A resilient human service workforce is essential to helping communities thrive. By improving compensation, retention, and training, Social Current strives to sustain and strengthen the workforce. We seek to advance policies that reduce financial barriers, support worker well-being, and incentivize investment in workforce health.

Priority Actions

• Advocate for expanding student loan forgiveness programs, specifically for human services workers, to reduce financial barriers to entering and remaining in the field. Promote funding for trauma-informed leadership and workforce resilience initiatives to enhance well-being and improve retention.
• Implement tax incentives or credits for human services organizations that invest in comprehensive employee wellness and resilience programs, supporting long-term workforce stability.
• Push for data transparency initiatives that require all federal agencies to report service access and outcomes segmented by race, ethnicity, and gender identity to address disparities in workforce representation.

For human services organizations to achieve operational excellence, they require robust, sustainable financial health. To foster a financial environment that allows organizations to direct resources toward impactful services and remain vital resources to their communities, we will advocate for multiyear, stable funding; streamlined grant processes; transparent contracts; and protecting 501(c)(3) organizations from additional tax burdens.

Priority Actions

• Advocate for federal grants that provide multiyear funding cycles, ensuring long-term financial stability and flexibility for human services organizations.
• Promote the passage of the Streamlining Federal Grants Act, reducing administrative complexity, increasing accessibility, and ensuring timely, flexible funding.
• Push for contract reforms that reflect the unique needs of the human services sector, incorporating provisions for full cost coverage, including wages, training, and operational expenses.
• Encourage tax-exempt employment credits and incentives, enabling human services employers to invest in workforce resilience while covering essential service costs.
• Protect 501(c)(3) human services organizations from new or additional tax burdens, preserving their capacity to focus on mission-driven work and community impact.

Human services organizations face significant challenges securing affordable liability insurance. Liability insurance is essential for protecting these organizations from risks associated with providing critical services, particularly in child welfare and mental health. Ensuring accessible and affordable liability insurance options will reduce financial burdens and help organizations focus on their missions.

Priority Actions

• Advance efforts that explore the creation of a public or captive liability insurance fund specifically for child welfare organizations to reduce costs and mitigate risks.
• Advocate for federal legislation requiring states to provide affordable liability insurance for human services organizations that provide services, like foster care and mental health, to
  high-risk populations.
• Encourage policies that facilitate shared liability insurance pools, allowing organizations to access group coverage at more affordable rates.

Ensuring access to health and wellness supports fosters proactive, community-centered solutions that empower individuals and families. This approach encompasses trauma recovery, integrated behavioral health services, crisis intervention, and expanded mental health resources, creating a foundation for resilience and well-being.

Priority Actions

• Advocate for funding to expand access to trauma recovery centers, crisis response units, and integrated mental health services in schools, workplaces, and community health centers.
• Support legislation enhancing the 988 suicide prevention hotline, including funding for mobile crisis response units and other community-based mental health resources.
• Protect and maintain Medicaid funding, support Medicaid expansion, and pursue increased funding for rural and underserved areas to reduce health access gaps.
• Encourage mental health training for primary care providers to enhance early detection and treatment of mental health needs.
• Advocate for fairness-focused policies to ensure access to health and well-being services in marginalized communities.
•  Advocate for legislation that expands support for kinship caregivers, particularly in communities of color, to ensure equitable access to family preservation resources.