
Advocacy
Resource Center
DC KinCare Alliance Community Board Position Statement in Support of Fully Funding the D.C. Access to Justice Initiative
We are requesting that the D.C. Council fully fund the D.C. Access to Justice Initiative so families like ours can get help from lawyers to obtain the services and supports we need to raise the children in our care and give them a brighter future.
Executive Director Marla Spindel Testifies Before DC Council Committee on the Judiciary and Public Safety
Ms. Spindel testified in support of the D.C. Access to Justice Initiative.
Deputy Director Stephanie McClellan Testifies at the Child and Family Services Agency FY 2026 Budget Oversight Hearing
Ms. McClellan called for more transparency in the subsidy formula and amounts.
Executive Director Marla Spindel Testifies Before DC Council Committee on Human Services
Ms. Spindel testified about the Department of Human Services FY 2026 Budget and the proposal for an Ombudsperson for Public Benefits.
DC KinCare Submits Testimony on DC Council Bill 26-0048: The Review of Agency Action Clarification Amendment Act of 2025
DC KinCare Alliance seeks for DC agency decision-making to be transparent and subject to public accountability.
Managing Attorney Victoria Taplin Testifies Before DC Council Oversight Hearing of the DC Department of Human Services
Ms. Taplin describes the “unacceptable incidence of errors when DHS processes applications and recertifications, caused by a combination of human error and technical glitches with DHS’ public benefits software.” She recommends the establishment of an Independent Ombudsperson for Public Benefits.
Managing Attorney Victoria Taplin Testifies at DC Council Performance Oversight Hearing for Child and Family Services Agency
Ms. Taplin testified about the social worker shortage at CFSA and how that is endangering children, as well as barriers to access the DC caregiver subsidies.
Managing Attorney Victoria Taplin Testifies Before DC Council Committee on the Judiciary and Public Safety
Ms. Taplin testified in support of the DC Access to Justice Initiative, which funds DC legal services organizations.
DC Department of Human Services Issues New Policy To Ease Documentation Requirements For TANF and POWER
Effective November 1, 2024, pursuant to DHS Policy ESA-2025-02 (Cash), self-attestation will be accepted as proof of both the “living with” and “relationship” requirements for individuals applying for the District’s Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program and Program on Work, Employment and Responsibility (POWER). DC KinCare Alliance advocacy resulted in this change.
DC Reduces Barriers for Nonparental Caregivers to Apply for the DC Child Care Subsidy Program
Another successful outcome resulting from our advocacy to ensure more equitable and inclusive laws and policies for kinship caregivers. Now caregivers can apply for the subsidy if they can show evidence of the caregiving relationship through a sworn statement, and no longer need a court custody order. DC KinCare Alliance identified this issue and advocated […]