Each election in our nation's history represents an opportunity for new beginnings and renewed focus built upon a shared commitment to making America stronger for everyone. We stand ready to work with the new administration and Congress to address the opportunities ahead and uplift everyone who engages with our human services system. Read our Special Statement on the 2024 Presidential Election to learn more. | |
Jeff Hild Announces Departure from HHS
Earlier this week, Jeff Hild, the senior official performing the duties of the Assistant Secretary for the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), announced his departure from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Upon his departure, HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra stated, “Under Jeff’s leadership at ACF, we advanced the economic mobility of families, increased child and family safety, and strengthened the early care and education workforce. Jeff’s leadership has resulted in more Americans having safe, independent, and dignified lives with a fair shot at achieving their dreams. We congratulate and wish him the best on his continued mission to help improve the well-being of children, youth, and families.”
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Moving Human Services Upstream | |
Investing in Economic Mobility
In October, ACF published a blog post on its continued investment in U.S. economic mobility. The post provided insights from a gathering they hosted in Chicago in September with state government officials from across ACF’s Region 5 (Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin). The event showcased a variety of speakers and created space for state teams to share innovations in policy and programs aimed at improving the lives of expectant parents and parents of young children.
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Advancing Social and Economic Mobility | |
Extension of Authority for Replacement of Stolen SNAP Benefits
In October, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) published a memo announcing that it has extended the authority for states to replace stolen SNAP benefits through December 20, 2024. This extension, part of the Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act of 2025, allows states to use federal funds to replace benefits stolen via card skimming, cloning, and similar fraudulent activities. States do not need to submit revised plans for this extension and should continue to follow their approved procedures for replacing stolen benefits.
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Understanding How State Agencies Determine SNAP Participants’ Fitness for Work
The USDA published key findings from a study they conducted to understand how state agencies determine whether SNAP participants are excused from the general and Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD) work requirements, or had a good cause for not meeting those requirements due to physical or mental limitations. Data was collected through surveys, document reviews, and case studies across several states.
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Strengthening the Human Services Sector | |
White House Publishes Evidence on the Positive Outcomes of Universal Pre-K
The administration released a new brief which examines the changes in maternal labor supply and business outcomes before and after individual states and large cities implemented Pre-K programs. It reveals that places with Pre-K had greater overall private employment and elevated business formation—an analysis which supports the understanding that public investments in the child care industry and federal investments in child care and Pre-K benefit the overall economy.
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Child Welfare Outcomes Updates Available Data
The Children's Bureau has updated the Child Welfare Outcomes data site with data from 2018 to 2022. This update includes state and national performance data on various outcome measures for children in the child welfare system. The available data focuses on seven categories, including children's safety, well-being, and permanency, sourced from the National Child Abuse and Neglect Data System as well as the Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System. Enhanced functionalities on the site allow users to select specific data tables, view data in tables or graphs, and compare data across states and years.
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Three Strategies to Improve Client Experiences with Social Service Programs
In October, ACF and MDRC published, "Three Strategies to Improve Client Experiences with Social Service Programs." The article was distributed through their newsletter, "Behavioral Buzz," a publication focused on incorporating behavioral science into government. The strategies listed in the newsletter include walking through the program from the client's perspective, simplifying communications, and adding reminders, as well as approaching staff interactions with clients as an opportunity for engagement.
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USDA Announces New Partnership to Expand SNAP Awareness and Access for Eligible College Students
Last week, the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) of the USDA and the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Federal Student Aid announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen college student access to SNAP.
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Revised Instructions for Form ACF-696
In September, ACF released revised instructions for the ACF-696 form, which is used by state and territory Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) lead agencies to report financial data. This form ensures compliance with spending requirements and tracks obligations and expenditures of CCDF funds. Some key updates include the guidance on using grants and contracts for direct services.
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SNAP Discretionary Exemptions for ABAWDs
In September, USDA FNS published a memorandum that outlines the allocation of discretionary exemptions for ABAWDs in SNAP for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025. These exemptions allow states to extend SNAP eligibility beyond the usual three-month limit within a 36-month period for ABAWDs who do not meet work requirements. The memorandum also notes that states with a statewide waiver in FY 2024 did not earn new exemptions.
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USDA FNS Nutrition Education FY 2023
A report to Congress details the USDA's nutrition education efforts for FY 2023. It highlights various programs and initiatives aimed at improving dietary habits and food security among populations living with low-income. It also emphasizes the importance of nutrition education in promoting healthy eating behaviors and reducing chronic diseases. Additionally, it outlines the funding and resources allocated to these programs and the outcomes and impacts observed.
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Improper Payments
In September, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) published a report titled, “Improper Payments: USDA's Oversight of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.” This was a study completed to identify misuse and safeguard future funding of SNAP.
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Save the Dates for 2025 APHSA Conferences
We are excited to announce the dates and locations for our 2025 Conferences:
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APHSA National Human Services Summit: June 1-4 in Philadelphia, PA
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Economic Mobility and Well-Being Conference: August 24-27 in Minneapolis, MN.
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Information Technology Solutions Management for Human Services (ISM) Education Conference & Expo: September 14-17 in Reno, NV
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National Staff Development and Training Association (NSDTA) Education Conference: October 5-8 in Norfolk, VA
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Public Human Services Attorneys (PHSA) Education Conference: October 19-22 in Reno, NV
We'll be providing additional details for each event in the coming months. Mark your calendars and stay tuned!
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WEBINAR: Summer EBT Success: Unveiling the SUN Bucks Program's Nationwide Impact and Best Practices
This year, the USDA launched its new permanent food assistance program, Summer EBT (“SUN Bucks”), nationwide. North Carolina’s program was highly successful, serving over 1 million children with the help of Ernst & Young, LLP (EY) in planning, implementing, and administering the 2024 SUN Bucks program. Join EY and North Carolina HHS as they share insights on their collaboration while also highlighting achievements, best practices, and lessons learned.
November 18, 2:00 to 3:00 PM ET
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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.
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