Administration

SAMHSA Applauds Expansion of MOUD

On January 18th, 2023, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) released a statement to recognized the expansion of access to Medication for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD). The 2023 Consolidated Appropriations Act, signed into law by President Biden on December 29, 2022, expands access to medication for opioid use disorder. The legislation removes

Improving Child Care and Early Education Access

On January 12th, 2023, the Office of Planning, Research, and Evaluation (OPRE) released a brief regarding childcare and early education (CCEE). They describe how the use of geographic maps could help lead to understanding local and community context regarding support when making decisions around improving access to the Child Care and Development Block Grants (CCDBG).

Webinar: Missing From Care: Preventing and Responding to Child Trafficking

On January 18th, 2023, the Children’s Bureau Learning and Coordination Center (CBLCC) hosted a national webinar with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) focused upon child trafficking. Featuring NCMEC Executive Director, Melissa Snow, the digital dialogue specifically focused upon understanding the types of child sex trafficking (CST), shifting the language and perspective

Changes to WIC Offerings: Comment Opportunity

USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) announced proposed changes to the foods available to participants in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) to align the food packages with the latest nutrition science and support equitable access to nutritious foods during critical life stages. “Taken collectively, the changes will increase the

All In: The Federal Strategic Plan to Prevent and End Homelessness

On January 11th, 2023 the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness held an introductory seminar to discuss President Biden’s All In federal plan to prevent and end homelessness. All In is a roadmap for federal action to ensure that state and local agencies have resources and the ability to help end homelessness once and for all.

Mental Health and Substance Use in 2021

On January 4th, 2023, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) released the results of its annual National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), which shows how people living in America reported about their experience with mental health conditions, substance use, and pursuit of

Senate Confirms ACYF Commissioner

On December 22nd, just before the end of the Congress, the Senate confirmed Rebecca Jones Gaston as the Commissioner of the Administration on Children, Youth and Families, at the Administration for Children and Families within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Before her appointment by President Biden to ACYF, Jones-Gaston was the Child

The Administration: New Ratings for Programs in Title IV-E Prevention Services Clearinghouse

On Thursday, December 14th, the Children’s Bureau announced new program ratings in the Title IV-E Prevention Services Clearinghouse. Five new programs were found to meet the standards for inclusion among the evidence-based programs that can be utilized under the Family First Prevention Services Act. One new program was categorized as “Well-Supported,” the highest rating in

President Biden Signs Respect for Marriage Act into Law

On Tuesday, December 13th, 2022, President Biden signed bipartisan legislation to safeguard marriage equality after Congress approved federal protections for same-sex marriage. The Respect for Marriage Act repeals the 1996 law known as the Defense of Marriage Act that the Supreme Court found to be largely unconstitutional in a 2013 decision and includes some religious

New Estimates of Children Living with Parents Using Substances

A new report from the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation (ASPE) presents estimates of the number and percentage of children whose parents engage in problematic substance use. Estimates are also provided for each state. The results can support policy, programmatic, and budgetary decision making as leaders seek to provide solutions to

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