Children’s Monitor

New Guidance on the FYI Program Released

The Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Children and Families (ACF) partnered with the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to hold a webinar detailing the Foster Youth to Independence (FYI) program and how it can be utilized to benefit eligible youth experiencing or at-risk of experiencing homelessness. Kimberly Waller, Associate Commissioner

CDC: The Role of Research in Gun Violence Prevention

The Center for Disease Control and Prevent (CDC) and Community Action Justice Fund hosted a webinar about the role of research in Gun Violence Prevention. Derrick Gerwin of the CDC reported that gun violence is a serious problem in the US and a major cause of injury. Additionally, Dr Hanni Buggs from the Black and

Culture is Healing: Webinar

On Thursday, January 25, 2024, the Center for the Study of Social Policy (CSSP) conducted a webinar, “Culture is Healing: Removing Barriers from Culturally Responsive Services.” The panel provided a comprehensive discussion surrounding the necessity of culturally-informed and community-based supportive services for families and children of color that are often disproportionately underserved or inappropriately served.

CWLA Supports New Proposal that Expands the Child Tax Credit and Lifts Children Out of Poverty

Senate Finance Committee Chairman Ron Wyden (D-OR) and House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith (R-MO) announced on Tuesday a bipartisan, bicameral tax proposal that includes improvements to the Child Tax Credit (CTC). CWLA is pleased that lawmakers have prioritized the reduction of child poverty in this tax proposal. Although the proposal is not as comprehensive as

Congress Prioritizes Budget and Child Tax Credit

Congress has returned to Capitol Hill and has a long list of priorities to address, including two impending government funding deadlines on January 19 and February 2, 2024. There has been good news on the budget front: it was announced on January 7 that House and Senate Leadership had reached an agreement on topline numbers

Senate Hearing on Stopping the Flow of Fentanyl

On Thursday, January 11th, 2024, the U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs held a hearing on “Stopping the Flow of Fentanyl: Public Awareness and Legislative Solutions.” Witnesses Mr. Jason “Jelly Roll” DeFord, Mr. Patrick Yoes, and Mr. Christopher J. Urben testified on how the problem of fentanyl in the U.S. should be

House Judiciary Hearing on Immigration and Social Services

The House Judiciary Subcommittee on Immigration Integrity, Security, and Enforcement held a hearing on Thursday, January 11, 2024, entitled, "The Impact of Illegal Immigration on Social Services." Witnessed included: Manuel Mello III, Fire Department Chief of Eagle Pass, Texas; Danyela Souza Egorov, Vice President of the Community Education Council for New York City School District

Improving Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Treatment Access: Webinar

On Thursday, January 11th, 2024, the National Academies of Sciences’ Committee on Strategies to Improve Access to Behavioral Health Care Services through Medicare and Medicaid hosted a virtual webinar on Innovations to Improve Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Access in Medicare, Medicaid, and Marketplace Insurance Plans. This was the third webinar in their series.

USDA’s New Summer Nutrition Program: Summer EBT

This summer, the U.S. Department of Agriculture will launch a new permanent nutrition assistance program known as Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer. Estimates suggest the program could reduce food insecurity and improve nutrition for 29 million school-aged children if implemented nationwide. As of January 1, 2024, over 30 states, territories, and Indian Tribal Organizations have announced

Congress Leaves Without Funding Agreement

Congress left Washington, D.C., on Thursday, December 14, 2023, without reaching an agreement on funding for FY2024, a bad sign for the new year. Although the Senate is expected to be back this week to work out an agreement on aid for Ukraine, Israel, and new immigration policies for the southern border, it’s unclear if

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