Questions?   Privacy   Site Index   Contact Us
			Home   |   Services   |   Working with ACF   |   Policy/Planning   |   About ACF   |   ACF News		Search

Administration for Children and Families

Chapter KB

ADMINISTRATION ON CHILDREN, YOUTH AND FAMILIES
67 FR 8816-18, 02/26/02

KB.00 Mission

KB.10 Organization

KB.20 Function

KB.OO Mission [63 FR 58742-43, 02/11/98]. The Administration on Children, Youth and Families (ACYF) advises the Secretary, through the Assistant Secretary for Children and Families, on matters relating to the sound development of children, youth, and families by planning, developing and implementing a broad range of activities. It administers state grant programs under titles IV-B and IV-E of the Social Security Act; manages the Adoption Opportunities program and other discretionary programs for the development and provision of child welfare services; and administers discretionary grant programs providing Head Start services and facilities for runaway youth. ACYF administers the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act and the Child Care and Development Block Grant and administers child care funds under section 418 of the Social Security Act. It supports and encourages services which prevent or remedy the effects of abuse and/or neglect of children and youth.

In concert with other components of ACF, the ACYF develops and implements research, demonstration and evaluation strategies for the discretionary funding of activities designed to improve and enrich the lives of children and youth and to strengthen families. It administers Child Welfare Services training and Child Welfare services research and demonstration programs authorized by title IV-B of the Social Security Act; administers the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act authorized by title III of the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act; and manages initiatives to involve the private and voluntary sectors in the areas of children, youth and families.

KB.10 Organization [67 FR 8816-18, 02/26/02]. The Administration on Children, Youth and Families is headed by a Commissioner, who reports directly to the Assistant Secretary for Children and Families and consists of:

Office of the Commissioner (KBA)

Office of Management Services (KBA1)

Head Start Bureau (KBC)

Program Operations Division (KBC1)

Program Support Division (KBC2)

Program Management Division (KBC3)

Children's Bureau (KBD)

Office of Child Abuse and Neglect (KBD1)

Division of Policy (KBD2)

Division of Program Implementation (KBD3)

Division of Data, Research and Innovation (KBD4)

Division of Child Welfare Capacity Building (KBD5)

Division of State Systems (KBD6)

Family and Youth Services Bureau (KBE)

Child Care Bureau (KBG)

Immediate Office/Administration (KBG1)

Program Operations Division (KBG2)

Policy Division (KBG3)

Technical Assistance Division (KGB4)

KB.20 Functions. A. The Office of the Commissioner [67 FR 8816-18, 02/26/02] serves as principal advisor to the Assistant Secretary for Children and Families, the Secretary, and other officials of the Department on the sound development of children, youth, and families. It provides executive direction and management strategy to ACYF components. The Deputy Commissioner assists the Commissioner in carrying out the responsibilities of the Office. In addition to the Immediate Office, the Office of the Commissioner contains the Office of Management Services. In support of the Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner and in consultation with ACYF programs the:

Office of Management Services manages the formulation and execution of the budgets for ACYF programs and for Federal administration; serves as the central control point for operational and long range planning; functions as Executive Secretariat for ACYF; including managing correspondence, correspondence systems, and electronic mail requests; reviews and manages clearance for program announcements for ACYF, the Administration for Native Americans (ANA), and the Administration on Developmental Disabilities (ADD); plans for/coordinates the provision of staff development and training; provides support for ACYF's personnel administration, including staffing, employee and labor relations, performance management and employee recognition; manages procurement planning and provides technical assistance regarding procurement; plans for/oversees the discretionary grant paneling process; manages ACYF-controlled space and facilities; performs manpower planning and administration; plans for, acquires, distributes and controls ACYF supplies; provides mail and messenger services; maintains duplicating, fax, and computer and computer peripheral equipment; supports and manages automation within ACYF; provides for health and safety; and oversees travel, time and attendance, and other administrative functions for ACYF.

C. Head Start Bureau [66 FR 30215-18, 06/05/01] serves as the principal advisory unit to the Commissioner on issues regarding the Head Start program (including Early Head Start). It develops legislative and budgetary proposals; identifies areas for research, demonstration and developmental activities; presents operational planning objectives and initiatives relating to Head Start to the Office of the Commissioner; and oversees the progress of approved activities. It provides leadership and coordination for the activities of the Head Start program in headquarters and the regional offices. The Bureau represents Head Start in inter-agency activities with other federal and non-federal organizations.

1. Program Operations Division manages the American Indian and Alaska Natives and migrant and seasonal farmworkers Head Start programs; reviews applications for programs serving American Indian and Alaska Natives children and children of migratory and seasonal farmworkers; monitors and assesses the programs and assures provision of training and technical assistance to all Head Start programs funded for the children of American Indian and Alaska Natives and migrants and seasonal farmworkers; analyzes and ensures consideration of the needs of American Indian and Alaska Natives and migrant and seasonal farmworkers' children; and coordinates with other agencies and organizations serving American Indian and Alaska Natives and migrant and seasonal farmworkers' children.

2. Program Support Division provides technical expertise in the areas of Head Start education birth to age five, health (medical, dental, mental health and nutrition), family and community partnerships, parent involvement, and disabilities services for Head Start program staff. It recommends and establishes policy in these areas; recommends strategies for achieving quality services; and develops guidance, and other policy materials aimed at improving grantee performance.

The Division develops areas for research and demonstration activities to improve the quality and levels of services provided to Head Start children. The Division also manages discretionary projects and develops training and technical assistance strategies to improve Head Start programs' performance in specific component areas.

3. Program Management Division develops and coordinates program and administrative management regulations and policy for the Head Start program, provides guidance to the regional offices in carrying out these policies and monitors their implementation; and designs and oversees a national system for program monitoring and quality improvement. The Division develops and manages discretionary projects that are designed to investigate and improve the operation and management of the Head Start program; plans and manages training and technical assistance (T&TA) activities in Head Start; and manages national data collection and analysis for the Head Start program.

D. The Children's Bureau [66 FR 30215-18, 06/05/01] is headed by an Associate Commissioner who advises the Commissioner, Administration on Children, Youth and Families, on matters related to child welfare, including child abuse and neglect, child protective services, family preservation and support, adoption, foster care and independent living. It recommends legislative and budgetary proposals, operational planning system objectives and initiatives, and projects and issue areas for evaluation, research and demonstration activities. It represents ACYF in initiating and implementing interagency activities and projects affecting children and families, and provides leadership and coordination for the programs, activities, and subordinate components of the Bureau.

1. Office on Child Abuse and Neglect provides leadership and direction on the issues of child maltreatment and the prevention of abuse and neglect under the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA). It is the focal point for interagency collaborative efforts, national conferences and special initiatives related to child abuse and neglect, and for coordinating activities related to the prevention of abuse and neglect and the protection of children at-risk. It supports activities to build networks of community-based, prevention-focused family resource and support programs through the Community-Based Family Resource and Support Program. It supports improvement in the systems which handle child abuse and neglect cases, particularly child sexual abuse and exploitation and maltreatment related fatalities, and improvement in the investigation and prosecution of these cases through the Children's Justice Act.

2. Division of Policy provides leadership and direction in policy development and interpretation under titles IV-B and IV-E of the Social Security Act, and the Basic State Grant under the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act. It writes regulations and interprets policy for the Bureau's formula and entitlement grant programs, and responds to requests for policy clarification from ACF Regional Offices and a variety of other sources.

3. Division of Program Implementation provides leadership and direction in the operation and review of programs under titles IV-B and IV-E of the Social Security Act, and the Basic State Grant under the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act. It develops program instructions, information memoranda, and annual reports. It analyzes State Plans and develops State profiles and other reports; participates in monitoring and reviewing State information systems to ensure the accuracy and relevancy of the data. It is responsible for the Monitoring Team, which schedules and coordinates the monitoring of State reviews and ensures effective corrective action if necessary. It works with appropriate other agencies and organizations on the implementation and oversight of relevant sections of the Indian Child Welfare Act. It is the focal point for financial issues, including disallowances, appeals, and the decisions of the Departmental Appeals Board (DAB). It responds to client and constituent correspondence received electronically and from a variety of sources.

4. Division of Data, Research and Innovation provides leadership and direction in program development, innovation, research and in the management of the Bureau's information systems under titles IV-B and IV-E of the Social Security Act, and under the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act. It defines critical issues for investigation and makes recommendations regarding subject areas for research, demonstration and evaluation. It administers the Bureau's discretionary grant programs, and awards project grants to State and local agencies and organizations nationwide. It provides direction to the Crisis Nurseries and Abandoned Infants Resource Centers. It is responsible for the Data and Technology Team which analyzes and disseminates program data from the Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System (AFCARS), and the National Child Abuse and Neglect Data System (NCANDS); develops systematic methods of measuring the impact and effectiveness of various child welfare programs; performs statistical sampling functions; provides comprehensive guidance to States, local agencies and others on data collection issues, and performance and outcome measures; and is the focal point for technology development within the Bureau.

5. Division of Child Welfare Capacity Building provides leadership and direction in the areas of training, technical assistance and information dissemination under titles IV-B and IV-E of the Social Security Act, and under the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act. Either directly or through the Resource Centers, it provides training and technical assistance to assist service providers, State and local governments and tribes, and strengthen headquarters and regional office staff.

It manages section 426 discretionary training grants and title IV-E training. It directs the operations and activities of the National Center on Child Abuse and Neglect Information Clearinghouse and the National Adoption Information Clearinghouse. It identifies best practices for treating troubled families and preventing abuse and neglect. It participates in the development of grant announcements, and manages certain discretionary grant projects. It develops and issues a periodic newsletter, and is the focal point for conference and meeting planning activities for the Bureau.

6.Division of State Systems (DSS) reviews, assesses, and inspects the planning, design and operation of State management information systems and approves advanced planning documents for automated data systems. The Division provides leadership for the provision of technical assistance to States on information systems projects and advances the use of computer technology in the administration of child welfare and social services programs by States. The Division reviews, analyzes, and approves/disapproves State requests for federal financial participation for automated systems development and activities which support child welfare programs, including foster care and adoption. It provides assistance to States in developing or modifying automation plans to conform to federal requirements. It monitors approved State system development activities and conducts periodic reviews to assure State compliance with regulatory requirements applicable to automated systems supported by Federal financial participation. It provides guidance to States on functional requirements for these automated information systems. It promotes interstate transfer of existing ACYF programs through the use of automated systems.

E. The Family and Youth Services Bureau [61 FR 50028-29, 09/24/96] recommends policy direction and programs to address youth and family issues to the Commissioner. It assesses policies, legislation and programs which affect youth and families; recommends budgetary and legislative proposals and subject areas for research and demonstration activities; coordinates efforts with and provides expert advice to departmental and other federal agencies on youth issues and programs and develops program initiatives to address the needs of youth and families. The Bureau represents HHS on various councils, workgroups and committees and provides leadership and coordination to other HHS programs and agencies.

The Bureau promotes a youth development approach to program services so that Bureau programs and activities are planned and designed with an emphasis on meeting the developmental needs of young people and their families, including runaway and homeless youth, youth at risk of involvement with gangs, violence and drugs and other youth in at-risk situations. Administration of these programs currently includes development and implementation of policy, guidelines and regulations concerning the funding and management of service projects for youth under the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act of 1974, the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988 and the Crime Control Act of 1994.

The Bureau oversees the receipt, review and award of applications for grants that ultimately provide services to youth and families and monitors the management of these grants, either directly or in liaison with ACF Regional Offices. In addition, the Bureau designs, develops, funds and monitors support activities related to these programs including, but not limited to, the provision of technical assistance, a monitoring system, a data collection system, a family and youth clearinghouse and a national communications system/hotline.

The Bureau determines the conceptual and policy framework to address issues facing families and adolescents. It identifies problems, defines critical issues for investigation and makes recommendations regarding subject areas for research, demonstration and evaluation activities. Based on the outcomes of these activities, the Bureau disseminates information through conferences, forums and written materials; provides assistance to service providers and state and local governments in planning, developing, implementing and evaluating programs affecting family and youth; and recommends plans and programs to increase public awareness and understanding about activities affecting vulnerable families and youth.

G. Child Care Bureau [63 FR 58742-43, 02/11/98] serves as the principal advisor to the Commissioner on issues regarding child care programs. It has primary responsibility for the operation of child care programs authorized under Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) Act and section 418 of the Social Security Act. It develops legislative, regulatory and budgetary proposals; presents operational planning objectives and initiatives related to child care to the Office of the Commissioner; and oversees the progress of approved activities. It provides leadership and coordination for child care within the ACF. It provides leadership and linkages with other agencies on child care issues including agencies within DHHS, relevant agencies across the federal, state, local governments and tribal governments, and non-governmental organizations at the federal, state and local levels.

1. Immediate Office/Administration is responsible for the leadership, planning, and managerial oversight of the Bureau's mission and activities. In addition, the Immediate Office is also responsible for data gathering, analysis, and dissemination; preparation of reports; budget projection, planning, execution and tracking; research development and communication of findings; and identification and utilization of new technology in managing the Bureau's workload and communicating with the Department, Regional Office, States, Territories, Tribes and the child care field. The Immediate Office also supports the unique program and planning needs of tribal grantees.

2. The Program Operations Division is responsible for Regional Liaison activities, including: communication on a regular basis with Regional Office staff; responding to questions on policy and other issues by consulting or referring to other staff; tracking progress of grantee programs in coordination with the Regions; collecting and maintaining information related to grantee program implementation, administrative data, technical assistance data, and technical assistance efforts; tracking program achievements, problems, and gaps; identifying latest trends and activities of major significance; preparing background material, fact sheets, and articles to provide information to Regional Offices, grantees and the general public; and tracking and supporting special initiatives. This unit also establishes partnerships with public and private entities to improve access to quality child care; coordinate program activities with other government and non-government agencies; and manages and oversees the Bureau's cooperative ventures with other entities.

3. The Policy Division develops, interprets and issues national policies and regulations governing Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) programs. The Policy Division provides clarification of the statutes, regulations and policies; issues action transmittals and information memoranda; recommends and drafts legislative proposals; prepares briefing materials for hearings and testimony; updates the child care plan preprints; reviews and gives guidance to Regional Offices on CCDF plans and applications; oversees a data base of grantee plans; researches child care policy issues; coordinates policies and procedures with other Federal agencies; provides policy training, guidance and clarification to Regional Offices in carrying out policy functions; and manages controlled correspondence.

4. The Technical Assistance Division provides technical assistance to Regional Offices, States, Territories, and Tribes concerning CCDF in order to make affordable quality child care accessible to families. It provides leadership, coordination and contract management for technical assistance projects that comprise the Child Care Technical Assistance Network. This unit also oversees and supports national conferences, leadership forums, and Regional Office conferences. It oversees the development of technical assistance materials including publications.