Public Policy Archives - National Wraparound Initiative (NWI)
New Program Keeps Youth Out of Court and Lowers Recidivism
October 26, 2025 | NWI
The Care Coordination Program for Deferred Prosecution was launched during the COVID-19 pandemic to reduce a backlog of juvenile court cases in Cook County, Illinois. Instead of moving youth through the court system, the program connects participants to community-based services tailored to their individual goals and needs. Chapin Hall’s evaluation shows that the program helps youth engage in services, avoid prosecution, and experience lower rates of recidivism compared to similar peers who are not offered the program.
Senate Testimony on AI Chatbots and Suicide
October 26, 2025 | NWI
Parents and online safety advocates testified at a Senate hearing, urging Congress to enact laws that would regulate AI companion apps like ChatGPT and Character.AI. They urged Congress to protect the mental health of children and youth from harms they say the new technology causes.
Health Secretary Wants to End Mental Health Screening in Schools
October 26, 2025 | NWI
U.S. Health and Education Secretaries want schools to do away with mental health screenings and therapy. Instead, they argue in a Washington Post opinion piece that schools “must return to the natural sources of mental well-being: strong families, nutrition and fitness, and hope for the future.” This article reports the views of experts who say this perspective is poorly informed about school-based mental health screenings and therapy, and offers three points they say are important to know about the issue.
Medicaid and Children’s Health: Issues to Watch Amid Recent Federal Changes
October 26, 2025 | NWI
After increasing during the pandemic, overall federal spending on children as a share of the economy has declined and is projected to continue to decline further over the next 10 years. This issue brief explores the latest data on Medicaid and children’s health and highlights five key issues to watch as federal changes are implemented.
Resources on Authentic Youth Involvement in Policy
September 14, 2025 | NWI
A research group of youth and adult representatives recently conducted a qualitative study focused on analyzing policy “wins” that featured authentic youth engagement. This report describes the study and links to additional resources created by the project, including a policy framework and organizational profiles.
Implementing Kin-Specific Licensing Standards in Foster Care
September 14, 2025 | NWI
Children placed with relatives and kin experience greater placement stability and well-being than those in regular foster care, yet many state licensing standards can create barriers to these placements. In response, a new federal rule from the Administration for Children and Families now allows Title IV-E agencies to create separate licensing or approval standards for kinship caregivers. These standards can reduce unnecessary barriers and support access to foster care maintenance payments that help families meet the unique demands of kinship care. Chapin Hall has created a phased framework to help agencies implement kin-specific licensing standards.
Cash Assistance Can Safeguard Youth Leaving Foster Care
September 14, 2025 | NWI
Unconditional, direct cash payments each month can provide a lifeline to young people transitioning out of foster care in New York City, new youth-led research suggests.
The Opportunities and Effects of Climate Action on Adolescents
May 30, 2025 | NWI
In recent years, the issue of climate change has mobilized young people across the globe to participate in climate justice protests, campaigns, and marches, and even to lead some of the world’s largest climate action organizations. Research shows that young people are particularly concerned about and conscious of climate change and uniquely inspired to find solutions, make a difference, and participate in climate action.
Education Department Halts Funding for School Mental Health
May 30, 2025 | NWI
The Trump administration says it will stop paying out $1 billion in federal grants that school districts across the country have been using to hire mental health professionals, including counselors and social workers.
Not-For-Profit Foster Care Agencies Are Being Forced to Close Due to a Lack of Liability Insurance
April 27, 2025 | NWI
Lawsuits, regulations, social inflation and policy failure have made it more difficult for not-for-profit agencies to obtain liability insurance, leading to closures and placing further stress on the child welfare system. This report describes the problem, and offers policy solutions.