Two Federal Changes to Support Children and Families in the Foster Care System — Public Health On Call

About this episode:

Data from 2025 shows that over 300,000 children are living in foster care in the United States. The Administration for Children and Families—the federal agency that oversees child welfare programs—aims to keep more children out of the system and with their families. In this episode: a conversation with Assistant Secretary Alex Adams about recent changes to grants and policies that seek to support families affected by substance use and reform practices around survivor benefits for children who have lost their parents.

Guest:

Alex Adams, PharmD, MPH, is the Assistant Secretary for Family Support, leading the Administration for Children and Families.

Host:

Dr. Josh Sharfstein is distinguished professor of the practice in Health Policy and Management, a pediatrician, and former secretary of Maryland's Health Department. He served as the Baltimore City Commissioner of Health from 2005 to 2009.

Show links and related content:

Rolling Out the Welcome Mat for Prevention—The Imprint
Former Idaho official ended state taking foster kid's Social Security money. Are other states next?—Idaho Capital Sun
A Home for Every Child—Administration for Children and Families
The AFCARS Dashboard—Administration for Children and Families

Transcript information:

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