June 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 May.
Administration Launches Fostering the Future Accounts
First Lady Melania Trump, alongside Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, announced the launch of Fostering the Future Accounts, a new initiative designed to help children and youth in foster care build long-term financial stability. Developed through a partnership between the U.S. Departments of the Treasury and Health and Human Services, the initiative will allow participating states, territories, and Tribes to establish savings and investment accounts that support successful transitions to adulthood.
Recruiting Families Using Data Act Heads to the President's Desk
The bipartisan Recruiting Families Using Data Act (S. 162) passed the U.S. Senate by unanimous consent after previously passing the House and now heads to the President for signature. The legislation encourages states to use data and stakeholder input to strengthen foster family recruitment and retention, improve placement stability, expand kinship placements, and better match children with families able to meet their needs.
Prevention Services Clearinghouse Continues to Expand
The Title IV-E Prevention Services Clearinghouse continued to grow in June with the addition of newly rated evidence-based programs, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, while the Administration for Children and Families released model language to help states and Tribes amend their Title IV-E Prevention Plans. Together, these actions provide jurisdictions with additional evidence-based prevention options while streamlining the process for incorporating newly rated services into existing prevention plans.
Annie E. Casey Foundation Releases 2026 KIDS COUNT® Data Book
The Annie E. Casey Foundation released the 2026 KIDS COUNT® Data Book, reporting a slight decline in overall child well-being since 2019 while highlighting continued improvements in areas such as teen birth rates and children living in high-poverty neighborhoods. The annual report also introduced a new scoring system that provides additional insight into state progress and child well-being trends over time.
USDA Releases FY 2025 SNAP Payment Error Rates
USDA released the FY 2025 SNAP payment error rates for all states, marking an important milestone in implementation of H.R. 1. While payment error rates have historically been used to measure payment accuracy, they will now help determine state financial responsibility for SNAP benefit costs beginning in FY 2027. Under H.R. 1, FY 2025 or FY 2026 payment error rates will establish the required state match for the first year of implementation, with certain states qualifying for delayed implementation under the law. The Food Research & Action Center (FRAC) also released a companion table outlining each state's payment error rate, projected state cost share, estimated fiscal impact, and eligibility for delayed implementation.
OMB Proposed Rule Continues to Generate National Discussion
The Office of Management and Budget's proposed revisions to the Uniform Guidance governing federal grants continued to generate significant discussion throughout June. While much of the early attention focused on conferences and training, organizations across the country have raised broader concerns about the proposal's potential impact on federally funded programs, provider capacity, and administrative requirements. Public comments remain open through July 13, and FFTA continues to monitor the proposal and evaluate its potential implications for child welfare providers and the families they serve.
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
