April 8, 2022
Greetings!
We wish a Happy Passover and Easter to those who celebrate, and we hope you enjoy some spring outings with friends and family. Congress will be on a two week recess and we will also take a short hiatus until April 29th.
New Release! Our new multi-part Catalyst blog series on TANF reform will be taking a detailed look at Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and the ways in which TANF agencies, aligned systems, and community voices are thinking differently about how TANF programs can help families succeed for the long-term. Our first blog in the series is written by Babs Roberts, TANF administrator from Washington DSHS.
 
Keep an eye out for our upcoming TANF Social Media Day on May 3, when we will be sharing TANF tools and resources and talking about the future of the program, now rounding a quarter century. Join us on Twitter with our hashtags #TANFNorthStar #TANFat25 #TANFMod and be a part of the conversation!
Legislative Updates
WIOA Reauthorization Mark-Up Moves Through House Ed & Labor

On Tuesday, the House Education & Labor Committee marked up the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2022. The bill moved out of committee on party lines and still awaits consideration in the Senate.

Child and Family Well-Being
January Contreras Confirmed as ACF Assistant Secretary

On March 30th, January Contreras was confirmed as Assistant Secretary for the Administration for Children and Families (ACF). Ms. Contreras brings more than twenty years of public service in state, federal, and non-profit organizations to her role. We look forward to working with her to support the well-being of children, families, and communities.

Same-Sex Parents and Child Support Program Requirements

The Administration for Children and Families (ACF) released a brief emphasizing the flexibility that title IV-D of the Social Security Act affords states in enacting laws and policies to best serve diverse families. Several states have asked for guidance on federal requirements as they move forward on new state laws and child support program policies to meet the needs of same-sex parents and their families.
 
Employment and Economic Well-Being
USDA to Establish a RCED Subcommittee

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is introducing a Rural Community Economic Development (RCED) Subcommittee as part of the recently launched Equity Commission. USDA is currently accepting nominations for membership to the RCED Subcommittee. Nominations are due by May 6.

FNS Publishes Report on Use of State Administrative Data to Improve SNAP Eligibility Estimates

This report from the USDA Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) summarizes the key findings and recommendations from two expert panels held in 2016 and 2021. The panels were convened to identify and prioritize Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) eligibility modeling issues that could be assessed using survey data that is matched with State SNAP administrative data.

FNS Releases Notice of Information Collection, Addresses Burdens Associated with SNAP Reporting of Lottery and Gambling and Resource Verification

This information collection addresses the burden associated with the requirement that States make ineligible Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participants with substantial lottery or gambling winnings, and establish cooperative agreements with gaming entities to identify SNAP participants with substantial winnings. Written comments are being accepted until June 6.

Partner Updates
Case Study Series - Flipping the Script: Narratives About Poverty, Race and Mobility in the U.S.

To change the narrative, we have to change the narrator. Learn more about why narratives matter, what the current narratives about poverty, race and economic mobility are, and how you can flip the script by watching a new webinar and case study series produced by the Kresge Foundation in partnership with with APHSA, Spotlight on Poverty and Opportunity, Protagonist, Ascend at The Aspen Institute, and First 5 Alameda County.

Upcoming APHSA Events
APHSA National Health and Human Services Summit

This year marks the 90th anniversary of the APHSA
National Health and Human Services Summit! Registration is now open for the Summit, to be held in-person on June 12-15 at the Crystal Gateway Marriott in Arlington, VA. The Summit provides an opportunity for attendees to participate in workshops and sessions encompassing a diverse range of topics including policy, research, and state and local initiatives, engaging in valuable discussions on innovation and transformation. The Summit is bringing members, partners, and allied organizations together in-person and we want you to be there!

Early Registration rates end May 13
American Association of Health and Human Services Attorneys (AAHHSA) Annual Education Conference Call for Proposals

The AAHHSA Conference Call for Proposals is now open! The AAHHSA 2022 Conference will be held October 9-12 at the Sheraton Columbus Hotel at Capitol Square in Columbus, OH—save the date and learn more about the focus areas and session types in our proposal guide. Registration opening soon!

Deadline: Friday, May 6
Upcoming Partner Events
Strengths and Innovation of African-American Children and Families: A Virtual Convening

Join the National African American Child and Family Research Center (NAACFRC) at the Morehouse School of Medicine for a two day convening. The first annual African American Child and Family Research Conference will bring together community leaders, advocates, policymakers, scholars, and practitioners to focus on current strengths and innovation of African American children and families who have experienced the triple pandemic of COVID-019, Racism, and Economy these past two years.

April 13-14, 2022
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.