The Children’s Bureau hosted a webinar, “Thriving and Healthy Kids: We All Have a Role to Play in Promoting Positive Childhood Experiences,” on April 23, 2024. Dr Mandy Cohen from the CDC stated that positive childhood experiences provide safety, stability and bonding, and are related to improved health, while, Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) disproportionately affect
On April 11, 2024, the Biden-Harris Administration and the Department of Justice announced a final rule regarding federal gun background check system outlined in the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act. This rule clarifies and expands the types of gun dealers that are required to conduct background checks on customers prior to selling. President Biden and Vice
This year the President’s budget was released on Monday, March 11, 2024. The fiscal year (FY) 2025 budget begins on October 1, 2024. This is the fourth budget for the Biden Administration. Due to the unusual FY 2024 budget situation, it was delayed by one month from the statutory first Monday in February outlined under
On March 14, 2024, Think of Us in partnership with the Children’s Bureau hosted the National Convening on Kinship Care to discuss the new rule on Separate Licensing Standards for Relative or Kinship Foster Family Homes, which was finalized last fall. The convening kicked off with remarks from leadership of the Administration for Children and
On Thursday, March 7, 2024, President Biden delivered his third State of the Union Address before members of Congress, Supreme Court Justices, and invited guests. He used the opportunity to highlight policy advancements that have happened during his administration, declared that “the State of the Union is strong and getting stronger.” The President started with
On February 22, 2024, the Biden Administration announced a new Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) that would update the Adoption and Foster Care Analysis Reporting System to increase data collection on American Indian/Alaska Native children's status and experiences. “Over the years, tribal leaders have consistently advocated for ICWA-related data to be included in AFCARS and
On January 29, 2024, the Children’s Bureau released the annual child abuse and neglect report: Child Maltreatment 2022. This year’s report shows a continued decrease in child maltreatment; it reveals that of the nationally estimated 3,096,101 children who were the subject of a child welfare agency response in FY 2022, 558,899 children were determined to
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
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
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
