Resources

Administration for Children and Families

The American Rescue Plan Act is an economic stimulus bill passed by the US government, which offers support to children and families in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and the issues it has caused. The ARP helped fund a variety of programs and services including child care, Head Start, preventative child welfare interventions, family violence prevention, and more.

The Annie E. Casey Foundation

The Nation¬al Center for Injury Prevention and Control at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has joined the Thriving Families, Safer Children effort as a partner. It is a national, multiyear effort aimed at creating and enhancing networks of community-based programming and utilizing government resources to offer prevention supports and services. The initiative seeks to end the harmful practice of family separation in child welfare systems. To learn more, visit the link.

WTOP News

DC’s Community Internet Program gives internet service providers permission to install antennas on city-owned rooftops in the District in exchange for offering free or low-cost internet to residents eligible for President Biden’s Affordable Connectivity Program. The program will provide access to the roofs of 650 buildings throughout DC to help deploy networks in harder-to-reach communities. Visit the resource to learn more about the program and providers in DC.

Mayor Bowser’s FY23 budget includes strong investments in DC seniors, including in-person programming available at wellness centers and meal sites across the District. The DC Department of Aging and Community Living’s (DACL) wellness centers are designed to help seniors continue living boldly by taking charge of their health, wellness, and social life. DC seniors can visit one of our centers to find new hobbies, explore new topics, connect with new friends, and enjoy group lunches.

Washington Post

During the early stages of the pandemic – when parents and families were most vulnerable – Martha’s Table, a local DC nonprofit, deployed a cash transfer program that helped keep families financially stable in the midst of uncertainty. The program issued monthly payments of thousands of dollars, in addition to tangible resources like diapers and formula. Since then, Martha’s Table has launched additional initiatives aimed at supporting families during the pandemic, and gained attention from other institutions that are looking to do something similar. DC has joined the ranks of cities that support a guaranteed income pilot, and has allocated $1.5 million in the FY23 budget to build a pilot program modeled after Martha’s Table.

MassLegalServices

The federal poverty guidelines are measures set by the Department of Health and Human Services to help determine who may be eligible for certain financial programs. Check out this resource to determine poverty guidelines based on family size and different percentages.

Washington Informer

Eligible DC residents are able to receive low- or no-cost internet services through President Biden’s Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), established to offer inexpensive high-speed internet to individuals who may not have easy access to broadband. This year, Mayor Muriel Bowser announced an initiative to strengthen the ACP program by offering internet service providers free access to city-owned building rooftops if they agree to provide services to households eligible for the ACP. Visit the link to learn more about the ACP in DC.

Administration for Children and Families

Today, mental health and wellness remain a big concern for children, parents, and families across the country. The Administration for Children and Families has created a collection of resources to support the mental health and wellness of children, their families, and the workforce more broadly. You can access supports related to early childhood, workforce wellness, trauma-informed resources, infectious disease, and more.

The Annie E. Casey Foundation

Teenagers often land in the child welfare system not because they are being abused and neglected, but because they are having trouble getting along with their parents. However, recent research shows that needless placements can contribute to a teen’s downward spiral, make it harder to maintain relationships with caring and trustworthy adults, and can cause poorer life outcomes. Check out this resource to read more on this problem and the efforts the Casey Foundation is taking to combat issues facing teens in out-of-home placements.

Administration for Children and Families

Tenants and landlords are eligible to receive emergency rental assistance through the American Rescue Plan Act. This rental assistance can be used to help cover rent, utilities, and other housing costs. Many families need housing assistance to maintain stability. These resources can help you stay housed during times of uncertainty. Learn more about whether you may be eligible to receive these benefits.

Administration for Children and Families

The Administration on Children and Families is committed to taking action to foster equity within the organization and their programs. For the programs that fall underneath the agency within the larger Health and Human Services department, there is a renewed focus on people of color and those who have been underserved, marginalized, and impacted by poverty and inequality. The agency has gone through a careful review of policies, procedures, messaging, human resources, and more in order to demonstrate this commitment. Visit the link to learn more about the government’s pledge.