recent news
As a Direct Result of DC KinCare Alliance Advocacy, DC DHS Issues Policy to Reduce Barriers to Access 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).
Reduced Barriers to Access the DC Grandparent and Close Relative Caregiver Programs
Effective October 1, 2024, the household income cap increased from 200% to 300% of the federal poverty line, and TANF and SNAP is no longer included in the calculation of income. This legislative change is the result of DC kinship caregivers’ advocacy on this issue.
DC Reduces Barriers for Nonparental Caregivers to Apply for the DC Child Care Subsidy Program
DC now permits caregivers to show evidence of the caregiving relationship through a sworn statement, and no longer requires a court custody order. DC KinCare Alliance identified this issue and advocated for this change.
Grandparent Caregiver Program Regulations Amended to Reduce Wait Times to Apply for Subsidy
The regulations were amended to remove the requirement that a grandparent must receive a TANF determination before they can apply for the Grandparent Caregiver Program; now only proof of applying for TANF is required. Our grandparent caregivers identified this issue and worked with us to make this change happen!
Executive Director Marla Spindel With a Special Message About Kinship Care Month and the DCKC Annual Benefit
DC KinCare Executive Director Marla Spindel is excited to invite you to the DC KinCare Alliance 2024 Annual Benefit at The Mansion on O.
DC KinCare Alliance Signs On To Letter In Support of the Protecting America’s Children by Strengthening Families Act
DC KinCare Alliance signed onto a letter to the US House Committee on Ways and Means along with 227 other national, state, and local organizations to express support for the bipartisan Protecting America’s Children by Strengthening Families Act, which would invest critical new resources in Title IV-B and provide needed policy improvements.
DC KinCare Alliance Signs on to Open Letter to Mayor Bowser: Keep Families Housed Until They Transfer to Permanent Housing Programs
“We are writing to ask you to halt the exits of families in rapid re-housing until the Department of Human Services (DHS) and the D.C. Housing Authority (DCHA) can complete the housing voucher eligibility and lease-up process for the significant number of vouchers that are available now or by October 1.“
DC KinCare Alliance Files Two Additional Federal Lawsuits Against dc Challenging DC Child and Family Services Agency’s Discriminatory Practices Against Relative Caregivers & Children
Ropes & Gray LLP and DC KinCare Alliance have filed two additional federal lawsuits against the District of Columbia and the D.C. Child and Family Services Agency (CFSA) for violating the rights of multiple low-income D.C. children and their relative caregivers under federal and D.C. laws.
Executive Director Marla Spindel Quoted in DC City Paper Article on Resignation of CFSA Director Matthews
“DC KinCare Alliance Director Marla Spindel says the way CFSA has conducted its kinship care model is problematic.”
DC KinCare Alliance Designated National Exemplary Kinship Program
The National Grandfamilies and Kinship Support Network has designated DC KinCare Alliance an Exemplary Kinship Program!