Public Policy Archives - National Wraparound Initiative (NWI)
Spring 2024 Updates to the Family First Clearinghouse
June 16, 2024 | NWI
This Spring, the clearinghouse that greenlights foster care prevention services approved one new program that states can finance by drawing down federal funds aimed at lessening the use of foster care, rejected nine others, and announced 16 new programs up for consideration.
Colorado Decreases Financial Strain for Parents With Children in Foster Care
June 16, 2024 | NWI
Colorado families whose children are placed in foster care will no longer automatically be required to make child support payments – a practice that may delay reunification – thanks to a Colorado Department of Human Services rule change implemented in 2023 and recently turned into law.
Housing Support Improves Outcomes for Families Involved in Child Welfare
May 13, 2024 | NWI
A new report describes how a program aimed at increasing housing security has had positive impacts on children and families involved with the child welfare system.
“Last Week Tonight” Discusses Medicaid MCOs
May 13, 2024 | NWI
This episode discusses why millions of people have been kicked off Medicaid, and (starting at minute 17) looks at some of the downsides of Medicaid managed care organizations.
Giving Children a Voice in the Courtroom
April 8, 2024 | NWI
Two locations in Virginia are piloting programs through the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges to improve the handling of child abuse and neglect cases, reduce the number of children in foster care and improve outcomes for children in care. The programs encourage children to attend court and share their own perspectives.
A Trust Fund for Every Baby: What Is the Current Status of “Baby Bonds”?
February 3, 2024 | NWI
Baby bonds are universal, publicly funded child trust accounts. When recipients reach adulthood, they can use the funds for wealth-building activities such as purchasing a home, investing in education, or starting a small business. Baby bonds are intended to decrease wealth inequities. This brief revisits the policy as originally proposed, provides a legislative update, and outlines six design features that would help baby bonds deliver on the promise of reducing racial wealth inequities.
Youth Leadership in Addressing the Mental Health Crisis
January 8, 2024 | NWI
Members of Mental Health America’s Young Leaders Council have co-authored a report focusing on their ideas for improving young adult wellbeing nationwide. The report highlights the young leaders’ programs and advocacy, with the goal of expanding and replicating youth-led solutions to the mental health crisis.
Why Youth Incarceration Fails: Evidence Review
July 23, 2023 | NWI
This publication summarizes the evidence documenting the serious problems associated with the youth justice system’s continuing heavy reliance on incarceration and makes recommendations for reducing the use of confinement. It details how the harms of incarceration fall disproportionately on Black youth and other youth of color – despite well-established alternatives that produce better outcomes for youth and community safety.
Family First Reforms One Year Later
May 22, 2023 | NWI
The Family First Prevention Services Act contains a major child welfare policy allowing states to use federal funds to support the judicious use of congregate care. This report examines where states stand after one year, describes what was and was not working to date, and identifies early lessons learned to inform future implementation decisions and child welfare policy deliberations.
Anti-Poverty Programs May Help With Mental Health Disparities
May 22, 2023 | NWI
States that provide stronger social safety nets have lower socioeconomic disparities in the brain development and mental health of children 9 to 11 years old, according to research supported by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) at the National Institutes of Health.