APHSA 2015 Annual Report

INFLUENCE HIGHLIGHTS FROM 2015

Through the Pathways framework, we advanced our members’ policy and practice priorities through the following actions and accomplishments: ●● Testified before the House Ways & Means Human Resources Subcommittee on ways to improve TANF and work engagement, sparking active discussion in Congress of the need to modernize TANF’s outdated incentive and accountability structure and align it with the workforce sector through the recently reauthorized Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). Actively working with Congress as part of TANF reauthorization to design alternatives to the work participation rate. ●● Launched the grassroots Keeping Kids in Families campaign through our historic partnership with the Alliance for Strong Families and Communities and the National Organization of State Associations for Children. Known as the Triad, this partnership has advanced concrete ideas for achieving results-based funding in child welfare with a focus on shifting to up-stream prevention-oriented investments. At the request of Congressional staff and in anticipation of a bipartisan bill, provided detailed comments on draft legislation, including what constitutes an effective continuum of care. Visit online at: http://keepingkidsinfamilies.org. ●● Oriented states to the opportunities for modernizing human services systems through use of the OMB Cost Allocation Exception, which was extended for three years at the urging of our members. Advocated for expanded access to the verified data through the Federal Data Services Hub for health and human service eligibility determinations.

●● Helped collect data and connect child welfare leaders to the National Commission to Eliminate Child Abuse and Neglect Fatalities. Urged the Commission to include in its recommendations the need for a public health approach to reducing child abuse and neglect. ●● Testified before the National Commission on Hunger sharing members’ views on the need for an integrated set of policies and strategies for strengthening the nutrition, capacity, and overall well- being of low-income families. ●● Connected human service leaders to key officials within the Federal Administration to promote well-guided and effective implementation of major law changes, including the Child Care Development Block Grant (CCDBG) and Preventing Trafficking and Strengthening Families Act. Helped secure much needed additional time for states to complete state plans following the extensive changes in the CCDBG. ●● Contributed state and local input on proposed regulations, including the Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System (AFCARS), SACWIS, WIOA, and the extended 90-10 funding for Medicaid eligibility systems. ●● Actively supported “blended funding” demonstrations for disconnected youth; pilots to test new workforce engagement approaches for SNAP participants; and other opportunities to allow states and localities to innovate. ●● Presented information to Congress on state’s use of the Social Services Block Grant as an important resource to strengthen individual and family capacity, prevent abuse and neglect of children and adults, prevent or reduce inappropriate use of institutional care, and otherwise serve as a “glue” across services and sectors.

“When a strategy is in question I ask, what would APHSA do or recommend?” – Alaska

American Public Human Services Association

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