Advocacy

Foster Youth and Driving Act Briefing

On Wednesday, June 14, 2023, the National Foster Youth Initiative (NFYI) and Congressional Research Institute for Social Work and Policy (CRISP) held a briefing on the Foster Youth and Driving Act. The bill has been reintroduced by House Ways and Means Subcommittee Ranking Member Danny K. Davis (D-IL) and Congressional Caucus on Foster Youth Co-chair

House Ed and Workforce Committee Questions Secretary Becerra

On June 13, 2023, the House Committee on Education and the Workforce held a hearing titled “Examining the Policies and Priorities of the Department of Health and Human Services.” Committee members asked Secretary Becerra of the Department of Health and Human Services questions about children’s health-related to gender-affirming care and unaccompanied children at the border.

June is Reunification Month: Webinar

In celebration of National Reunification Month, the American Bar Association hosted a free informational webinar titled “What Child Welfare Agencies Can Do to Support Reunification Parent Partnerships and Reunification Practices” on June 7, 2023. The Oregon and Georgia Departments of Human Services shared steps their organizations have taken to best support children and families in

ILO Event on World Day Against Child Labor

The International Labour Organization (ILO) commemorated World Day Against Child Labour by hosting an event during its 111th Session of the International Labour Conference on June 12, 2023. Opening remarks by Manuela Tomei, Assistant Director General of ILO, emphasized the significance of promoting social justice and its integral relationship with achieving Sustainable Development Target 8.7

Webinar: Keep Up the Fight to Improve the Tax Code for Kids

On June 16, 2023, First Focus on Child held a webinar, “Keep Up the Fight to Improve the Tax Code for Kids,” to discuss the importance of restoring the improvements of the Child Tax Credit and Earned Income Tax Credit. Senator Brown (D-OH) explains the importance of the Child Tax Credit in his career and

Diaper Insecurity among U.S. Children and Families

The National Diaper Bank Network released a new report highlighting diaper need in the United States. From the report: “Families are considered to have diaper need when they cannot afford a supply of diapers adequate for changing at healthy intervals. Diaper need is a public health issue that threatens not only child health, but also

Protecting our Students: Webinar

On June 12, 2023, First Focus on Children started their Child Week 2023 programming with a webinar titled “Protecting our Students – A Conversation with FL State Rep. Anna Eskamani & PEN America’s Jonathan Friedman.” This event focused on the increasing efforts to pass policies that censor students in public schools across the United States.

Congress Takes on Tax Reform

On June 7, 2023, Representatives Rosa DeLauro (D- CT), Suzan DelBene (D-WA), and Ritchie Torres (D-NY), reintroduced the American Family Act, legislation that would make permanent the expanded and improved monthly Child Tax Credit. The CTC was expanded as part of the American Rescue Plan Act, COVID-19 response legislation to help working families. The expansion

Senate HELP Hearing on Youth Mental Health

The Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee held a hearing on June 8, 2023 titled "Why Are So Many American Youth in a Mental Health Crisis?” exploring causes and solutions to examine the mental health issues youth face and the need for an improved infrastructure for mental health care. Chairman Bernie Sanders (I-VT)

House Considers Farm Bill Provisions: Hearing

On June 7, 2023, the House Agriculture Committee held a hearing entitled “Innovation, Employment, Integrity, and Health: Opportunities for Modernization in Title IV” to discuss how to proceed with the Farm Bill, which is set to expire later this year. Though children were not the main focus of this hearing, they make up a significant

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