2020 Archive Material: Domestic Violence, Family Issues, and Children

You are here

Home

Policy Updates

March-July

  • The Health and Economic Recovery Omnibus Emergency Solutions (HEROES) Act was passed by the House of Representatives and is awaiting action in the Senate. If passed, HEROES would provide $100 million to programs under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) and $48 million for shelter and assistance programs under the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act.
  • Several states have urged VOCA and STOP Violence Against Women grantees to apply for match waivers if they are unable to meet the current matching funds requirement due to the COVID-19 pandemic and need to reduce or remove cash/in-kind match. Guidance from the Department of Justice Office for Victims of Crime has made it easier for VOCA administrators to waive the match.
  • The Office on Violence against Women has waived the 25 percent match requirement for grants and provided additional flexibility on the use of funds by grantees.
  • The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services issued Guidance on Flexible Convening of Court Hearings During COVID-19
  • The CARES Act provides $45 million for Family Violence and Prevention Services formula grants without a matching requirement for funds. HHS lists the state administration offices and their respective websites here.
  • Title IV-E (foster care): Although the CARES Act does not provide new funds, the Children’s Bureau Associate Commissioner Jerry Milner sent a letter to child welfare legal and judicial leaders regarding the incorporation of technology in the COVID-19 pandemic, outlining statutory requirements the agency cannot waive and ways "courts can and should use flexible means of convening required hearings."
  • Children’s advocate groups release joint statement of principles around access to justice and advocacy during a pandemic.

Practice Resources

National Partners

NLADA Mutual Insurance Co., RRG