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The Bridge Sisters Nonprofit Consulting Services The Bridge Sisters Nonprofit Consulting Services

September 2025 is Officially Kinship Care Month in D.C.!

We’re proud to share that the D.C. Council officially declared September 2025 as Kinship Care Month, thanks to a ceremonial resolution introduced by Ward 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker, who chairs the Committee on Youth Affairs.


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The Bridge Sisters Nonprofit Consulting Services The Bridge Sisters Nonprofit Consulting Services

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.

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The Bridge Sisters Nonprofit Consulting Services The Bridge Sisters Nonprofit Consulting Services

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.

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The Bridge Sisters Nonprofit Consulting Services The Bridge Sisters Nonprofit Consulting Services

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 […]

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