Nearly half the states have reduced child-care subsidies for poor families during the past two years, according to a federal study to be released today, which shows that states' fiscal problems have prompted state agencies to restrict eligibility, stop accepting new families or charge them more for the care.
New state Health and Social Services Commissioner Joel Gilbertson has his work cut out for him. Gilbertson, 30, was chosen by Gov. Frank Murkowski to run, in terms of dollars managed, one of the state's biggest agencies. Within the Department of Health and Social Service's $553 million annual budget of state funds, Medicaid, at $225 million next year, is the 800-pound gorilla. Including federal funds, the department's overall budget is $1.7 billion.
Recognized expert in child welfare issues, Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA), federal child & family services reviews.
Governor Frank H. Murkowski announced today the appointment of Marcia Kennai as Deputy Commissioner of Health & Social Services. Ms. Kennai will head the new Office of Children's Services announced last month as part of a major reorganization of the Dept. of Health & Social Services.
There's new information available on DPAweb - a link on the Policy & Program Development page under "resources" called "DPA Program Information" which takes you to such interesting items as the "60-month Time Limit and Extension Frequently Asked Questions", "Outcomes for Families Reaching the 60-month Limit" and "When is an Overpayment Claim Required".
A major new national study was released by the Manhattan Institute on the impact of the 1996 welfare reform law on low-income families.
The report found an astonishing 20 percent drop in the poverty rate among single mothers between 1996 and 2001 -- a decrease that the researchers credit primarily to the effect of welfare reform in moving increasing numbers of recipients into the work force.
Juneau -- Commissioner Greg O
Here are pictures of the first ever Statewide Healthcare & Human Services Career Fair. This event was designed to address the near critical shortage of workers at all levels in this industry, which is one of the the fastest growing career fields in Alaska. To meet this significant economic challenge, the state collaborated with numerous organizations to create this event. There were 50+ industry representatives from around Alaska bringing career and training opportunities to our community.
This is a reminder that the filing deadline for the State's Heating Assistance Program (HAP) is Wednesday, April 30. Applications must be date stamped by a public assistance office by April 30, postmarked by April 30, or received on the HAP fax in Juneau before May 1.
A new brochure that describes DPA's basic programs is being distributed to offices this week. Expect your office's supply to come from your region or in the mail in the next few days. This brochure should be made available for clients in public areas of DPA offices.
Mothers' Leaving Welfare Had No Effect on Preschoolers
Slight Improvement Seen for Young Adolescents
Mothers' transition from welfare to employment did not seem to have any negative effects on preschoolers or young adolescents, according to a study by researchers at Northwestern University, Johns Hopkins University, and Boston College.