Healthy Growth & Development in Child Welfare

CDC Report: Head Start Programs Successfully Slowed the Spread of COVID-19 Transmission

The CDC reported that Head Start programs have successfully prevented the spread of COVID-19 and could potentially be used as child care and other early education providers' blueprints. Head Start programs are HHS funded programs that serve children between the ages of 0 and 5. Head start programs received $750 million from the CARES Act funding, and

Analysis Suggests Waive of Evictions Without Relief

A new analysis by the Center on Budget Policy and Priority indicates that 23 percent of renters who have lost income or work due to COVID-19 are now behind in their rent. That is more than double overall rates and suggests big trouble as aid (including unemployment extensions) runs out at the end of this

Call for Expressions of Interest: Expanding Evidence on Replicable Recovery and Reunification Interventions for Families (R3)

Child welfare jurisdictions are increasingly turning to interventions that use recovery coaches in their efforts to improve access to and engagement in substance use disorder (SUD) treatment and recovery support services, with the goal of improving parental recovery and child welfare outcomes. Yet, there is limited evidence on the effectiveness of these interventions. The purpose

WEBINAR: The Multiethnic Placement Act and Transracial Adoption 25 Years Later

On Wednesday, December 16, 2020, 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM EST, CWLA invites you to hear about a new suite of reports being released by the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Research and Evaluation at US DHHS on findings from 25 years of the Multiethnic Placement Act (MEPA) and transracial adoptions.  Register here.   Researched approximately

Children’s Bureau Provides Guidance on Virtual Adaptation of Evidence-Based Practices

On Friday, November 20, 2020, the Children’s Bureau issued a letter to child welfare leaders permitting Title IV-E Prevention programs and services to be adapted to a virtual environment during the current emergency (COVID-19 pandemic). In the letter, Commissioner Jerry Milner outlines that under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, adaptation

CR Likely Extended as Talks Continue, Relief Package Still In-Play

Members and staff continued to work on a final FY 2021 appropriations omnibus package that will cover all 12 appropriations bills. They continue to make progress, but it is increasingly likely that they will need another short-term continuing resolution (CR) to finalize the package. The current CR funding expires on December 11, 2020. It seems

GAO Finds Urgent Action Needed in Pandemic

Last week, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) released a 460-page report highlighting a range of urgent needs to address during this pandemic. The report, Urgent Actions Needed to Better Ensure an Effective Federal Response, summarized:  The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in catastrophic loss of life and substantial damage to the global economy, stability, and security. According to federal

Supreme Court Hears Affordable Care Act Case

On Tuesday, November 10, 2020, the Supreme Court considered another significant case with national policy implications for the second week in a roll when they considered challenges to the Affordable Care Act. The concern of supporters of the ACA, including CWLA, is that the Court could strike down the entire law as requested by the

Experiences of LGBTQAI+ Youth in Foster Care in New York City

The New York Administration for Children’s Services (ACS) commissioned a survey of the LGBTQAI+ youth in the New York City foster care system on their experiences and well-being compared to their peers who are not LGBTAI+. The report states that LGBTQAI+ “comprises persons who because of their gender and sexuality have specific needs and are treated

Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week: November 15-22, 2020

Hunger and homelessness in America is a problem that is impacting millions of children, youth, and families. 43.1 million of Americans live below the poverty line, 42 million Americans are at risk of suffering from hunger, and 1 in 5 children in the U.S. live in poverty. “This year, the stakes couldn’t be higher: public

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