ACF Request for Public Comment on Implementing a Clearinghouse of Evidence-based Practices

Following enactment of the Family First Prevention Services Act of 2018 (FFPSA), the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) is seeking public comment regarding implementing the mandated Clearinghouse of evidence-based practices, including initial criteria for identifying, prioritizing, and reviewing potential programs and services. ACF is also seeking recommendations for programs and services as candidates for review.

National Safe Place Network understands how critical the voices of youth and family service professionals are in shaping public policy.  We share this announcement with you to ensure youth and families receiving future services will have the benefit of your expertise to inform ACF’s implementation of this newly adopted legislation.

The federal registry entry for public comment is here: https://www.federalregister.gov/d/2018-13420. Comments must be submitted by July 22, 2018.

For a quick reference outline of elements for consideration, please click here.

Thank you for serving youth and families, and for advocating for procedures and practices that will best serve their needs. Together, we can!

Defend LGBTQ+ Families

When Governor Mary Fallin signed SB1140 last week, Oklahoma became the 8th U.S. state to enact legislation authorizing organizations that place children and youth in foster and adoptive homes to discriminate against LGBTQ families. Other states include Alabama, Texas, Mississippi, North Dakota, South Dakota, Virginia, and Michigan. The Kansas state legislature has passed such a bill which now awaits signature from Governor Jeff Colyer, and South Carolina and Colorado aren’t far behind.

These policies discriminate against LGBTQ families, expose youth in child welfare systems to messages of contempt, and deny children and youth in need of loving homes access to families that want to welcome them. If you are in Kansas, South Carolina or Colorado, the time to reach out to your state elected officials is now!

If you don’t live in one of these states, you can still be an ally. There is a national campaign supporting draft legislation known as the Every Child Deserves a Family (ECDF) Act. Learn about the bill, access resources for education and advocacy, and encourage your representatives in the U.S. House and Senate to support ECDF here: https://everychilddeservesafamily.com.

Basic Center Program Funding Opportunity Announcement Now Available

National Safe Place Network (NSPN) is pleased to share the release of the 2018 Basic Center Program (BCP) funding opportunity announcement (FOA). All applications must be received by 11:59 p.m. EDT on July 5. This funding opportunity is for 36 months, with three 12‑month budget periods.

Funding opportunity number: HHS-2018-ACF-ACYF-CY-1354

Anticipated number of awards: 89

Application due date: July 5, 2018

Read the BCP FOA here: https://ami.grantsolutions.gov/HHS-2018-ACF-ACYF-CY-1354

Your Network is Here to Help

Organizational Development members may sign up for grant support and review services now at: www.nspnetwork.org/grant-support.

The overview and preparation webinar will be released to NSPN members with the Organizational Development package on May 21. Weekly support calls will begin on Thursday, May 24, at 2:00 p.m. EDT. Please contact April Carthorn at [email protected] to verify access to these benefits and to receive information regarding the weekly calls and other support services.

NSPN is proud to provide benefits exclusively to our members. NSPN does not offer benefits as fee-for-service. You have made NSPN your network, and we are committed to meeting your needs. If you would like to verify your membership status or add the Organizational Development package, contact your membership team at [email protected].

You may also visit www.nspnetwork.org or contact us at [email protected] if you have questions.

New Report Highlights LGBTQ Youth Homelessness in America

Chapin Hall at the University of Chicago released its second research-to-impact brief, "Missed Opportunities: LGBTQ Youth Homelessness in America," which highlights the specific experiences of youth people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) and face homelessness.

Chapin Hall shared the following about their findings:

"We learned that, compared to heterosexual and non-transgender youth, LGBTQ youth experience higher rates of homelessness. They also face a higher risk of early death and other adversities. On the positive side, the research points to actionable opportunities to better meet the needs of LGBTQ young people in our collective efforts to end youth homelessness."

The first impact brief released by Chapin Hall, "Missed Opportunities: Youth Homelessness in America," shared results from their national survey on unaccompanied youth homelessness. The findings show that nearly 4.2 million youth and young adults in America experienced some form of homelessness over the course of a year.

To learn more, please visit: http://voicesofyouthcount.org/.

Street Outreach Program Funding Opportunity Announcement Now Available

National Safe Place Network (NSPN) is pleased to share the release of the 2018 Street Outreach Program (SOP) funding opportunity announcement (FOA). All applications must be received by 11:59 p.m. EDT on June 20. This funding opportunity is for 36 months, with three 12‑month budget periods.

Funding opportunity number: HHS-2018-ACF-ACYF-YO-1353

Anticipated number of awards: 37

Application due date: June 20, 2018

Read the SOP FOA here: https://ami.grantsolutions.gov/HHS-2018-ACF-ACYF-YO-1353.

Your Network is Here to Help

Organizational Development members may sign up for grant support and review services now at: www.nspnetwork.org/grant-support.

The overview and preparation webinar will be released to NSPN members with the Organizational Development package on April 26. Weekly support calls will begin on Thursday, April 26, at 1:00 p.m. EDT. Please contact April Carthorn at [email protected] to verify access to these benefits and to receive information regarding the weekly calls and other support services.

NSPN is proud to provide benefits exclusively to our members. NSPN does not offer benefits as fee-for-service. You have made NSPN your network, and we are committed to meeting your needs. If you would like to verify your membership status or add the Organizational Development package, contact your membership team at [email protected].

You may also visit www.nspnetwork.org or contact us at [email protected] if you have questions.