Message on Federal Funding Freeze

Dear NACC Community, 

You may have seen the news that the Trump Administration announced a freeze on federal grants and loans.  While the situation remains evolving and uncertain, I write to share with you what we do know, and what we can do together.  

What We Know  

The list of potentially impacted programs is sweeping, totaling an estimated $3 trillion. It includes all of the federal programs that fund the child welfare system as we know it: Titles IV-E and IV-B of the Social Security Act, Chafee and ETV services for older youth, prevention funds like CBCAP and Families First Act services, a myriad of supports for tribes, the Court Improvement Program, Children’s Justice Act funding, and Adoption and Guardianship payments, to name just a few.   

And it goes even further, freezing funding for essentials that children and parents rely on to stay afloat, like housing and educational programs, domestic violence and mental health services, school lunches, and more. Our understanding is this funding freeze does not apply to Social Security or Medicare payments, Head Start, Medicaid, or what the administration describes as “assistance provided directly to individuals.”  

What’s Next 

Now, it’s now up to the courts. Following a suit filed yesterday, a federal judge temporarily blocked this action, pending a hearing on Monday, February 3.  Whether or not the federal funding freeze is permitted to go into effect, we do know that the Administration has ordered review of all of these programs, with a goal to eliminate – in whole or in part – anything that does not align with its priorities.  Already, they have cancelled a project to support LGBTQ+ youth experiencing the system. 

What You Can Do 

While we don’t yet know if the federal funding freeze will go into effect, or how long it may last, there are some things we can do:   

1. Contact your federal elected officials. Express your support of programs that help children and families, and urge them to do all in their power to oppose this freeze.  
2. Let NACC know how this freeze would impact the children and families you serve. Let us know through the form below. We will uplift these stories thematically in our advocacy. We will not share your name or contact information unless you would like us to do so. 
3. Remain true to our values of compassion, fairness, and justice. NACC remains committed to our mission, even in the face of dramatic change. We can – and will – still talk about racism, gender, and equity, and advance our work on these issues. 
4. Stay tuned. This is an evolving situation, and NACC will prioritize keeping you informed and resourced. You can follow NACC on social media @NACCchildlaw. 

During times of challenge, we take solace in the community of advocates who work tirelessly every day to help children and families pursue justice. Thank you for all that you do—NACC is here to support your essential work.  

Kim Dvorchak, JD

Chief Executive Officer

NACC

Update: January 29, 2025

This afternoon, the Trump Administration rescinded its decision to freeze federal grants and loans. In the short term, this appears to be welcome news.  

However, the future of federal funding remains unclear. Despite this change of course, the administration has reiterated its intent to review and potentially eliminate numerous critical federal programs and protections.  

We will continue to collect information about how a freeze or elimination of federal funding would affect the clients you so zealously represent. Please consider completing the form below.

In this time of uncertainty, NACC remains committed to our mission and vision, and to our values of compassion, fairness, and justice. We will still advocate for antiracism, inclusion, equity, and the rights of people that the system and the current administration marginalize.  

Your work remains vital, and we are grateful you are part of our community. Together we’ll continue to promote excellence in our field, build community, and advance justice—now more than ever. 

Media contact: [email protected]

Policy contact: [email protected]