In a research article recently published in JAMA, the United States’ racial disparities in maternal morbidity are discussed. The study defines a pregnant woman to be either pregnant during the time of death or is within a one year distance from the end of her last pregnancy. The study confirms fears that maternal mortality rates
On February 1, 2023, the Congressional Caucus on Foster Youth (CCFY) co-hosted with the National Foster Youth Institute (NFYI), Youth Villages, and iFoster a “Learn, Listen, Lead” event at the U.S. Capital. The program included introductions and remarks from caucus chairs and a panel discussion on priorities and legislative agendas for the 118th Congress. Representative
House and Senate Leaders have made clear their intention to complete committee assignments for the 118th Congress before the end of January. By the end of next week, we should know who will serve on each of the House and Senate Committees. Several key committees are already taking shape, particularly in the House of Representatives.
On January 26th, 2023, Congressman Jimmy Gomez (D-CA) and his colleagues Representatives Rashida Tlaib, Joaquin Castro, Andy Kim, Jamaal Bowman, Rob Menendez, Dan Goldman, Joe Neguse, launched the Congressional Dads Caucus to bring attention to and build support for policies that benefit working families. According to the National Women’s Law Center’s (NWLC) press release, “the
The Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) recently released a report, “Substance Use Disorder in Pregnancy: Improving Outcomes for Families,” which details the Administration’s plan to improve access to effective treatment for people who are pregnant and have substance use disorders, support families and prevent unnecessary foster care placements, and make better use of
The Century Foundation released a commentary on ONDCP’s report about maternal health and substance use disorder on January 13th, 2023, noting that “the increasing criminalization of substance use in pregnancy disproportionately affects Black pregnant and postpartum people,” and makes recommendations for Congress to act. From the commentary: “Due to systemic racism and inequality, Black birthing
On January 27, 2023, the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) hosted a national briefing to provide awareness regarding resources to assist states, organizations, and child welfare workers in responding to concerns of child trafficking. The briefing reviewed the Information Memorandum released on December 1, 2022 by the ACF in preparation for National Human Trafficking
The Urban Institute released “Four Ways to Better Support Young Adults Transitioning out of Foster Care” on January 26, 2023. The article examines the intent and outcomes of the John H. Chafee Foster Care Program for Successful Transition to Adulthood, known as Chafee, which was signed into law in 1999 and provides support to assist
On January 23, 2023, the Children’s Equity Project partnered with the Bipartisan Policy Center and Start Early to host part one of their three-part webinar series concerning the impact of the Early Head Start Child Care Partnerships (EHS-CCPs), titled “Building Supply, Enhancing Quality, and Advancing Equity.” Shantel Meek, the Founding Director of the Children’s Equity
A new study in NEJM concludes that trans and nonbinary teenagers who receive gender-affirming hormones experience less depression and anxiety and more satisfaction with life than before the treatment. This new study adds to a substantial body of research that shows gender-affirming care improves mental health and comes at a time when this care is
