Recent news and opportunities for action regarding the federal policy landscape, impacting children in Massachusetts and across the country. Visit our Federal Advocacy page for more information about key issues that CLM regularly tracks.
Government Shutdown
As the federal government shutdown continues, several critical programs supporting children and families face significant challenges. The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), which provides essential food assistance to low-income mothers and young children, is at risk of running out of funding in the near future. Currently, WIC is operating on limited contingency funds, and if the shutdown persists without a resolution, states may be unable to sustain the program without additional federal support.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is also under scrutiny. While current benefits are being issued as scheduled, a prolonged shutdown could jeopardize future payments and administrative functions. States are monitoring the situation closely to ensure continued service to beneficiaries.
Early childhood education programs, including Head Start, are facing potential disruptions. Although many programs have received funding for the current period, extended delays in federal appropriations could lead to challenges in staffing, facility maintenance, and service delivery. Advocates emphasize the importance of timely funding to maintain program stability and support for families.
- FAQs ahead of a government shutdown | Congressional Progressive Caucus Center
- ISSUE BRIEF: How a Government Shutdown Hurts Kids | First Focus on Children
- The Administration and State Officials Should Take Steps to Keep WIC Operating During a Partial Government Shutdown | Center on Policy and Budget Priorities
- STATE OF PLAY: Federal Shutdown and Child Care/Early Learning Programs | First Five Years Fund
- How Will a Government Shutdown Affect SNAP Benefits? | Food Research and Action Center
The Administration for Children and Families (ACF) has issued contingency plans to maintain essential child welfare and family support functions during the ongoing federal shutdown. While critical operations continue, including child protection and foster care oversight, many ACF-funded programs are experiencing limited capacity and delays in grant processing and technical assistance. The agency is encouraging grantees and state partners to stay in close communication about service interruptions and funding concerns as the shutdown continues.
Immigration/Unaccompanied Youth
There has been recent discussion about Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) communications with unaccompanied children regarding their immigration cases. A federal judge has temporarily halted a related ICE policy as advocacy groups and legal experts continue to review its implications. We’ll continue to monitor developments.
- Federal Judge Stops ICE from Detaining Unaccompanied Children When They Turn 18 | CWLA
- Operation “Freaky Friday”: What You Need to Know | National Immigrant Justice Center
VOCA Funding
California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced a major legal win in the state’s lawsuit challenging the illegal conditioning of federal Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) grant funding. The decision protects critical funding for victim service providers nationwide, ensuring that states can continue supporting survivors without facing unlawful restrictions. CLM will continue to monitor federal VOCA developments closely as they impact children’s and family service providers.
- Attorney General Bonta Celebrates Key Victory in Lawsuit Challenging Illegal Conditioning of Victims of Crime Act Grant Funding | State of California - Department of Justice - Office of the Attorney General