June 26, 2020
Greetings!
As we close out June, w e wish everyone a happy and relaxing 4 th of July next week—Congress will be on recess for the holiday and we will be taking a short break as well. Look for us back in your inbox on July 10. In the meantime, stay up to date through Twitter , our blog , and our COVID-19 resource page . Enjoy your holiday and stay safe and well!
Child and Family Well-Being
USDA Webinar Series

The USDA has created an on-demand webinar series that explains the Food Distribution Program Nutrition Education (FDPNE) grant program, changes made to the Request for Applications (RFA) for the Fiscal Year 2020, and the grant application process.

Administration Signs Executive Order Aimed at Improving Child Welfare System

The Order, signed Wednesday, seeks to improve transparency and increase collaboration between public, private, and faith-based groups that provide child welfare services. The Order also requires HHS to provide guidance to States regarding flexibility in the use of Federal funds to support and encourage high-quality legal representation for parents and children.

Employment and Economic Well-Being
$127.5 Million Announced for the Reimagine Workforce Preparation Grant

Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos announced $127.5 million for the Reimagine Workforce Preparation Grant from CARES Act funds. Grants may be used to expand educational opportunities through short-term, career pathways or sector-based education and training programs, or to support local entrepreneurship through small business incubators. The Reimagine Workforce Preparation Grant competition is open to all states, as well as Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia.

Dear Colleague Letter Regarding the Community Services Block Grant

The Administration for Children and Families (ACF), Office of Community Services (OCS) issued guidance linking to recent communications and announcing up-coming communications regarding Community Services Block Grants ( CSBG). The forthcoming communications include the CSBG Annual Report Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Clearance, submission of the FY2019 CSBG Annual Report, finalization of the FY2018 CSBG Annual Report, and the CSBG Disaster Supplemental.

WIC Releases Updated Income Eligibility Guidelines

The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) has released updated income eligibility guidelines for 7/1/20 to 6/30/21. An income at or below 185% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) is deemed eligible for WIC, while the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) has an eligibility level of 130% FPL. Persons receiving SNAP, Medicaid, or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families ( TANF) automatically qualify for WIC.

 USDA Releases Data on Farmers Market Nutrition Programs

The USDA recently released data for the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children ( WIC) Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) dating back to FY 2004. The data includes number of recipients, grant amounts, benefit levels, and number of participating farmers, markets, stands, and Community-Supported Agriculture (CSA) systems. The data is reported for each state agency that administers the program.

Administration Suspends Employment Visas

The Administration announced on Monday, June 21st, that certain types of visas that permit non-US citizens to immigrate to the United States temporarily for employment, will be temporarily suspended. This suspension aims to ease the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and improve prospects for American workers looking for employment.

Upcoming Webinars & Events
Multidisciplinary Legal Representation and its Positive Impact on Reunifications

Speakers will highlight the effectiveness of multidisciplinary legal teams that include lawyers, social work professionals, and advocates who have lived experiences navigating the child welfare system. The webinar will provide child welfare system stakeholders the evidence and motivation they need to implement multidisciplinary legal representation in their jurisdictions. Panelists include Commissioner David A. Hansell, Administration for Children’s Services, and Associate Commissioner Jerry Milner, Children’s Bureau.

Wednesday, July 1, 12:30-2:00 PM EST
APHSA Webinar: A Pandemic, Economic Recovery, and Uncertain Policy: Charting the Path Ahead for SNAP Work Requirements

Join panelists from the American Enterprise Institute, Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, and Pennsylvania Department of Human Services to discuss the outlook and implications of economic, public health, and regulatory uncertainties on providing work supports to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program ( SNAP) recipients in the coming months. The conversation will involve discussion around SNAP Employment and Training (E&T) programs, unemployment and its varying effect on communities and job sectors, and how all of this will affect SNAP agency operations as businesses transition between various phases of reopening and closing.

Thursday, July 9, 3:00-4:00 PM EST
APHSA Webinar Series - The Family First Prevention Services Act:
A Two-Part Series from Introduction to Implementation

Part One: An Overview of Family First Requirements

Join us along with speakers from the Children’s Bureau, the Office of Planning, Research and Evaluation, the Administration for Children and Families and Abt Associates. The Children’s Bureau will provide a high-level overview of Family First legislation with an emphasis on the Title IV-E Prevention Services Program. The goal is for state evaluators to understand what study designs, statistical analyses, etc. are required for future studies to meet the clearinghouse’s evidence review standards.

Tuesday, July 14, 1:00-2:00 PM EST
Part Two: Moving to Application

Join us along with speakers from the Children’s Bureau, the Administration for Children and Families, the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, the Arkansas Department of Human Services, Kaye Implementation and Evaluation, Kinnect and Chapin Hall. Researchers from Chapin Hall will discuss how states have approached the requirements for Kinship Navigation and Prevention Plans. Information will be shared on the process states have used to set up the plans, including important decisions points. A state representative will discuss how their state approached the evaluation requirements of the law in their plan.

Thursday, July 16, 1:00-2:00 PM EST
APHSA Webinar - Juvenile Justice in the Age of COVID-19: Response and Strategies from NYC

Join KPMG along with speakers from the Administration for Children's Services and the Division of Youth and Family Justice. At the heart of the global epicenter of the pandemic, the New York City Administration for Children's Services Division of Youth and Family Justice had to quickly take action to protect the youth in its care and their families while promoting continuity in programming and education. This webinar will detail various actions and strategies implemented across the City's continuum of juvenile justice programs and facilities, from policy changes, staffing adjustments, to coordination with other agencies and foundations.

Friday, July 17, 1:00-2:00 PM EST
Conference Updates
2020 ISM Conference

Taking many factors into consideration, including ongoing health concerns related to the COVID-19 pandemic as well as the travel and budget restrictions many of our members and partners continue to face, we have decided to  cancel  the 2020 IT Solutions Management for Human Services (ISM) conference that was scheduled to take place this September in Orlando, FL. 
Read our full statement 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.