Washington Insider

States Post Proposals on Dual Eligibles

The federal government last year announced initiatives to help states improve the quality and lower the cost of care for the approximately 9 million individuals who are eligible for both Medicaid and Medicare. These “dual eligibles” represent a disproportionate amount of spending in both programs because of their high level of need. They make up 15 percent of Medicaid beneficiaries, but account for almost 40 percent of costs. … more

Share Your Story With Members of Congress

The Foster Youth Caucus has sent us an invitation to share our stories about foster care. It would be helpful for Members of Congress  to hear about the successes and the challenges. Stories can be written or video format.

Share Your Story–Make Your Mark in American History
To honor May as National Foster Care Month, Members of Congress will share stories from foster youth on the floor of the House of Representatives. The stories will be heard by other Members of Congress and entered into the Congressional Record, forever archived as a piece of our nation’s history.

Tell us your story so that Members may bring awareness to the struggles and successes you experience with the foster care system.

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Senate Finance Committee Well-Being Roundtable

On Friday, April 27, The Alliance for Children and Families participated in a roundtable hosted by The Senate Finance Committee and led by Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), who was joined by Committee Chair Sen. Max Baucus (D-Mont.) and the staff of Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah). The meeting was held so that Committee members could hear from the child welfare community about well-being and foster care issues.

Sen. Wyden said he was interested in coordination of services and innovation at the state and local level. He mentioned health care as a top priority for children. He cited the shift in culture and practice brought about by the passage of The Violence Against Women Act 20 years ago and suggested he would like to see a similar shift occur in child welfare. … more

House Action Eliminates Social Services Block Grant

Looking for ways to cut spending, the House Committee on Ways and Means, through the budget reconciliation process, eliminated the Social Services Block Grant (SSBG). SSBG has survived many threats over the years, including  last year’s House Budget Resolution.

According to ACF (Administration for Children and Families), some of the services for both children and adults funded by SSBG include: day care, protective services, case management, transportation, foster care, substance abuse and housing. It has been estimated that 12% of federal child welfare funds come from SSBG. … more

Federal Plan to Address Psychotropic Med Use

A recent IM (Information Memorandum) issued by ACF (Administration for Children and Families) lays out a plan to guide states on appropriate use of psychotropic medication in the foster care population. The IM anticipates a meeting in August 2012 which will bring together state leaders from child welfare, mental health and Medicaid to learn about best practices and craft their own state action plans. … more


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