On Wednesday, January 27, 2021, the House Committee on Education and Labor introduced bipartisan legislation to strengthen the prevention and treatment of child abuse. H.R. 485, Stronger Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA), proposes robust funding increases for states and local communities to implement strategies and programs that prevent child abuse is critical to strengthen
The Children’s Bureau released the fifth Information Memorandum, ACYF-CB-IM-21-05, outlining the child welfare provisions included in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021. No program instructions or further guidance have been released yet, and unlikely that ACF will release anything before key positions or appointments are made. CWLA will continue to monitor and work with other partners to
On Wednesday, January 20, 2021, President Biden’s first day was a launch of a sweeping immigration overhaul that included directing the Homeland Security and Justice departments to preserve and fortify the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. His actions would shield undocumented immigrants brought to the country when they were children. DACA grants protection from
On January 14, 2021, the Children’s Bureau released the annual child abuse and neglect report: Child Maltreatment 2019. The numbers show a decrease in the rates of abuse and neglect for last year’s report, but infants and young children have the highest child maltreatment rates in their first year of life. For the federal fiscal year
One of the first critical decisions that will have to be worked out over the next several days is how President Biden will get his COVID-19 proposal through Congress. As a veteran senator who was also key to many of the Obama Administration’s congressional negotiations, he has raised hopes for bipartisan action, but that would
The Biden Administration has announced more moves for the Department of Health and Human Services. While the Department waits on the Senate confirmation of California Attorney General Xavier Becerra as the new Secretary, Acting Secretary Norris Cochran made several moves. Sean McCluskie was appointed the department’s Chief of Staff and Anne Reid as the Deputy
Among the dozens of Executive Orders signed or expected to be signed by President Biden starting on January 20, 2021, were: an extension on a freeze on evictions and foreclosures through the end of March, a freeze on student loans, a repeal of President Trump order that attempted to stop diversity training by federal agencies,
On Thursday, January 21, 2021, the President issued his National Strategy for the COVID-19 Response and Pandemic Preparedness. The 200-page document outlines new and future executive orders and steps the Administration intends to take regarding COVID-19. Of particular interest for the child welfare community will be actions on Goal Five: Safely reopen schools, businesses, and travel
January is National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month. This is a key time for us all to educate ourselves about human trafficking and to develop comprehensive responses that assist victims and potential victims. The Children’s Bureau has updated their States Statutes guide with the latest information for each state's and territory’s trafficking laws for
In association with Project Thrive, the Human Rights Campaign hosted a webinar on Thursday, January 21, to educate about current LGBTQ+ issues related to coming out. The host, Jean-Marie Navetta (PFLAG), reviewed terminology about coming out, inviting in, disclosure, and why the language is important when working with adolescents. The term “coming out” can be