Public Policy Archives - National Wraparound Initiative (NWI)

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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New Study of Pediatric Mental Health Boarding

March 22, 2025 | NWI

A new study examines pre- and post-COVID trends in mental health (MH) boarding for pediatric patients seen at US children’s hospitals and to identify demographic and other features associated with prolonged boarding. MH boarding is when a child or youth comes to an emergency room in crisis and needs inpatient psychiatric care, but no beds are available. They may need to await care either in the ER itself or in a medical inpatient unit.

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Access to Medicaid and Healthcare Promotes Child Safety

March 22, 2025 | NWI

The central role of economic hardship as a driver of child welfare system involvement underscores the importance of addressing the concrete needs of families and promoting economic stability. In addition to income poverty, material hardship is a consistent predictor of child protective services contact, above and beyond family characteristics. Access to Medicaid and healthcare for children and their families, specifically, is associated with reduced risk for child welfare system involvement.

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A New Chapter in America’s Child Welfare System

February 23, 2025 | NWI

At the end of last year, Congress passed the largest overhaul of the nation’s child welfare system in more than 15 years. The reform includes more support for kinship care, aging out youth and efforts to prevent the separation of families due to poverty. This panel discussion looks at how these reforms will make a difference for children and families in the U.S.

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Foster Care’s Downward Trend

February 23, 2025 | NWI

Data from various sources shows a steady decline in the number of children and youth in foster care. This article highlights reports on legislative, policy and advocacy efforts aimed at preventing the use of foster care in as many child welfare cases as possible.

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