set special placement requirements for LGBTQI+ children under Titles IV-E and IV-B. Agencies should review the IM for details and assess any implications for current policies, guidance, or training related to designated placements.
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Senator Wyden Sends Letter to ACF Leadership Outlining Child Welfare Priorities
Senate Finance Committee Ranking Member Ron Wyden (D-OR) has publicly released a detailed letter that was sent to ACF Assistant Secretary Alex Adams. The letter establishes five priorities for the agency’s new leader: shifting toward community-based care, strengthening kinship supports, protecting LGBTQI+ youth, ensuring timely Head Start funding, and safeguarding unaccompanied migrant children under the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR).
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ACL Launches $2 Million AI Prize to Support Family & Direct Care Workforce
The Administration of Community Living (ACL) has launched a Caregiver Artificial Intelligence (AI) Prize Competition to showcase AI-enabled tools and award solutions that empower caregivers, protect dignity, and expand access to high-quality care at home. The competition has a track for tools that support family, friends, and/or the direct care workforce. A second track focuses on tools for home care organizations. Up to $2 million is offered in Phase 1. The initiative enables practitioners and agencies to influence how AI strengthens caregiving systems and supports the workforce.
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THRIVE LMS Live Help Webinar
We’re inviting all THRIVE users and those interested in learning more to our THRIVE LMS Live Help Webinar. 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 smoother, together.
If you are new to APHSA's Learning Management System (LMS), THRIVE, get started today!
December 8, 2:00-3:00 PM ET
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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 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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