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Vol 1, Issue 1 |
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Greetings NACHSA Members! |
The House and Senate have returned following the Inauguration. They face two key budget deadlines soon: the across-the-board cut trigger on March 1 of 5.2 % for domestic discretionary programs and a similar cut to defense; and, a March 27 deadline when funding for all federal agencies expires if there is no action to extend FFY 2013 appropriations. The Washington Post has prepared a timeline and short description of these budget pressure points which may be viewed here. A summary of how the sequester would work is found on this Center on Budget and Policy Priorities webpage.
The National Association of Counties (NACo) released this week a quick guide to understanding the debt limit debate and the significance to counties. The presentation also examines areas of risk and opportunity for counties in the ongoing negotiations. That presentation may be accessed here.
Last week, President Obama signed into law the Protect Our Kids Act of 2012 (H.R. 6655; P.L. 112-275). The new law establishes the Commission to Eliminate Child Abuse and Neglect Fatalities, which is tasked with developing recommendations for a national strategy to reduce fatalities resulting from child abuse and neglect. The Commission is directed to study the use of Title IV-B, IV-E and Social Services Block Grant funding in reducing child abuse and neglect fatalities. Findings and recommendations are due to the President and Congress in two years.
NACHSA Dues Are Due! NACHSA 2013 dues are due. This is the ninth consecutive year that NACHSA's dues have been frozen. Click here to access the dues letter highlighting NACHSA's efforts in 2012 and the form itself.
Conference Stipends Available: NACHSA is offering a limited number of $500 stipends to county directors or their designee to help defray the costs of attending the upcoming National Association of Counties' Legislative Conference, to be held March 2-6, 2013 at the Washington Hilton. Contact Tom Joseph at tj@wafed.com to receive a brief application form. For more information about the NACo conference, click here. |
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Health Reform Implementation Resources |
Proposed Rule Issued on Medicaid, Children's Health Insurance Programs, and Exchanges: This week, HHS issued its proposed rule which would govern a number of administrative procedures necessary to implement the Affordable Care Act. It reflects new statutory eligibility provisions; proposes changes to provide states more flexibility to coordinate Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and outlines proposals on eligibility notices, appeals, and many other related administrative procedures. This link allows the reader to jump to sections of the proposed rule that may be of particular concern and interest. A HealthReformGPS summary of the rule by may be viewed here.
States Investing in Technology, Simplifying Enrollment Processes: Nearly all states are pressing forward with information technology and process improvements to develop faster, streamlined Medicaid enrollment systems as required under the Affordable Care Act, whether or not the state elects to expand Medicaid coverage under the law, according to a report released this week by the Kaiser Family Foundation.
The 50-state survey of Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) eligibility, enrollment, and cost-sharing policies found that 47 states have applied for or received increased federal funds to make major upgrades to Medicaid enrollment systems, and 42 states have already begun their system development work. There are a number of state-by-state charts in the appendix comparing each state's eligibility, asset tests and administration of the programs. Click here to read a summary of the findings.
ACA Eligibility Flow Chart: Kaiser has also posted a Visualizing Health Policy chart which provides a step-by-step guide through the options and requirements for health coverage under the Affordable Care Act beginning in 2014, including coverage through an employer, coverage through a health insurance exchange, and coverage through Medicaid. |
Human Services Resources |
Online Services for Key Low-Income Programs: The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities has updated its report on what states make available on-line for SNAP, Medicaid, CHIP, TANF and child care assistance. A number of states allow individuals to apply for benefits and transact certain related business online. In addition to information provided for the five main low-income benefit programs, thirty states have General Assistance (GA) programs for individuals not qualifying for any other public assistance, and provide basic program information for GA online as well. Additionally, this report goes into further detail on on-line services for SNAP. Read a Washington Post story about the reports here.
HHS Identifies Resources to Serve Homeless Children: More than 1.6 million children in the U.S. live on the streets or in homeless shelters. Forty-two percent of these children are under the age of six. The numbers of homeless children are even higher when also counting families who are temporarily doubling up with others, living in campgrounds or otherwise without a stable home. HHS has recently released a number of resources on serving children experiencing homelessness.They include a letter from the Administration of Children and Families, policies and procedures, resources, and strategies to increase access to services. |
Webinars |
Casework Teaming to Reduce Workload, Enhance Effectiveness & Boost Morale: On January 30 at 3 pm ET, the National Child Welfare Workforce Institute is hosting a webinar highlighting Casework Teaming, whereby casework functions are shared among multiple staff in order to reduce caseworker isolation and workload, improve retention and strengthen decision making and service delivery to children, youth and families. The New York State Teaming Initiative began in 2007 with 5 teams; there are now 11 counties with a total of 26 different casework teams. This session will offer a comprehensive overview of the essential elements of casework teaming, the development, implementation and outcomes of this innovative strategy to date, and the specific lessons learned, tips for other agencies, and the leadership competencies and skills necessary to sustain it over time. To learn more and to register, click here.
Trauma Informed Child Welfare Practice and Intervention: On February 6 at 3 pm ET, the National Resource Center for Permanency and Family Connections will present a webcast discussing trauma-informed child welfare practice and intervention. Glenn Saxe and Erika Tullberg from the New York University Child Study Center will provide information about how trauma impacts children, families, and staff involved in the child welfare system, and offer concrete ways that foster parents, staff, agency leaders, and other stakeholders can help mitigate trauma's impact on children, families, and the child welfare system overall. Dr. Saxe will provide an overview of Trauma Systems Therapy, an evidence-informed, comprehensive, multi-pronged approach used by a growing number of child welfare providers. Presenters will also share information about resources that can support trauma-informed practice and intervention, and plans for evaluation of the impact of these tools. Click here to learn more.
Child Maltreatment 2011 - Key Findings: Slated for February 7 at 1 pm ET, this webinar will present national data about child abuse and neglect known to child protective services agencies. Presenters will discuss key highlights from the Child Maltreatment 2011 report and share additional findings that shed light on emerging issues and trends in child abuse and neglect. The featured speakers include Bryan Samuels, the Commissioner of the Administration on Children, Youth and Families (ACYF); Catherine Nolan, the Director of the Office on Child Abuse and Neglect (ACYF); and Kurt Heisler, the Project Manager for NCANDS (ACYF). Space is limited. Register here.
Engaging the Public in Preventing Child Abuse and Neglect: Prevent Child Abuse Colorado is holding a February 13, at noon ET covering recent research in communications, framing, messaging. Ben Tanzer from Prevent Child Abuse America will discuss how this research can be integrated into prevention professionals' day-to-day work and how revised and reconsidered communications can promote the message of preventing child abuse and neglect. Click here to register. |
Human Services Jobs |
San Bernardino County, Calif. is recruiting for a Deputy Director in their Child Support Services Department.
The County of Santa Clara, Calif. is seeking a Director of Employment and Benefit Services.
The City and County of San Francisco has an opening for their Deputy Director of Family and Children's Services.
NACHSA members may post senior job openings free of charge. Contact Tom Joseph at tj@wafed.com for more information. |
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Tom Joseph
National Association of County Human Services Administrators
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