The COVID-19 pandemic began during the Procedural Justice-Informed Alternatives to Contempt (PJAC) demonstration project, which tested a new approach to child support service delivery. The PJAC demonstration project integrated principles of procedural justice into enforcement practices in six child support agencies across the United States. This MDRC report uses data collected during the public health emergency to examine how three child support agencies experienced the COVID-19 pandemic. It focuses on how employment, earnings, and unemployment insurance patterns changed for members of the PJAC sample after the onset of the pandemic.

In October 2023, the Employer Assistance and Resource Network on Disability Inclusion featured presenters who shared insights on employer practices that consider the mental health and well-being of youth who are transitioning to the workforce, with a particular focus on youth of color. The webinar was intended to help employers understand the importance of mental health and trauma-informed practices in relation to their talent acquisition and workforce retention processes.

The Gathering of Native Americans (GONA) is an almost four-decade-old proven model to assist communities to heal from the lasting impacts of colonization. Historical and intergenerational trauma is at the root of hopelessness and healing is the answer to trauma. The GONA follows four developmental phases and values of Belonging, Mastery, Interdependence and Generosity. The Native Wellness Initiative is hosting GONA virtually, from August 6 and 7, 2024 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. PT. Staff members in tribal and urban communities who work in prevention, promotion of culture, social service programs, youth workers, behavioral health staff, tribal leaders and others interested in bringing healing as a tool to address suicide in Indian Country are invited to attend.

There is a registration fee to attend this training course.

In October 2023, child welfare leaders, researchers, caseworkers, advocates, and foster care alumni convened for a two-day Think Tank event. The event elevated the voices of lived experts to identify promising practices and barriers. This Chapin Hall report documents the proceedings, highlighting the themes that emerged as participants described the importance of permanent connections and what systems can do to foster healing relationships for emerging adults in care. The report also summarizes the key values that guided the planning process, and how those values were demonstrated in inclusive, youth-centered, trauma-informed practices throughout the Think Tank.

A job can have a profound effect on someone’s well-being. A good job creates financial stability, can make a person feel more secure, and help them plan for the future. And when workers have a voice and opportunities to learn and grow, good jobs promote a sense of belonging. In May of 2024, the Department of Labor (DOL) launched a new webpage devoted to young people’s mental health needs. This webpage emphasizes that the workforce system is an important partner in supporting the mental health of young people, and that good jobs are a critical component of well-being and security. The DOL is committed to equipping the workforce system with resources and connections to ensure that youth employment programs are a bridge to the wellness services young people need.

Throughout the past 15 years, differing viewpoints have emerged about what role, if any, kinship diversion should play in the child welfare system. This Annie E. Casey Foundation report highlights a comprehensive survey administered in 2022 of kinship care policies that identifies increasing efforts by states, Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico to promote kinship care and support kinship caregivers of children and youth who are known to the child welfare system.

The Child and Family Teaming (CFT) model forms the basis of practice for child welfare services under the Integrated Core Practice Model and California's Continuum of Care Reform. This guide was developed by the California Department of Social Services in collaboration with California Tribal Families Coalition and begins with an overview of Indian Child Welfare Act’s requirements for the CFT. It then moves on to best practices in partnering with Tribes, including learning about the Tribe and understanding differing perspectives. The guide continues with highlighting best practices for including children and engaging all team members in the CFT, provides guidance in making CFT meetings accessible and culturally responsive, and gives tips to practitioners in their ongoing communication with the team between meetings.

The National Association for Welfare Research and Statistics is hosting a webinar on July 24, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. ET to discuss the importance of and strategies for supporting families during pregnancy and the first year of life. Presenters will share how TANF funds are being used to provide cash to families and talk about RxTalks, a no-strings-attached program in Flint, Michigan that is currently providing cash to 700 families.

This Mathematica brief describes the activities of the Mississippi Action Learning Network (MALN) from May 2022 to December 2023 and includes takeaways related to how facilitators planned and facilitated meetings, meeting attendance, how sharing and learning occurred, what participants learned and collaboration examples, and progress the group made towards its goals. MALN is a Mississippi state initiative where leaders share and learn best practices, innovations, and solutions for improving economic mobility.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has published details of a new process for victims and survivors of trafficking to block adverse information from their credit reports that resulted from their trafficking experience. This Polaris Project guide was created to provide survivors and advocates with additional information about this process.