December 10, 2021
Greetings!
We're proud to share the latest installment of our Cornerstone for Resilient Communities and a Revitalized Economy policy brief series: Unlocking the “Prevention Services” in the Family First Prevention Services Act. This policy brief focuses on the challenges and opportunities that the Family First Prevention Services Act offers to accelerate the shift towards a prevention-oriented child well-being system.
APHSA and the Migration Policy Institute (MPI) have released a new infographic, Best Practices for Child Welfare in Working with Families with Immigrant Members. The infographic is based on the 2019 report Immigrant Families and Child Welfare Systems: Emerging Needs and Promising Policies.
Join our team—APHSA has two new job openings! We are seeking a Senior Policy Associate for Knowledge Mobilization and a Refugee and Immigration Policy Associate. Apply now or share with interested parties in your network.
Congress is scheduled for their winter recess beginning next week through January 10. We will also take a break and will only send a This Week In Washington newsletter for special alerts and announcements. You can keep up with us on Twitter and Linkedin, as well as our Catalyst blog and our podcast page. We wish you a happy holiday season and a safe and healthy New Year!
Child and Family Well-Being
White House Nominates January Contreras as Assistant Secretary for ACF

On December 7th, the White House announced January Contreras as its nominee for Assistant Secretary for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families (ACF). Ms. Contreras has served in a range of county, state, and federal roles supporting child and family well-being for more than 20 years.

CMS Provides 100% Federal Medicaid Match for COVID-19 Vaccine Counseling Visits for Children and Youth

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced this week that it will require states to cover the cost of vaccine counseling for youth through Medicaid, which insures nearly 40% of the children in the United States.

ACF Releases Report on Runaway and Homeless Youth Program

The Administration for Children and Families (ACF) has submitted a report to Congress on its primary activities to meet the needs and better the circumstances for runaway and homeless youth. The report details activities from fiscal years 2016 and 2017. ACF is required to submit this report every two years and the next is due in 2023.
Employment and Economic Well-Being
APHSA Submits Comment on Proposed Center for WIC Modernization and Delivery

This week APHSA submitted two public comments in response to the Food and Nutrition Service's (FNS) proposed creation of a Center for WIC Modernization and Delivery. The first comment shares principles for advancing cross-system solutions that can improve access to WIC and outcomes for participating families. The second, submitted jointly with Share Our Strength, draws on insights from the Coordinating SNAP and Nutrition Supports initiative to share specific recommendations for providing technical assistance to states interested in sharing data between the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and other economic supports.

FNS Releases New Guidance for SNAP Administrative Waivers

The USDA Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) posted new guidance this week on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) administrative waivers that will be in effect through the month after the end of the federal public health emergency. Waivers will now be approved for 3-month periods, and states are asked to provide narrative on why waivers are needed and how they are planning to transition off of the waivers.
FCC Prepares for Transition of Emergency Broadband Benefit to Affordable Connectivity Program

The Federal Communications Commission is preparing the transition of the recently launched Emergency Broadband Benefit program to a new long-term Affordable Connectivity Program. Originally authorized in the Consolidated Appropriations Act and recently extended with changes through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the program provides families with low-income a discount towards broadband services. A public comment period on the roll out of the transition to the new program is open through December 28 ahead of additional rulemaking.

Upcoming Events
Affordable Connectivity Program Overview Webinar

Congress recently created the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) - a new, long-term $14 billion program that will replace the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) Program. Households enrolled in the EBB Program as of December 31, 2021 will continue to receive their current monthly benefit during a 60-day transition period. The Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) will host an introductory webinar for consumer groups to provide an overview of the ACP and the transition from the EBB Program to ACP. USAC will host additional trainings – including a walkthrough of the application process in January 2022.

Wednesday, December 15, 3:00 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.