Federal Policy

WAFCA monitors budget and legislative activity at the federal level and curates information that impacts the sector so that it's easier for our members to stay informed, navigate shifts in policy, and take action. Below you will find current federal updates and select resources. Consider membership if you are interested in becoming part of a network dedicated to improving policy and lives!

December Policy Updates

Chafee Turns 25. December 14, 2024, marks 25 years since the passage of the John H. Chafee Foster Care Program for Successful Transition to Adulthood. This week, advocates from across the country gathered in Washington, DC, to celebrate this significant milestone, reflect on its successes and strategize for the future. The most recent data regarding young people transitioning from foster care indicates that in FY2021, more than 19,000 young people nationwide emancipated (or aged out), meaning they reached the state legal age of adulthood or end of foster care. According to the Older Youth Outcomes Dashboard maintained by WI DCF, 141 young people aged out in 2023. Those youth, assuming they spent at least 6 months in foster care, are all eligible for Chafee supports and services delivered through regional Transition Resource Agencies. To learn more about Wisconsin's Independent Living Program, visit the DCF website.

ACYF Informational Session. On December 5, the Administration for Children, Youth & Families (ACYF) published a final rule amending the Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System (AFCARS) regulations (view the IM). This rule requires state Title IV-E agencies to collect and report data elements related to the procedural protections of the Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978 (ICWA). ACYF will hold an information session for Title IV-E agencies and the public to provide an overview of the final rule on Thursday, December 19, at 2:30 p.m. CT. Register here to join.

A 50 State Review of Efforts to Address Health Disparities. This report from KFF outlines the extensive efforts undertaken by states to address health disparities and advance health equity, with key themes including governance structures, community engagement, cross-sector initiatives, workforce diversification, and data equity. The report found success factors include strong leadership, authentic community partnerships, and sustainability planning using data; however, efforts and resources vary widely.

November Policy Updates

FLSA Update. As shared in the last edition of the E-news, in late April, the Department of Labor (DOL) announced final rule changes under the FLSA increasing salary thresholds on July 1, 2024 and then again on January 1, 2025. Shortly after we released the last E-news, the Eastern Federal Court District of Texas struck down the rule changes nationwide and remanded the matter to the DOL for further consideration. Due to the action of the court, the July 2024 and January 2025 salary threshold increases are under injunction. WAFCA will continue to monitor future DOL action which will be impacted by the change in administration in the new year.

Title IV-B Reauthorization. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Michael Bennet (D-CO) introduced the Senate companion to the Protecting America’s Children by Strengthening Families Act, a bipartisan effort to reauthorize and enhance Title IV-B of the Social Security Act. This critical legislation funds family preservation, reunification, and preventive services, addressing systemic challenges in child welfare. The bill passed the house with full support from members of the Ways and Means Committee.

Supporting Students in Foster Care. The U.S. Departments of Education and Health and Human Services have issued updated nonregulatory guidance to ensure educational stability for students in foster care. This guidance clarifies the responsibilities of child welfare and education agencies under Title I, Part A of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), as amended by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). The document emphasizes collaboration between systems to address barriers such as school transportation and stability, ensuring that every student in foster care has the support they need to succeed academically.