Policy

The Pathways Initiative

Pathways is an initiative of the American Public Human Services Association (APHSA) and its members to transform how health and human services are administered and delivered. Public human services must move in new directions – down new pathways – if we are to meet increased demand for assistance at a time of tight budgets and heightened public expectations for effective outcomes.

The Outcomes

Solutions will require changing health and human service programs and funding streams so that they become integrated, outcomes-focused, and centered on supporting people to achieve sustainable, meaningful changes in their lives rather than complying with bureaucratic outputs.

At the center of Pathways are four major outcomes:

Pathways Policy Briefs

Pathways policy briefs outline policy recommendations and priorities for current human service programs based on how they can lead toward the Pathways outcome goals.

Pathways Policy Briefs of particular interest to the NASTA membership include the following:

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Policy Brief

Goal: Achieving Gainful Employment and Independence

Social Services Block Grant Policy Brief
- Survey Report: State and Local Utilization of SSBG Funds
Goal: Stronger Families, Adults, and Communities

Additional information on Pathways is available at: http://www.aphsa.org

CONGRESSIONAL LETTERS

March 18 APHSA & NASTA Letters on TANF Reauthorization

CONGRESSIONAL TESTIMONY

Peter J. Palermino, TANF Administrator, Bureau of Assistance Programs, Connecticut Department of Social Services, testified before the U.S. House of Representatives, Ways and Means Committee, Human Resources Subcommittee on "State TANF Spending and its Impact on Work Requirements" on May 17, 2012.

The testimony is available at:

Additional information on the hearing is available at: http://waysandmeans.house.gov/calendar/eventsingle.aspx?EventID=294971