August 2026 Public Policy Recap
Federal Developments Impacting Children, Families, and Communities
Each week, FFTA members receive timely policy updates, resources, and analysis designed to help organizations navigate a rapidly changing child and family serving landscape. Below are a few of the key developments highlighted during August.
ACF Awards $6 Million for Child Welfare Predictive Analytics
The Administration for Children and Families announced $6 million in awards to 10 state, Tribal and local child welfare agencies to pilot the use of predictive analytics and other data tools. Indiana, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Texas, the Muscogee Creek Nation and the District of Columbia were selected. The initiative continues the Administration’s focus on technology modernization, data and innovation in child welfare and will test how these tools can support better informed decision making and system improvement.
HUD Continues Expansion of Foster Youth to Independence
HUD continued its focus on housing stability for young people transitioning from foster care through new guidance and implementation support for the Foster Youth to Independence (FYI) initiative. More than 9,000 FYI vouchers have been issued since the program began in 2019, and HUD hosted an August webinar to review recent guidance and help communities strengthen coordination between public housing agencies, child welfare agencies and community partners. Housing remains a central component of the broader federal focus on successful transitions from foster care.
Fostering the Future Scholarship Investment Expands Education Opportunities
The Administration also announced a new private sector investment in postsecondary opportunities for young people with foster care experience. During an August White House event, IndyCar and FOX Sports announced a $2 million commitment supporting scholarships at Indiana University and Purdue University as part of the broader Fostering the Future initiative. The announcement also highlighted a growing network of 26 colleges and universities participating in efforts to expand education and opportunity for youth transitioning from foster care.
ACF Updates Social Services Block Grant Regulations
New federal guidance affecting the Social Services Block Grant (SSBG) took effect August 10 as ACF finalized changes intended to reduce administrative burden and remove outdated or unnecessary requirements from federal block grant regulations. SSBG remains an important and flexible funding source for states, supporting child welfare, family stabilization and other social services. The changes are part of a broader federal effort to streamline program administration while maintaining state flexibility in how SSBG funds are used.
Stay Informed
These highlights represent only a portion of the policy developments covered in FFTA's weekly member policy alerts. Members receive regular updates on federal and state policy, funding opportunities, emerging initiatives, legislative developments, and resources impacting children, families, and communities nationwide.
Writer: Treva Johnson, FFTA
