November 13, 2020
Greetings!
We hope everyone had a relaxing Veterans Day and want to extend our gratitude to all our members who have served - thank you!

As we look ahead to the transition of a new Administration, we remain committed to what defines us as an association: people and public service, building common ground, and partnering across sectors. We look forward to continuing our important work in human services with you.
Legislative Updates
Senate Appropriations Bills Released

The Senate Appropriations Committee has released 12 appropriations bills and proposed allocations of funding. The House allocations were passed in July. In the Senate Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies bill, $5.876 billion was allocated to the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG), a $50 million increase from FY 2020. Head Start was allocated $10.713 billion, a $100 million increase from FY 2020. No COVID-19 supplemental relief was included. While there is doubt of progress on a COVID-19 relief package, it is expected that agreement on a continuing resolution will be reached by December 11, the deadline to keep the government running.

Child and Family Well-Being
HHS Responds to NGA Questions on Vaccine Distribution and Planning

In response to questions from the National Governors Association (NGA), the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has released a statement to address questions concerning the COVID-19 vaccine distribution, as well as the plans to make this vaccine readily available nationwide. The Q&A document also covers funding for the vaccine administration, allocation and supply chain, and communication and information requirements.  

2020 Technical Corrections Final Rule Resources

The Technical Corrections Final Rule was published on June 9, 2020. The Administration for Children and Families recently released resources for that Rule, including the final rule technical corrections, policy clarifications, state plan update, and related training material.

Data Elements for Out-of-Home Care & Adoption and Guardianship Assistance Data Files

The Administration for Children and Families (ACF) released this technical bulletin that provides instructions and examples for Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System (AFCARS) reporting. This bulletin includes data elements for out-of-home care and adoption, as well as guardianship assistance.  

Employment and Economic Well-Being
ACF Publishes FY2019 Characteristic Data and FY2020 Caseload Data

The Administration for Children and Families (ACF) has published FY 2019 characteristic data and FY 2020 caseload data of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) recipients. Characteristics data is broken down by state, and includes the age, gender, and race/ethnicity of adults and children, as well as data on the financial circumstances of TANF cash assistance recipients. Caseload data from FY 2020 shows caseload rates broken down into categories including individuals, families, 1-parent households, 2-parent households, and additional categories. Each category is broken down by TANF, State Specific Program (SSP)-Maintenance of Effort (MOE), and combined caseload data.  
 
OCSE Issues a Request for Comment on Stafford Act Flexibilities Request Form

The Office of Child Support Enforcement (OCSE) seeks comments on a standardized request form to collect information from state and tribal title IV-D child support agencies requesting administrative flexibilities under the Stafford Act related to COVID-19. Comments are due by January 4, 2021.

FNS Posts State SNAP Flexibilities From the Continuing Resolution

On October 1, the Continuing Appropriations Act 2021 was signed into law. It includes the authority for State Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Agencies to adopt and extend the waivers for adjustment of interviews and extension of periodic reports and certification periods without prior approval by USDA. The Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) has created a website with weekly updates of the flexibilities that states have opted to use.

Final Rule on P-EBT Program Integrity

The USDA Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) published a final rule for the Pandemic EBT (P-EBT) program focused on program integrity. This rule clarifies that P-EBT benefits are to be treated the same as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.

FNS Shares SNAP Model Notice Toolkit

The Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) posted the Model Notice Toolkit to support Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) agencies in improving the way that they send notices to clients. The included tools cover ten types of SNAP notices.

Upcoming Webinars & Virtual Events
APHSA Leadership Corner Series: Conversations to Spark Inspiration and Innovation

Join us virtually on Wednesday, November 18 from 1:00-2:15 PM EDT for our next session, Navigating the Emotional Storms of 2020: Tools and Behaviors for Greater Resilience, Connection, and Confidence featuring author and historian, Nancy Koehn. This webinar will explore navigating the emotional roller-coaster of the pandemic as well as related crises and what we can each do—first, for ourselves, and then, for others—to remain grounded, connected, resilient and empowered in ongoing volatility. 

If you missed any of our earlier events or may have experienced technical issues, you can access recordings here.
NIOSH Responds to the Opioid Overdose Crisis and an Update on Workplace Supported Recovery

Join the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) for a webinar to provide research findings on understanding the opioid crisis among U.S. workers, the impact of opioids and the workplace, the impact of Covid-19 on substance misuse, substance use and opioid use disorders; along with some preliminary data to characterize and address the opioid crisis, which includes cultivating a supportive workplace.

Thursday, November 19, 2:00-3:00 PM EST
TANF and Food Insecurity: Supporting Vulnerable Families in the Time of COVID-19

The Office of Family Assistance will host a PeerTA webinar to explore strategies for supporting vulnerable families, particularly as it relates to food insecurity, and the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on service delivery. A researcher panel will discuss how TANF programs have addressed food insecurity with their participants through strengthened coordination with SNAP and other public programs. In addition, several State and Tribal programs will discuss innovative partnerships between TANF agencies and charitable efforts to reduce food insecurity in local communities.

Tuesday, December 1, 1:00-2:30 PM EST
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.