The Administration for Children and Families (ACF) at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services today announced a nationwide $7 million prize competition aimed at incentivizing states to improve their ratios of foster homes-to-children in foster care. The A Home for Every Child Innovation Challenge will reward child welfare agencies with the best ratio and the most improved ratio within one year, starting October 2026. These state performance-based bonuses reflect ACF’s commitment to achieving the goal of a 1:1 ratio of foster homes-to-children in foster care across the country.  “In my conversations with the 20 participating states, I have been struck by a shared sense of determination. Each one wants their state to lead – to do better for children and families than ever before. That spirit of health competition is powerful,” said Assistant Secretary Alex J. Adams. “The introduction of performance-based bonus awards raises the stakes in the right way, aligning incentives with what we know works. I have seen first-hand how our 'A Home for Every Child' initiative is helping states expand the number of safe, supportive homes, responsibly reduce entries into foster care, and most importantly, deliver real, lasting results for children. May the best state win, and most importantly, let’s work together so that all children win nationwide.” The first-place state with the highest ratio of foster homes-to-children in foster care will be awarded $3 million. The second-place state will be awarded $2 million. Finally, two states with the most improved ratios will be awarded $1 million. Registration for the Innovation Challenge begins today, May 14, 2026, and ends on June 30, 2026. The competition period will run from October 1, 2026, to September 30, 2027, with winners expected to be announced in November 2027. Competition Requirements To be eligible to participate in the Innovation Challenge, a child welfare jurisdiction must be participating in ACF’s “A Home for Every Child” initiative. This means the jurisdiction has formally opted into the new Program Improvement Plan (PIP) pilot announced under Child and Family Service Review (CFSR) Technical Bulletin #14 . The child welfare jurisdiction must also be authorized to receive federal funding under Title IV-E . Winner Selection Winners of the Innovation Challenge will be selected based on data submitted to ACF under the new PIP pilot. The Assistant Secretary for Children and Families will make the final determination of winners based on verified data and compliance with all challenge requirements. Prizes will be paid directly to the winners via electronic funds transfer. States can learn more about the rules of the competition and how to enter by visiting A Home for Every Child Innovation Challenge .

The Emerging Leaders Institute (ELI) is an interactive, web-based, six-week event for emerging leaders of youth and family service organizations. This experience focuses on the skills needed to support ongoing success. ELI offers online activities and learning sessions, small group discussions, peer networking, and individual coaching. ELI is best for staff of youth and family service organizations who are new to their role or are preparing for a new role as: Shift leader, Manager, Supervisor, or Director. Developing leadership skills can: Build agency capacity, Improve the quality of supervision, Improve program and organization impact, Reduce turnover, and Support succession planning. Dates of the Institute Over the last few years, there has been an increased interest in ELI. The fall session is expected to sell out quickly, with no further sessions scheduled in 2026. Fall Session September 2 – October 7, 2026 (weekly meetings held on Wednesday from 4:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. EDT) Cost to Participate NSPN Members: $300 per registrant Non-Members: $400 per registrant The deadline to register is August 26, 2026. Space is limited to ensure maximum opportunities for involvement for all participants. The event is expected to sell out quickly, and registration will close once all seats are filled. Learn more at www.nspnetwork.org/level-up-leadership. NSPN members can register in the NSPN support center for their member discount. All others can register at https://link.journeycare.app/widget/form/piTehKdfs5wFKSeSsYl5

National Safe Place Network is excited to host the “Making My Community a Safe Place” webinar the week after National Safe Place (NSP) Week. This free session is a great opportunity to learn how the Safe Place program works, explore ways to strengthen youth safety in your community, and get your questions answered by NSPN staff. There is no cost to attend, and all are welcome to join the conversation and take the next step in expanding the safety net for youth in your community. Date: Thursday, March 26 | Time: 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. EDT This webinar will provide participants with: An overview of the Safe Place ® program and its national impact Insights into program standards and partnership opportunities for public and private organizations A look at the four models of Safe Place ® licensure and their basic requirements An introduction to the TXT 4 HELP program, a vital resource supporting local Safe Place ® efforts An open Q&A session about the licensing process Discover how to bring the Safe Place ® initiative to your community and take the first step toward ensuring every young person has access to safety and support when they need it most. Find more information on Safe Place at www.nationalsafeplace.org .

Logic models have polarized grant writers, program managers, strategic planners, and funders for decades. Love them or hate them, these models serve to depict your theory of change regarding the link between your organizational strengths, planned activities, and the projected benefits of your efforts. This 101-level seminar will focus on developing a practical understanding of logic models and how the development of this tool can serve a purpose beyond checking it off the funding proposal requirement list. These models can and do tell an important story of why your organization and its programs make a vital difference in your community. Participants will review various types of formats and will create a personal logic model, which will help crystallize your understanding of goals, objectives, outputs, and outcomes. As a bonus, if you are currently applying for funds for an entity requiring a logic model, you can ensure you are submitting one that tells the story you need to tell. Date: Tuesday, March 31, 2026 Time: 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. EST Cost: $25 for NSPN members/$50 for non-members NSPN members can register in the NSPN support center for their member discount. All others can register at https://link.journeycare.app/widget/form/59SXhzhPqYQ4TO21XrEP .

Unlock your potential and step confidently into the world of grant writing with GrantEd 101, a dynamic, virtual seminar designed to give new and aspiring grant writers the skills they need to shine. Whether you're looking to grow professionally, expand your organization’s funding success, or add a powerful skill to your toolkit, this session is your perfect starting point. For more than 40 years, National Safe Place Network (NSPN) has empowered emerging grant writers nationwide. Now, we're excited to bring this trusted training to the 2026 calendar. Don’t miss your chance to jump‑start your grant writing journey! Why Attend GrantEd 101? Because great grant writers aren’t born, they’re trained. This seminar delivers the essential knowledge, insider tips, and practical strategies you need to start strong and succeed. You’ll Discover How To: Explore core competencies and learn how to pursue professional certification Research effectively and identify high‑value funding opportunities Decode grant writing terminology with confidence Build smart work habits that set you up for long‑term success Keep your mission front and center while seeking funding Tap into tools, resources, and supports designed for new grant writers Ready to grow your skills and your impact? Join us for GrantEd 101 and take your first step toward becoming a confident, capable grant writer. Date: Thursday, April 2, 2026 Time: 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. EDT Cost: $100 for non-members/$50 for NSPN members If you have questions, please reach out to support@nspnetwork.org. Registration with a member discount is included on the NSPN support centers. Non-members may register at https://link.journeycare.app/widget/form/cvblb1d46gib3ofhTjZC.

Organizations nationwide are strengthening their programs through shared learning, new resources, and collaborative support. Members continue to exchange ideas that elevate youth safety.

Ensuring the safety and well-being of children is a priority for every early childhood program. A Guide to Creating “Safe Space” Policies for Early Childhood Programs, provided by the Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP), offers valuable insights and practical steps for child care providers to develop policies that protect children and families from the impact of immigration enforcement actions. This guide provides important information on safeguarding privacy, creating welcoming environments, and preparing for potential enforcement scenarios. It includes step-by-step instructions for developing a “safe space” policy, legal considerations, and key resources for providers and parents. For those looking to strengthen protections within their programs, this guide can serve as a helpful tool. Click here to DOWNLOAD the full guide .

NSPN’s national initiatives continue to drive new partnerships, training opportunities, and evidence-informed strategies that improve outcomes for young people. Together, we’re expanding the reach and impact of youth-serving efforts…response to youth in crisis.