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December 20, 2024

Hello Jessica,

The Digital Government Hub, the product of APHSA's partnership with the Beeck Center’s Digital Benefits and Service Networks, is a one-stop resource for driving digital transformation in government with more than 1,300 tools from 400+ organizations. Be a part of the transformation by submitting your content to the hub. Together, we can continue to drive innovation and shape the future of public benefits!

This Week in Washington will be off for the holiday season in line with the Congressional calendar. Keep a look out for us in your inbox again on January 10. Until then, safe and happy holidays! If needed, we’ll be sure to keep you apprised of any important information through special updates. In the meantime, you can follow us on social media or check out our website.

Top Headline

Updates on a Continuing Resolution

As the federal government nears critical deadlines, APHSA is closely monitoring developments related to the passage of a Continuing Resolution (CR) and the potential for a government shutdown. We understand the uncertainty this could create for you and your agencies and want to assure you that we will provide updates and guidance as needed, now and through the holiday season. We encourage you to reach out to Christine Johnson, Assistant Director of Policy, with any questions or concerns.

Legislative Update

Stop Institutional Child Abuse Act Passed

A new bill passed by Congress this December creates a Federal Work Group on Youth Residential Programs to promote best practices for the health, safety, care, treatment, and placement of youth in these programs. The group will recommend a national database to track outcomes and support the training of professionals and paraprofessionals in relevant sectors. Additionally, the bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services to work with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to study and recommend improvements for federal and state oversight of youth residential programs.

Moving Human Services Upstream

USDA Invests $1.13 Billion to Strengthen Local Food Systems

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced a $1.13 billion investment to support local food systems, continuing the success of its Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement (LFPA) and Local Food for Schools (LFS) programs into 2025.

National Monument Honors Resilience Amid Forced Assimilation

The administration recently designated a national monument at a former Native American boarding school in Pennsylvania. The Carlisle Federal Indian Boarding School National Monument is meant to honor Indigenous resilience and acknowledge the forced assimilation policies at boarding schools like the Carlisle Indian Industrial School, which operated from 1879 to 1918.

Advancing Social and Economic Mobility

Empowering Noncustodial Parents: New Employment Rule

The Office of Child Support Services (OCSS) has issued a final rule allowing State and Tribal agencies to use federal funds to provide employment and training services for eligible noncustodial parents. These services include job search assistance, skills training, and job retention support.

Strengthening the Human Services Sector

Final Rule: SNAP Work Requirements and Program Updates

The USDA has issued a final rule on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), implementing three provisions of the Fiscal Responsibility Act (FRA) of 2023. Under this final rule, able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWD) aged 18–54 must meet work requirements to receive benefits beyond three months. Exceptions now include veterans, the unhoused, and those aging out of foster care. The age limit increased from 49 to 54, and states have fewer exemptions to grant. The rule also clarifies state screening and verification processes.

Press Release: Study Requested to Strengthen Tribal Child Welfare Programs

Senators Elizabeth Warren and Lisa Murkowski have asked the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to study child abuse and neglect in Indigenous communities to better support Tribal child welfare programs. This study aims to guide Congress in supporting Tribal child welfare programs, as American Indian and Alaskan Native children remain overrepresented in foster care—reflecting a history of trauma from boarding schools and forced family separations.

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