March 12, 2021
Greetings!
APHSA is excited to introduce our latest Peer Communitythe Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Peer Community, providing a platform for current and future leaders to discuss policy and practice related to advancing racial equity in health and human services at the state, local, and community levels. Check out the press release to learn more.
We’re growing! APHSA is looking for a Project Director; check out our new job opening that will focus on providing management of our Advancing Family Economic Mobility (AFEM) Project. The position is located in Arlington, VA but is currently available for 100% virtual work.
Legislative & Regulatory Updates
Human Services Provisions of American Rescue Plan

On Thursday, the American Rescue Plan was signed into law, authorizing $1.9 trillion in funding for COVID-19 relief and recovery efforts. The legislation includes major investments in a wide range of human services areas. APHSA has summarized the key provisions that impact human services agencies and will work with members in the coming weeks to help inform federal guidance needed to facilitate successful state and local implementation.

Child and Family Well-Being
Administration for Children and Families Releases Program Instruction ACYF-CB-PI-21-04

The Children’s Bureau within the Administration for Children and Families released a Program Instruction (PI) related to the Supporting Foster Youth and Families through the Pandemic Act, of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 that was enacted in December of 2020. This PI provides guidance to title IV-B/IV-E agencies and Court Improvement Grantees on actions to protect and support youth/young adults currently or formerly in foster care including addressing temporary requirements to allow youth over 18 to remain or re-enter foster care, the John H. Chafee Foster Care Program for Successful Transition to Adulthood (Chafee), and Financial and Reporting Information for the Chafee and ETV Program Additional Funding.

Senators Re-Introduce Resolution Recognizing the Impact of COVID-19 on Women and Girls Globally

Senators Cory Booker, Patty Murray, and Ron Wyden have re-introduced a resolution recognizing the disproportionate impact that COVID-19 has had on women and girls. The resolution urges Congress and the executive branch to protect the rights of women and girls in the United States, provide robust humanitarian aid that supports women and girls, and ensure that women and girls are not an afterthought in response efforts and recovery from COVID-19.

Employment and Economic Well-Being
USDA Extends Free Meals to Children through Summer 2021 Due to Pandemic

The USDA announced an extension of waivers to allow students to receive free meals during the summer months. The extension is intended to provide clarity and certainty for program operators as they begin planning for the months ahead. The waivers, originally extended to June 30, 2021, have been extended to September 30, 2021.

Unemployment Insurance Fraud Gateway

The Department of Labor launched a gateway to report unemployment fraud. The gateway provides information on unemployment fraud and connects the public with state websites and tip hotlines to report potential fraud.

Upcoming Webinars & Virtual Events
Save the Date: APHSA 2021 Events

Save the date for our 2021 events and engagement opportunities! We are currently convening through virtual platforms while working toward in-person/hybrid options for the fall. Stay up to date on our event pages.

Third Thursday ~ Virtual Mini-Series of Health & Human Services Collective Learning: Every Third Thursday January - June

Economic Mobility & Well-Being Conference ~ SNAP/TANF Program Integrity: August 22-25

IT Solutions Management for Human Services (ISM) Annual Conference
& Expo ~ Technology: September 26-29


American Association of Health and Human Services Attorneys (AAHHSA) Education Conference ~ Legal: October 17-20
APHSA ~ National Staff Development and Training Association (NSDTA) Call For Proposals

APHSA is now accepting proposals for the National Staff Development and Training Association (NSDTA) Hybrid Education Conference currently being planned for October 3-6 in Spokane, WA. All sessions are being designed to fit the hybrid event model with both in-person and virtual options. NSDTA members represent the full range of functions in organizational development and training including broader leadership roles in human services. Workshop proposals are encouraged in the following categories: 
  • Evaluation/Research
  • Curriculum Design and Instructional Technology
  • Training/Facilitation
  • Human Services Leadership
  • Organizational Development and Effectiveness
  • Workforce Development and Planning

Deadline for submission is Friday, April 16.
APHSA Third Thursday 360: Virtual Mini-Series of Health and Human Services Collective Learning

Join us on the Third Thursday of each month through June - building on our January & February sessions, we're continuing with topics on Child Welfare, SNAP, TANF, IT, Performance Management, Child Care, & more. It's never too late to join in as your registration allows full access to the entire series!

Our next sessions will feature speakers from Mathematica, Accenture, and Optum on Thursday, March 18, 12:30-5:15 PM EST.

Certificates of attendance will be provided for the pursuit of continuing education (CE) credits. Pay once for entire series! Group discount available for five or more registrants. Learn more!
Webinar Series - Moving Mindsets: The Ways Minds Can Shift

Join the Frameworks Institute for a series to hear practical advice and lessons from real-world efforts that can guide your own work to shift mindsets. The latest report from Frameworks Institute provides a roadmap for advocates, activists, and funders.

Continuing through March
How the COVID-19 Pandemic Has Impacted Higher Education

Join the Brown Center on Education Policy at Brookings to address how institutions of higher education have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and what this might mean for their futures. Panelists will discuss the drop in enrollment rates, the potential rise of for-profit institutions, and how universities are engaging students during the pandemic.

Tuesday, March 16, 3:00-4:00 PM EDT
USDA Coronavirus Response Grants Listening Session

Join the USDA for a listening session to provide groups and individuals an opportunity to share their views on how USDA can best serve the industry regarding the development, coordination and implementation of grant programs to support food processing, distribution, seafood processing, farmers markets, and producers and other businesses identified in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021.

Friday, March 19, 2:00-5:00 PM EDT
USDA Food Program Purchase Listening Session

Join the USDA for a listening session to provide groups and individuals an opportunity to share their views on how USDA can best serve people in need of food assistance and the industry regarding the development, coordination and implementation of a food purchase and distribution program intended to provide additional aid to nonprofits serving Americans in need of nutrition assistance.

Monday, March 22, 2:00-5:00 PM EDT
Webinar - COVID-19 Dislocated Worker Grants (DWGs): Lessons Learned from Implementation

Join Workforce GPS for a conversation on where we are today and the challenges many faced in operationalizing the Dislocated Worker grants. The webinar will focus on the success of three COVID-19 DWG grantees to understand what’s working and why in an effort to offer solutions to other COVID-19 grantees.

Wednesday, March 24, 2:00-3:30 PM EDT
APHSA Career Center - Post Your Open Positions Today

APHSA serves as a clearinghouse for job opportunities throughout the health and human services (H/HS) field. Employers reach a wide audience of candidates looking for careers in H/HS and job seekers will find a bevy of opportunities throughout the country.