December 18, 2020
Greetings!
This year has tested us all, yet also shown us what is most important. Let’s remember to appreciate all we have, celebrate the small things, and move forward into 2021 with renewed hope. We wish everyone a healthy and safe holiday seasonwe'll see you in the new year!
Legislative Updates
Emergency COVID-19 Relief Act

As of publication, Congress continues to negotiate details for a COVID relief package that would be attached to the current fiscal year appropriations bill. While several human services policy priorities are under considerationincluding a Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefit increase, a technical fix to Pandemic EBT, child care provider grants, emergency rental assistance, extension of pandemic unemployment insurance benefits, and funding and flexibility for child welfare servicesthe situation continues to evolve. Negotiations are expected to go beyond today, which would likely trigger a short-term government shutdown.

APHSA continues to closely monitor the discussions and is working closely with members to elevate human services priorities.
 
To review proposed bill language introduced earlier this week, read more here.
Child Support Works Act

Introduced last week, the Child Support Works Act (S. 4998) would allow states to be reimbursed at the 66 percent matching rate for expenditures on mandatory work programs for non-custodial parents who are underemployed, unemployed, or behind on their child-support payments. States may be reimbursed for the same work activities they already use for the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and the SNAP Education and Training (E&T) work requirements.

Child and Family Well-Being
Prevention Services Clearinghouse Releases New Ratings

The Prevention Services Clearinghouse, established by the Family First Prevention Services Act to rate programs for IV-E reimbursement, has released a new set of ratings. Ten programs were added to the list and rated either promising, supported, well-supported, or found not to meet criteria. 

Employment and Economic Well-Being
New Initiative to Help States Expand Employment Among People With Mental Health Conditions

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) announced a new initiative designed to assist states in aligning policy, programs, and funding across multiple state agencies to increase competitive integrated employment for people with mental health conditions. In the coming months, the Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) will choose up to six states to participate in the initiative through a competitive process.

Executive Order on Increasing Economic and Geographic Mobility

President Trump issued the Executive Order (EO) on Increasing Economic and Geographic Mobility to address regulatory burdens on occupational licensing. The EO requires state and local governments to issue a license to those who are in good standing and hold a license for their area of discipline.

Renewed Form ACF-202, Caseload Reduction Report

The Administration for Children and Families (ACF) has issued renewed form ACF-202 with instructions for completion. States must use it to report TANF caseload reduction information for fiscal year 2018 and thereafter.

APHSA Partner Updates
RFP - Coordinating SNAP & Nutrition Supports
 
APHSA is partnering with Share Our Strength to offer a new grant opportunity for state SNAP agencies to increase coordination between their SNAP program and other nutrition supports to reduce childhood hunger. The demonstration project will fund 3-5 states and APHSA will serve as the grant administrator to support cohort learning. The RFP is due by January 29, 2021.
 
Upcoming Webinars & Virtual Events
APHSA Third Thursday 360: Virtual Mini-Series of Health and Human Services Collective Learning

Beginning Thursday, January 21, 2021, join us for an exciting new virtual mini-series! Slated to take place from January to June on the Third Thursday of the month, each event will offer rich content equivalent to a day spent at a traditional conference with an array of sessions and networking opportunities. ​Bringing policy, practice, and program together on one platform, this unique series will showcase best practices and lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic and will also zoom in on agency management in child welfare, SNAP, TANF, IT, performance management, and child care.

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!
APHSA Leadership Corner Series: Conversations to Spark Inspiration and Innovation
 
Our Leadership Corner sessions have concluded for 2020 but stay tuned! We'll be back in 2021 with more conversations to spark inspiration and innovation. If you missed any of the sessions you can access recordings here.
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.