U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Administration for Children and Families

Directory of Program Services

Prepared by the Office of Public Affairs

370 L’Enfant Promenade, S.W.

Washington, D.C. 20447

(202) 401-9215 Phone

(202) 205-9688 Fax

www.acf.hhs.gov
Table of Contents

Welcome

Message from Acting Assistant Secretary for Children and Families 1

Overview of the Administration for Children and Families 2

Family Economic Security

Office of Child Support Enforcement 4

Office of Community Services 5

Office of Family Assistance 9

Children

Administration on Children, Youth and Families 14

Children’s Bureau 15

Family and Youth Services Bureau 18

Early Child Development Interagency Coordination 28

Office of Child Care 32

Office of Head Start 33

Specific Populations

Administration for Native Americans 35

Office of Refugee Resettlement 38

Program Support

Office of Administration 46

Office of Human Services Emergency Preparedness and Response 48

Office of Legislative Affairs and Budget 49

Office of Planning, Research and Evaluation 51

Office of Public Affairs 53

Office of Regional Operations 54
- 1 -

Dear Friends,

Welcome to the Administration for Children and Families’ (ACF) Directory of Program 

Services.

This directory is an important component of our effort to inform the public about the wide 

range of services ACF provides. These pages contain an overview of the agency’s 

array of programs and services designed to enhance present opportunities and future 

prospects for children, families, and communities across America. You will also find 

helpful resources with additional information.

It is our hope that this volume will serve as a first step in acquainting you with ACF’s 

role in strengthening families, supporting healthy and comprehensive child 

development, promoting economic and social self-sufficiency, and ultimately developing 

a stronger society for generations to come.

I appreciate your interest in our programs.

Sincerely,

George H. Sheldon

Acting Assistant Secretary
- 2 -

Overview of the Administration for Children and Families

The Administration for Children and Families (ACF) is an agency in the Department of 

Health and Human Services whose mission is to promote the economic and social wellbeing of America’s most vulnerable populations and communities. ACF’s programs 

serve a wide variety of groups, including individuals and families with low income, 

refugees, Native Americans, and many others. This directory provides an introduction 

to the range of human services that ACF provides. ACF’s programs aim to foster:

families and individuals empowered to increase their own economic 

independence and productivity;

strong, healthy, and supportive communities that have a positive impact on the 

quality of life and the development of children; 

partnerships with individuals, front-line service providers, communities, American 

Indian tribes, Native American communities, States, and Congress that enable 

solutions which transcend traditional agency boundaries; 

services planned, reformed, and integrated to improve needed access; and 

a strong commitment to working with low-income people, refugees, and migrants 

to address their needs, strengths, and abilities. 

To carry out its activities, ACF awards grants to state and local governments, non-profit 

groups, faith and community-based organizations, American Indian tribes, and Native 

American communities. ACF furnishes technical assistance, guidance, and overall 

supervision to grantees that, in turn, are responsible for direct delivery of services. 

ACF awards two types of grants to implement its programs: mandatory (also known as 

formula, block or entitlement grants) and discretionary. Mandatory grants are not 

subject to competition and are awarded to States, the District of Columbia and federally 

recognized Tribes and Territories. Discretionary grants, on the other hand, allow the 

federal government to exercise judgment or “discretion” in selecting the recipient 

organization through a competitive process. States, the District of Columbia, Puerto 

Rico, federally recognized Tribes and Territories, and public and private non-profit 

organizations may apply for these grants, based on each program’s particular rules.

This directory is designed to be useful to both organizations and individuals interested in 

learning about ACF’s programs. For further information, see the directory’s Office of

Regional Operations section for a listing of local offices, or visit the agency’s website at 

www.acf.hhs.gov or the question and answer page at http://faq.acf.hhs.gov/cgibin/acfrightnow.cfg/php/enduser/std_alp.php.
- 3 -

Family Economic Security
- 4 -

Office of Child Support Enforcement

370 L’Enfant Promenade, S.W.

4

th Floor

Washington, D.C. 20447

(202) 401-9373 Phone

(202) 401-5428 Fax

www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/cse

The Office of Child Support Enforcement (OCSE) partners with federal, state, tribal, and 

local governments and others to promote parental responsibility so children receive 

support from both parents, even when they live in separate households. The national 

child support program serves one in four children—and half of poor children—in the 

United States. It is one of the largest income support programs for low-income families 

and one of the few helping to link low-income fathers to employment and supportive

services to assist these noncustodial parents in paying child support and engaging with 

their children.

States and some Tribes operate child support programs to increase the parent’s 

reliability of financial, medical, and emotional support for children. Agencies locate 

noncustodial parents, establish legal fatherhood (paternity), establish and enforce 

support orders, increase health care coverage for children, and encourage reliable 

payments throughout childhood by referring parents to employment services, supporting 

healthy co-parenting relationships, supporting responsible fatherhood, and helping to 

prevent and reduce family violence. Child support agencies work across state, tribal, 

territorial, and international boundaries. The federal government pays the major part of 

program operating costs. Competitive grant funding is also available for projects to 

improve the effectiveness of services for children and families. State child support 

agencies may apply for “Section 1115” grants and OCSE Special Improvement Project 

grants. OCSE also funds state formula grants to provide access and visitation services 

to help connect noncustodial parents with their children. 

Grant opportunities reflect the program’s changing priorities, which are largely based on

expanding needs of the customer population. For example, the program serves diverse 

groups and those who are vulnerable and underserved. OCSE’s grant priorities also 

consider research that shows reliable payment is based on employment and parental 

commitment. Recently, OCSE awarded grants for projects that focus on various 

methods of collaboration with courts; improved customer service; and prisoner reentry 

and employment initiatives for noncustodial parents. People who need child support 

program services work with their state, tribal or local offices. Recipients of the 

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program benefits receive services 

automatically. Non-TANF families can apply for services. Under certain circumstances, 

noncustodial parents can use the program to locate a parent to enforce or establish a 

custody or visitation order. OCSE collaborates with other federal agencies to help 

address issues such as health care needs of children and economic needs of homeless 

veterans.
- 5 -

Office of Community Services

370 L’Enfant Promenade, S.W.

5

th Floor

Washington, D.C. 20447 

(866) 778-6037 Phone

(202) 401-5718 Fax

www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ocs

The Office of Community Services (OCS) works in partnership with States, Tribes, 

Territories, communities, and other agencies to provide a range of human and 

economic development services and activities that address the causes and 

characteristics of poverty and otherwise assist persons in need. The aim of these 

services and activities is to increase the capacity of individuals and families to become 

self-sufficient, to revitalize communities, and to build the stability and capacity of 

children, youth, and families, so that they become able to create their own opportunities.

OCS programs can be linked back to President Lyndon B. Johnson’s War on Poverty. 

The Office of Economic Opportunity was the agency responsible for administering most 

of the War on Poverty programs— including VISTA, Job Corps, Head Start, Legal 

Services, and the Community Action Program. OCS partners with states, communities,

and agencies to eliminate causes of poverty, increase self-sufficiency of individuals and 

families, and revitalize communities. Our social service and community development 

programs work in a variety of ways to improve the lives of many.

OCS programs’ major goals:

Provide employment and entrepreneurial opportunities through industrial, 

business, physical or commercial development

Promote individual self-sufficiency through the creation of new full-time

permanent jobs 

Assist community development corporations and community action agencies in 

leveraging existing federal, state and local resources for neighborhood 

revitalization activities 

Provide financial and technical resources to state, local, public, and private 

agencies for economic development and related social service support activities

Provide energy assistance to low-income households

Provide matching funds for purchasing a first home, capitalizing a business, or 

finishing secondary education

Provide training, technical assistance, and financial assistance to help faithbased and community organizations increase their effectiveness and enhance 

their ability to provide social services to those most in need in their communities

With a budget of approximately $6 billion, OCS disburses block and discretionary grants 

to States, Tribes, Territories and a network of community-based and faith-based 

organizations. OCS is comprised of four programmatic divisions: the Divisions of State 
- 6 -

Assistance, Community Discretionary Programs, Community Demonstration Programs, 

and Energy Assistance.

Division of State Assistance

o Community Services Block Grant (CSBG): This is a mandatory formula 

grant to 50 States, the District of Columbia, 5 Territories, and 56 Native 

American tribes. Grant recipients work to lessen the causes of poverty by 

assisting low-income individuals with employment, education, and 

adequate housing. Grant recipients assist low-income individuals to make 

better use of their income, solve problems that are blocking the 

achievement of self-sufficiency, and obtain emergency health services, 

food, housing, and employment-related assistance. CSBG was funded at 

$677 million in regular fiscal year 2012 funds. The program received an 

additional $1 billion in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act 

appropriations in fiscal year 2009. 

o Social Services Block Grant (SSBG): SSBG provides funds to 50 

States, the District of Columbia, and 5 Territories and insular areas for the 

provision of social services directed towards achieving economic selfsufficiency, preventing neglect, abuse, or the exploitation of children and 

adults, preventing or reducing inappropriate institutionalization, and 

securing referrals for institutional care. Funded at $1.7 billion in fiscal year 

2012 in regular block grant funds, each State has the flexibility to 

determine what services will be provided and then either provides services 

directly or purchases them from qualified providers. Selected States also 

received a supplemental amount of $600 million in fiscal year 2009 to 

provide social services to individuals affected by presidentially declared 

natural disasters that occurred in 2008, and $550 million in supplemental 

fiscal year 2005 funds to address the 2005 Gulf Coast hurricanes. 

Division of Community Discretionary Programs

o Community Economic Development (CED): CED discretionary grants 

are awarded to nonprofit community development corporations in 

disinvested communities for purposes of creating new jobs for low-income 

individuals, including Temporary Assistance for Needy Families recipients. 

These grants serve as catalysts for attracting additional private and public 

dollars; for every CED dollar awarded, three-to-five dollars are leveraged. 

The CED grant funds projects such as: business incubators, shopping 

centers, manufacturing businesses, and agriculture initiatives. The CED 

program was appropriated approximately $30 million in fiscal year 2012, of 

which up to $10 million may be used for the Obama Administration’s 

Healthy Food Financing Initiative (HFFI).

HFFI represents the federal government's first coordinated step to 

eliminate food deserts in urban and rural areas in the United States with 

limited access to affordable and nutritious food. HFFI focuses particularly 
- 7 -

in areas composed of predominantly lower-income neighborhoods and 

communities by promoting a wide range of interventions that expand the 

supply of and demand for nutritious foods, including increasing the 

distribution of agricultural products, developing and equipping grocery 

stores, and strengthening the producer-to-consumer relationship.

Importantly, HFFI also seeks to support the elimination of food deserts in 

the context of the broader neighborhood revitalization efforts of a 

community.

o Rural Community Development (RCD): The RCD program provides 

discretionary grants, which assist low-income communities in developing 

affordable, safe water and wastewater treatment facilities. Six regional 

grantees and one tribal grantee provide services to multiple States. The 

philosophy of the program is to develop indigenous leadership so that the 

facilities will be sustained over the long term. While the program does not 

pay to construct or upgrade facilities, staffs of these programs assist 

communities in accessing funds for these purposes. 

This program also funds the Rural Community Development Activities 

Program/Homeland Security Program, which supports and promotes 

water and wastewater treatment systems safety through security and 

emergency preparedness training and technical assistance to small 

community water and wastewater utility staff and local officials. For RCD, 

$10 million was appropriated in fiscal year 2010. 

Division of Energy Assistance

o Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP): LIHEAP is 

a block grant program administered by States, Territories and Tribes 

through a network of local community-based organizations. The purpose 

of LIHEAP is to assist low-income households meet their home energy 

costs. Fifty States, the District of Columbia, five Territories, and 

approximately 140 Tribes and Tribal Organizations receive LIHEAP grants 

each year. State and federally recognized Tribes (including Alaska Native 

villages) may apply for direct LIHEAP funding. In fiscal year 2012, $3.47 

billion was appropriated for LIHEAP. 

o Leveraging Incentive Program (LIP): The law authorizes supplemental 

LIHEAP funding for grantees that acquired non-federal leveraged 

resources for their LIHEAP programs in the preceding fiscal year. 

o Residential Energy Assistance Challenge Option (REACH) Program:

The law authorizes supplemental LIHEAP funding for grantees to receive 

competitive grants for implementation through local community-based 

agencies of innovative plans to help LIHEAP eligible households reduce 

their energy vulnerability. 
- 8 -

Community Demonstration Programs

o Assets for Independence (AFI): The AFI program is demonstrating and 

testing the effectiveness of Individual Development Accounts (IDA) as a 

tool for enabling low-income individuals and families to become 

economically self-sufficient. Participating individuals attend financial 

literacy classes to learn money management. Participants save earned 

income and receive matching funds in their IDA with the goal of acquiring 

any of three assets: a first home, a business, or post-secondary 

education. AFI awards grants and provides training and technical 

assistance to community-based nonprofits and state, local, and tribal 

government agencies that implement IDA projects. Congress 

appropriated $20 million for the program in fiscal year 2012. OCS 

currently administers grants for more than 400 AFI projects throughout the 

nation. The program has an active portfolio of upwards of $100 million in 

grant funding. 
- 9 -

Office of Family Assistance

370 L’Enfant Promenade, S.W.

5

th Floor

Washington, D.C. 20447

(202) 401-9275 Phone

(202) 205-5887 Fax

www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofa

The Office of Family Assistance (OFA) administers programs that help families achieve 

economic security and help strengthen communities for the well-being and long-term 

success of children and families. OFA’s central purposes are to:

Ensure parents have the resources they need to care for their children at home

Promote responsible fatherhood, engaged parenting, marriage and healthy 

relationships

Foster long-term self-sufficiency, empowerment and success of all low-income 

families with employment opportunities, job training, and educational support

OFA’s main program is the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) block 

grant, which also funds Tribal TANF. OFA also administers the Native Employment 

Works program, the Healthy Marriage and Responsible Fatherhood discretionary grant 

program, the Tribal TANF-Child Welfare Coordination discretionary grant program, and 

the Health Profession Opportunity grant program. OFA staff:

Develop legislative, regulatory, and budgetary proposals

Present program strategies and initiatives to the director

Oversee the progress of approved activities

Provide leadership and coordination for welfare reform within ACF

Work with States, Tribes, and other grantees to promote successful 

implementation of the grants

OFA Programs:

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF): This program is designed 

to help needy families achieve self-sufficiency. TANF provides temporary cash 

assistance and work opportunities to needy families by granting states the funds 

and flexibility to develop and implement their own welfare programs. As a 

condition of receiving the block grants, states must maintain a certain level of 

state spending on programs consistent with TANF. States may use block grants 

to design and operate programs that accomplish one of the purposes of the 

TANF program. The four purposes of TANF are:

o Assisting needy families so that children can be cared for in their own 

homes

o Reducing the dependency of needy parents by promoting job preparation, 

work, and marriage
- 10 -

o Preventing out-of-wedlock pregnancies

o Encouraging the formation and maintenance of two-parent families

Tribal TANF: Federally recognized Indian tribes are eligible to apply for funding 

to administer and operate their own TANF programs. TANF gives federally 

recognized Indian tribes flexibility in the design of welfare programs that promote 

work and responsibility and strengthen families. They receive block grants to 

design and operate programs that accomplish one of the four purposes of the 

TANF program (mentioned above). Indian tribes are required to submit a threeyear Tribal TANF plan to the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human 

Services through the Administration for Children and Families for review and 

approval.

Native Employment Works (NEW): This program provides funding for a variety 

of work-related activities to support job readiness, job placement and job 

retention. NEW funding enables grantees to serve their designated service 

populations through these work activities and supportive services. NEW program 

funding supports education, training, and employment activities. NEW programs 

may also include activities such as labor/job market assessments, job creation,

and economic development leading to job creation.

Healthy Marriage and Responsible Fatherhood: The Claims Resolution Act of 

2010 (CRA) authorized $150 million to promote healthy marriage and responsible 

fatherhood.

o Healthy Marriage Initiative: This program helps couples and individuals 

interested in marriage gain greater access to marriage education services 

to acquire the skills and knowledge necessary to form and sustain a 

healthy marriage. A healthy marriage is characterized by a mutually 

satisfying relationship that is committed to ongoing growth, effective 

communication, and successful conflict management. Healthy Marriage

specified activities are:

 Advertising campaigns on the value of healthy marriage and the 

skills needed to increase marital stability

 Education in high schools on the value of healthy marriages, 

healthy relationship skills, and budgeting

 Marriage education, including relationship and parenting skills 

programs, financial management, conflict resolution, and job and 

career advancement

 Pre-marital education and marriage skills training

 Marriage enhancement and marriage skills training programs for 

married couples

 Divorce reduction programs that teach healthy relationship skills

 Marriage mentoring programs that use married couples as role 

models and mentors in at-risk communities

 Research on the benefits of healthy marriages and healthy 

marriage education
- 11 -

o Responsible Fatherhood: Responsible Fatherhood activities are 

designed to help fathers establish or strengthen positive relationships with 

their children and contribute to the overall well-being of children, families,

and communities. The three specified Responsible Fatherhood activities 

are designed to promote economic stability—including employment skills 

and subsidized employment, foster responsible parenting, and promote 

healthy marriage. Additionally, the CRA authorizes funding of a National 

Responsible Fatherhood Clearinghouse and a national media campaign 

designed to promote and encourage the appropriate involvement of 

fathers in the lives of their children. Fatherhood.gov is ACF’s National 

Responsible Fatherhood Clearinghouse. The clearinghouse collects and 

makes available information that promotes and supports the responsible 

fatherhood field, including fathers, practitioners, and other stakeholders.

Health Profession Opportunity Grants: Authorized by the Affordable Care Act, 

the Health Profession Opportunity Grants (HPOG) program provides education 

and training to TANF recipients and other low-income individuals for occupations 

in the health care field that pay well and are expected to either experience labor 

shortages or be in high demand.

o Program Participants: People enrolled in this program are TANF 

recipients and other low-income individuals, who include people without a 

high school diploma or GED, veterans, individuals with limited English 

proficiency, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program recipients, and 

disadvantaged and at-risk youth. Program participants enroll in a variety 

of training and education programs that result in an employer or industry 

recognized certificate or degree. Training programs take place in a variety 

of settings and formats, including traditional classrooms, the workplace, 

and distance learning. Participants receive health care-related training in 

the fields of home care aides, certified nursing assistants, medical 

assistants, pharmacy technicians, emergency medical technicians, 

licensed vocational nurses, registered nurses, dental assistants, and 

health information technicians.

o Grantee Organizations: Grants were awarded to 32 organizations 

located across 23 states. Grantees include institutions of higher education 

(including community colleges and tribal colleges), local workforce 

investment boards, state entities, community based organizations, and 

one tribal council. Grantees work with community partners to enhance 

supportive services for participants, such as transportation, dependent 

care and temporary housing. Grantees are required to coordinate with 

state agencies responsible for administering the TANF program, local and 

state workforce investment boards, and state apprenticeship agencies.
- 12 -

OFA Divisions:

Division of State TANF Policy: This division drafts regulations and provides 

policy and guidance for the TANF programs operated by States, the District of 

Columbia and the Territories of Guam, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The 

division: 

o Assesses plans and amendments

o Evaluates operations to determine compliance with program requirements

o Provides advice on penalty actions to be taken, including corrective 

compliance plans designed to remedy operational deficiencies

o Provides technical assistance to grantees and information to the public

Division of State and Territory TANF Management: This division provides 

technical assistance to States, Territories, localities and community groups. In 

addition, the division oversees the implementation of the Healthy Marriage and 

Responsible Fatherhood initiatives.

Division of Data Collection and Analysis: This division collects, compiles, 

analyzes, and disseminates TANF statistical, performance, and recipient 

demographic and financial data. In addition, the division has the lead for web 

issues in OFA.

Division of Tribal TANF Management: This division provides program guidance 

and technical assistance to:

o Federally recognized American Indian tribes and certain Alaska Native 

entities in development, implementation and administration of Tribal TANF 

programs

o Federally recognized tribes and tribal organizations in implementation and 

administration of Native Employment Works (NEW) programs

o Federally recognized tribes and tribal organizations in implementation and 

administration of Tribal TANF Child Welfare Coordination projects

o The division also provides information, guidance, and technical assistance 

to Tribes and state and federal agencies on program-related issues and 

legislation

OFA Regional Program Units: Program units collaborate with ACF, States, Tribes and 

other grantees to assist in the administration of their respective TANF, Tribal TANF and 

NEW grants.
- 13 -

Children
- 14 -

Administration on Children, Youth and Families

1250 Maryland Avenue, S.W.

8

th Floor

Washington, D.C. 20024

(202) 205-8347 Phone

(202) 205-9721 Fax

www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/acyf

The Administration on Children, Youth and Families (ACYF) is a part of the 

Administration for Children and Families (ACF), in the Department of Health and Human 

Services, and is administered by a commissioner who is a presidential appointee. 

ACYF is divided into two bureaus, each of which is responsible for improving outcomes 

for children, youth, and families, plus a crosscutting unit responsible for research and 

evaluation. In addition, the United States and its territories are divided into 10 

geographic regions, each having an office responsible for administering some of 

ACYF's programs located in that region.

ACYF administers major federal programs that include:

Child Welfare

Runaway and Homeless Youth

Family Violence Prevention and Services

Teen Pregnancy Prevention

These programs provide financial assistance to States, community-based organizations, 

and academic institutions to provide services, carry out research and demonstration 

activities, and undertake training, technical assistance, and information dissemination.
- 15 -

Children’s Bureau

1250 Maryland Avenue, S.W.

8

th Floor

Washington, D.C. 20024

(202) 205-8618 Phone

(202) 205-9721 Fax

www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/cb

The Children’s Bureau (CB) works with federal, state, tribal and local agencies to 

improve the overall health and well-being of our nation’s children and families. With an 

annual budget of almost $8 billion, CB provides support and guidance to programs that 

focus on:

Strengthening families and preventing child abuse and neglect

Protecting children when abuse or neglect has occurred

Ensuring that every child and youth has a permanent family or family 

connection

CB seeks to improve outcomes in the following key areas:

Safety—Preventing and responding to maltreatment of children

Permanency—Stabilizing children’s living situations and preserving family 

relationships and connections

Well-Being—Enhancing families’ capacity to meet their children’s physical, 

mental health, and educational needs

To achieve its goals, CB:

Provides guidance on federal law, policy, and program regulations

Funds essential services that help States and Tribes operate every aspect of 

their child welfare systems

Supports innovation through competitive, peer-reviewed grants for research 

and program development

Offers training and technical assistance to improve child welfare service 

delivery

Monitors child welfare services to help States and Tribes achieve positive 

outcomes for children and families

Shares research to help child welfare professionals improve their practice

CB administers the following State & Tribal programs on a formula basis:
- 16 -

Community-Based Child Abuse Prevention Grants support local initiatives 

aimed at preventing child abuse and neglect.

Child Abuse and Neglect State Grants go to States to help them improve 

their child protective services systems.

The Title IV-E Foster Care program assists States and Tribes in providing 

out of home care for children under the jurisdiction of the state or tribal child 

welfare agency.

The Title IV-E Adoption Assistance program helps States and Tribes to 

subsidize adoption costs of children with special needs.

The Title IV-E Guardianship Assistance program helps States and Tribes 

with assistance payments to relatives who have become legal guardians of 

eligible children.

The Chafee Foster Care Independence program helps States and Tribes in 

their efforts to promote self sufficiency among young men and women leaving 

foster care.

The State Court Improvement program helps States reform their judicial 

systems to be more responsive to families and children at risk.

Children’s Justice Act grants encourage states to enact reforms to improve 

the handling of child maltreatment cases, especially those involving sexual 

abuse and exploitation.

The Child Welfare Services Program provides grants to States and Tribes 

for programs directed toward the goal of keeping families together.

Promoting Safe and Stable Families is designed to help States and Tribes 

establish and operate integrated, preventive family preservation services and 

community-based family support services for families at risk or in crisis. A 

small proportion of discretionary funds is reserved for research, evaluation 

and technical assistance.

The Adoption Incentives Program encourages States to find permanent 

homes for children in the foster system care through adoptions.

The Child Welfare Waiver Demonstration program provides States with an 

opportunity to use federal funds more flexibly in order to test innovative 

approaches to child welfare service delivery and financing.
- 17 -

CB also administers discretionary grant programs, including:

The Abandoned Infants Assistance program, which works on behalf of 

infants and children affected by HIV/AIDS and/or substance abuse, their 

parents, families, and other caretakers.

The Adoption Opportunities program, which works to eliminate barriers to 

adoption and to provide permanent, loving homes for children who would 

benefit from adoption, especially those with special needs.

The Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment discretionary grants support a 

variety of activities, including research and demonstration projects, service 

improvement, evaluation of best practices, dissemination of information, and 

technical assistance. 

The Child Welfare Training program is designed to enhance the skills and 

qualifications of child welfare workers.

Community-Based Child Abuse Prevention Grants support local initiatives 

aimed at preventing child abuse and neglect.

The Infant Adoption Awareness program awards grants to adoption 

organizations to develop and implement programs to train designated staff of 

eligible health centers in providing adoption information and referral to 

pregnant women.
- 18 -

Family and Youth Services Bureau

1250 Maryland Avenue, S.W.

8

th Floor

Washington, D.C. 20024

(202) 205-8102 Phone

(202) 260-9333 Fax

www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/fysb/index

The mission of the Family and Youth Services Bureau (FYSB) is to promote safety, 

stability, and well-being for people who have experienced or been exposed to violence, 

neglect or trauma. FYSB achieves this through supporting programs that provide 

shelter, community services, and prevention education for youth, adults, and families. 

FYSB is made up of two divisions that house three major grant programs. Division of 

Adolescent Development and Support includes the Runaway and Homeless Youth 

Program and the Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Program. Division of Family 

Violence Prevention and Services houses the Family Violence Prevention and Services 

Program. In addition, we support nationwide crisis hotlines for runaway youth and 

victims of domestic violence.

Division of Adolescent Development and Support 

 Runaway and Homeless Youth Grant Programs: Each year, thousands of 

U.S. youth run away from home, are asked to leave their homes or become 

homeless. Through the Runaway and Homeless Youth Program (RHY), FYSB 

supports street outreach, emergency shelters and longer-term transitional living,

and maternity group home programs to serve and protect these young people.

o Basic Center Program: The Basic Center Program (BCP) helps create 

and strengthen community-based programs that meet the immediate 

needs of runaway and homeless youth under 18 years old. In addition, 

BCP tries to reunite young people with their families or locate appropriate 

alternative placements. BCP provides the following services: 

 Up to 21 days of shelter

 Food, clothing, and medical care

 Individual, group, and family counseling

 Crisis Intervention

 Recreation programs

 Aftercare services for youth after they leave the shelter

o Transitional Living Program: The Transitional Living Program (TLP) for 

Older Homeless Youth supports projects that provide long-term residential 

services to homeless youth. Young people must be between the ages of 

16 and 22 to enter the program. Living accommodations may include:

 Host-family homes

 Group homes or maternity group homes

 Supervised apartments owned by the program or rented in the 

community
- 19 -

TLPs offer or refer for the following services:

 Safe, stable living accommodations

 Basic life skills building, including consumer education, budgeting, 

housekeeping, food preparation, and parenting skills

 Educational opportunities, such as GED preparation, postsecondary training and vocational education

 Job attainment services, such as career counseling and job 

placement

 Mental health care, including individual and group counseling

 Physical health care, such as physicals, health assessments, and 

emergency treatment

o Maternity Group Homes: The Maternity Group Homes for Pregnant and 

Parenting Youth (MGH) Program supports homeless pregnant and/or 

parenting young people, as well as their dependent children. Youth must 

be between the ages of 16 and 22 to enter the program. In addition to 

standard TLP services, MGH programs offer an array of comprehensive 

services to teach:

 Parenting skills

 Child development

 Family budgeting

 Health and nutrition

MGH projects incorporate the principles of Positive Youth Development 

and administer services such as:

 Child-safe transitional and independent living accommodations

 Education in parenting, child discipline, and safety

 Mental, physical, and reproductive health care

 Resources to help youth identify reliable, affordable child care

 Money management and use of credit

 Educational opportunities, such as GED preparation, postsecondary training, and vocational education

o Street Outreach Program: Through the Street Outreach Program (SOP), 

FYSB supports work with homeless, runaway, and street youth to help 

them find stable housing and services. SOPs focus on developing 

relationships between outreach workers and young people that allow them 

to rebuild connections with caring adults. The ultimate goal is to prevent 

the sexual exploitation and abuse of youth on the streets. SOP services 

include:

 Street based education and outreach

 Access to emergency shelter

 Survival aid

 Treatment and counseling

 Crisis intervention

 Follow-up support

o Support Systems for Rural Homeless Youth: FYSB, in collaboration 

with the Children’s Bureau, has awarded five-year grants to six states: 

Colorado, Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Vermont. These 
- 20 -

grants focus on improving coordination of services and creating additional 

support for rural youth to improve their circumstances and to enhance 

connections in three areas:

 Survival support services, such as housing, health care, substance 

abuse, and mental health

 Community, such as community service, youth and adult 

partnerships, mentoring, peer support groups, and Positive Youth 

Development activities

 Education and employment, such as high school and GED

completion, postsecondary education, employment, and training

o The National Runaway Switchboard: Since 1974, the National Runaway 

Switchboard (NRS) has been the official “national communications 

system” authorized by Congress to help runaway and homeless youth 

contact their families and service providers. Our 24-hour hotline handles 

approximately 100,000 calls a year, assisting youth who have run away or 

are considering running away and their families.

 Phone: 1-800-RUNAWAY

 Email: info@1800RUNAWAY.org

Division of Adolescent Development and Support 

 Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Program: To prevent pregnancy and the 

spread of sexually transmitted diseases among adolescents, FYSB supports 

State, Tribal and community efforts to promote comprehensive sex education, 

adulthood preparation programs, and abstinence education. Programs must 

provide medically accurate information that is both culturally relevant and ageappropriate.

o State Personal Responsibility Education Program: Through the State 

Personal Responsibility Education Program (PREP), FYSB awards grants 

to state agencies to educate young people on both abstinence and 

contraception. With efforts toward preventing pregnancy and sexually 

transmitted infections, PREP targets young people who are:

 Homeless

 In foster care

 Living in rural areas or areas with high teen birth rates

 From minority groups (including sexual minorities)

PREP also supports pregnant youth and mothers under the age of 21.

o Tribal Personal Responsibility Education Program: Tribal PREP

promotes proven and culturally appropriate methods for reducing 

adolescent pregnancy, delaying sexual activity among youths and 

increasing condom use and other contraceptives among sexually active 

youth in native communities. Programs follow design guidelines similar to 

those of State PREP, but are specially designed to honor tribal needs, 

traditions, and cultures. Discretionary grants are available to Tribes to 

combat the disproportionately high rates of teen pregnancy and birth.
- 21 -

o Personal Responsibility Education Innovative Strategies Program:

Through Personal Responsibility Education Innovative Strategies Program 

(PREIS), FYSB supports research and demonstration projects that 

implement innovative strategies for preventing pregnancy among youths 

aged 10-19 years. Successful projects focus on youth who are:

 Homeless

 In foster care

 From racial and ethnic minority groups

 Living in areas with high teen birth rates

 Infected by HIV/AIDS

 Pregnant

 Mothers under the age of 21, along with their partners

PREIS is administered by FYSB in collaboration with the Office of 

Adolescent Health’s Teen Pregnancy Prevention Research and 

Demonstration Program.

o Title V State Abstinence Education Grant Program: The Title V State 

Abstinence Education Grant Program (AEGP) provides funding to States 

and Territories for abstinence education, mentoring, counseling, and adult 

supervision. AEGP promotes abstinence to prevent teen pregnancy and 

unwanted marriages in youths aged 10-19, especially for those from 

minority groups, in foster care or who are homeless. Our support services 

help young people by:

 Strengthening their beliefs supporting abstinence

 Increasing their skills to negotiate abstinence and resist peer 

pressure

 Educating youths about sexually transmitted infections, such as 

HIV/AIDS

o Competitive Abstinence Education Program: The Competitive 

Abstinence Education Program provides funding to private and public 

agencies to implement abstinence education programs.

Division of Family Violence Prevention and Services

 Family Violence Prevention and Services Program: The Family Violence 

Prevention and Services Program administers the Family Violence Prevention 

and Services Act (FVPSA), the primary federal funding stream dedicated to the 

support of emergency shelter and related assistance for victims of domestic 

violence and their children. The Family Violence Prevention and Services 

Program is committed to:

o Providing shelter and other supportive services for victims and their 

children

o Coordinating statewide improvements within local communities, social 

service systems, and programming regarding the prevention and 

intervention of domestic violence through the leadership of State Domestic 

Violence Coalitions and FVPSA State Administrators
- 22 -

o Increasing public awareness about the prevalence of domestic violence, 

dating violence, and family violence

o Supporting local and community-based domestic violence programs with 

specialized technical assistance addressing emerging issues such as 

trauma-informed care; the co-occurrence of domestic violence and child 

maltreatment; culturally specific domestic violence services; and effective 

interventions for children exposed to domestic violence

To accomplish this work the FVPSA Program provides grants to States, 

Territories, Tribes, state domestic violence coalitions and national resource

centers. FVSPSA Programs include:

o Family Violence Prevention and Services Formula Grants to States 

and Territories: The FVPSA formula grants to states and territories fund 

more than 1,600 local public, private, nonprofit and faith-based 

organizations and programs demonstrating effectiveness in the field of 

domestic violence services and prevention. These programs provide 

victims of domestic and dating violence and their children with:

 Shelter

 Safety planning

 Crisis counseling

 Information and referral

 Legal advocacy

 Additional support services

o Family Violence Prevention and Services Grants to Tribes: The 

Family Violence Prevention and Services Act (FVPSA) Grants to Native 

American Tribes (including Alaska Native Villages) and tribal organizations 

are formula grants funded through a 10 percent set aside in the FVPSA 

appropriation. The purpose of these grants is to assist Tribes in efforts to 

increase public awareness about, and primary and secondary prevention 

of, family violence, domestic violence, and dating violence, and to provide 

immediate shelter and supportive services for victims of family violence, 

domestic violence, or dating violence, and their dependents. Funding is 

available to all Native American Tribes and tribal organizations that meet 

the definition of “Indian Tribe” or “tribal organization” at 25 U.S.C. 450b 

and are able to demonstrate their capacity to carry out domestic violence 

prevention and services programs.

o State Domestic Violence Coalitions: FYSB funds State Domestic 

Violence Coalitions that provide technical assistance and training to local 

domestic violence programs and serve as critical partners for coordination 

of statewide services and emerging issues such as domestic violence and 

home visitation. State Domestic Violence Coalitions improve domestic 

violence intervention and prevention in their states by ensuring crosscoordinated, best practice solutions are implemented and sustained. 

Every State and some Territories have one federally recognized coalition.
- 23 -

o Discretionary Programs: Each year, FYSB funds discretionary programs 

coordinated by the Family Violence Prevention and Services Program. 

These programs aim to:

 Improve the prevention and intervention of domestic violence, 

dating violence, and family violence

 Enhance available support and resources for victims and their 

children

 Ensure that services are accessible

 Foster practice changes within the domestic violence field

 Support research and data collection on the incidence of domestic 

violence, dating violence, and family violence

 Enhance public awareness of issues related to domestic violence 

including the life-time health impact, advocacy within culturally 

specific communities, and the co-occurrence of domestic violence 

and child maltreatment

Past initiatives have worked to:

 Enhance services for children exposed to domestic violence

 Improve coordination of services for runaway and homeless youth 

experiencing dating violence

 Eliminate barriers to service for victims of domestic violence with 

mental health and trauma issues as well as other specialized needs

 Expand leadership opportunities in the domestic violence field for 

people from underrepresented groups

o Resource Centers: The Domestic Violence Resource Network is funded 

by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to inform and 

strengthen domestic violence intervention and prevention efforts at the 

individual, community, and societal levels. The DVRN works 

collaboratively to promote practices and strategies to improve our nation’s 

response to domestic violence and make safety and justice not just a 

priority, but also a reality. DVRN member agencies ensure that victims of 

domestic violence, advocates, community-based programs, educators, 

legal assistance providers, law enforcement and court personnel, health 

care providers, policy makers, and government leaders at the local, state, 

tribal, and federal levels have access to up-to-date information on best 

practices, policies, research, and victim resources. The DVRN includes 

two national resource centers, three special issue resource centers, four 

culturally-specific Institutes, the National Center on Domestic Violence, 

Trauma & Mental Health, the National Network to End Domestic Violence, 

and the National Domestic Violence Hotline. 

 National Resource Centers

National Resource Center on Domestic Violence

(800) 537-2238

www.nrcdv.org and www.vawnet.org
- 24 -

The National Resource Center on Domestic Violence, a 

project of the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic 

Violence, provides a wide range of free, comprehensive and 

individualized technical assistance, training and resource 

materials. 

National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center

855‐649‐7299

www.niwrc.com

The National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center, Inc. 

(NIWRC) is a Native nonprofit organization that was created 

specifically to serve as the National Indian Resource Center 

Addressing Domestic Violence and Safety for Indian 

Women. NIWRC will seek to enhance the capacity of 

American Indian and Alaska Native tribes, Native Hawaiians, 

and Tribal and Native Hawaiian organizations to respond to 

domestic violence. 

 Special Issues Resource Centers

Battered Women's Justice Project

Criminal and Civil Justice Center

(800) 903-0111 ext. 1

www.bwjp.org

The Battered Women’s Justice Project (BWJP) promotes 

change within the civil and criminal justice systems that 

enhances their effectiveness in providing safety, security and 

justice for battered women and their families. BWJP 

provides technical assistance to advocates, civil attorneys, 

judges and court personnel, law enforcement officers, 

prosecutors, probation officers, batterers intervention 

program staff, defense attorneys and policymakers; and to 

victims of domestic violence and their families and friends. 

Battered Women's Justice Project

National Clearinghouse for the Defense of Battered Women

(800) 903-0111 ext. 3

www.ncdbw.org

The National Clearinghouse for the Defense of Battered 

Women, located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, addresses

the unique needs of battered women who, as a result of the 

abuse they have experienced at the hands of their intimate 

partner, end up charged with a crime. The National 

Clearinghouse strives to prevent the revictimization of 

battered women defendants by providing specialized 

technical assistance, resources, and support to battered 
- 25 -

women charged with crimes and to members of their 

defenses teams.

National Health Resource Center on Domestic Violence

(888) 792-2873

www.futureswithoutviolence.org/health

The National Health Resource Center on Domestic Violence 

(HRC) supports health care practitioners, administrators and 

systems, domestic violence experts, survivors, and policy 

makers at all levels as they improve health care’s response 

to domestic violence. HRC supports leaders in the field 

through groundbreaking model, education and response 

programs, cutting-edge advocacy and sophisticated 

technical assistance. 

National Center on Domestic Violence, Trauma & Mental 

Health

(312) 726-7020

www.nationalcenterdvtraumamh.org

The National Center on Domestic Violence, Trauma & 

Mental Health is committed to developing comprehensive, 

accessible, and culturally-relevant responses to the range of 

trauma-related issues faced by domestic violence survivors 

and their children; to promoting advocacy that is survivordefined and rooted in principles of social justice; and to 

eradicating the social and psychological conditions that 

contribute to interpersonal abuse and violence across the 

lifespan. 

Resource Center on Domestic Violence

Child Protection and Custody

(800) 527-3223

www.ncjfcj.org/dept/fvd

The Family Violence Department of the National Council of 

Juvenile and Family Court Judges provides leadership and 

assistance to consumers and professionals dealing with the

issue of child protection and custody in the context of 

domestic violence through operation of the Resource Center 

on Domestic Violence: Child Protection and Custody. 

 Culturally-Specific Institutes

Asian &Pacific Islander Institute on Domestic Violence

(415) 568-3315

www.apiidv.org
- 26 -

The Asian & Pacific Islander Institute on Domestic Violence 

is a national training and technical assistance provider and a 

clearinghouse on gender violence in Asian, Native Hawaiian,

and Pacific Islander communities. It serves a national 

network of advocates, community members, organizations, 

service agencies, professionals, researchers, policy 

advocates, and activists from community and social justice 

organizations working to eliminate violence against women. 

Casa de Esperanza

(651) 646-5553

www.casadeesperanza.org

The National Latin@ Network for Healthy Families and 

Communities (NLN) exists to advance effective responses to 

eliminate violence and promote healthy relationships within 

Latino families and communities. The NLN addresses four 

primary issues: increasing access for Latinos experiencing 

domestic violence through training and technical assistance; 

producing culturally relevant tools for advocates and 

practitioners; conducting culturally relevant research that 

explores the context in which Latino families experience 

violence; and interjecting the lived realities of Latinos into 

policy efforts to better support Latino families. 

Institute on Domestic Violence in the African American 

Community

(877) 643-8222

www.dvinstitute.org

The Institute on Domestic Violence in the African American 

Community (IDVAAC) is an organization focused on the 

unique circumstances and life experiences of African 

Americans as they seek resources and remedies related to 

the victimization and perpetration of domestic violence in 

their community. IDVAAC recognizes the impact and high 

correlation of intimate partner violence to child abuse, elder 

maltreatment, and community violence. IDVAAC's mission 

is to enhance society's understanding of and ability to end 

violence in the African American community.

 National Domestic Violence Hotline: The National Domestic 

Violence Hotline aids victims of domestic violence 24 hours a day. 

Hotline advocates assist victims, and anyone calling on their behalf, 

by providing crisis intervention, safety planning, and referrals to 

local service providers. The hotline receives more than 24,000 calls 

a month.
- 27 -

National Domestic Violence Hotline

(800) 799-7233 and (800) 787-3224 (TTY)

www.ndvh.org
- 28 -

Early Childhood Development Interagency Coordination

370 L’Enfant Promenade, S.W.

6

th Floor

Washington, D.C. 20447

Phone: (202) 401-9204

Fax: (202) 205-4891

The ACF Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary and Inter-Departmental Liaison for 

Early Childhood Development (ECD) was created in 2009 to provide an integrated, 

comprehensive, and focused approach to improving early childhood education and 

development. This office provides coordination across the Office of Head Start and the 

Office of Child Care, as well as working with the Maternal and Child Health Bureau who 

administers the Maternal, Infant and Early Childhood Home Visiting Program (MIECHV) 

in collaboration with ACF. 

This Deputy Assistant Secretary office also serves as the liaison to a range of other 

federal agencies, particularly with the U.S. Department of Education (ED) and with other 

offices within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The most 

recent and intensive partnership has been the HHS/ED co-administration of the Race to 

the Top – Early Learning Challenge grant competition.

Given the importance of state and local activities to early childhood development, ECD 

work closely with state partners, particularly the state advisory councils, state child care 

administrators and state pre-k directors, as well as with communities promoting a 

systems approach to early learning and development.

In addition, we continue to reach out to a wide range of national organizations and 

philanthropic partners to assure that we are learning and sharing together. 

Our Goals include:

Building successful Early Learning and Development Systems across Head 

Start, child care, and pre-K

Promoting high quality and accountable early learning and development 

programs for all children

Improving health and safety of early learning and development programs

Ensuring an effective early childhood workforce

Promoting family support and engagement in the child’s development

Office of Head Start: Head Start is a federal program that promotes the school 

readiness of children ages birth to 5 from low-income families by enhancing their 

cognitive, social, and emotional development. Over a million children are served by 

Head Start programs every year, including children in every U.S. State, Territory, and 

American Indian and Alaskan Native communities. Since 1965, nearly 30 million lowincome children and their families have received these comprehensive services to 
- 29 -

increase their school readiness. Head Start programs offer a variety of service models, 

depending on the needs of the local community. 

Office of Child Care: The Office of Child Care (OCC) supports low-income families 

through child care financial assistance by providing access to affordable, high-quality 

early care and afterschool programs. OCC also promotes children’s learning by 

improving the quality of early care and education and afterschool programs. OCC 

administers the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) and works with state, 

territory and tribal governments to provide support for children and their families juggling 

work schedules and struggling to find child care programs that will fit their needs and 

that will prepare children to succeed in school.

Affordable Care Act (ACA) Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting 

Program (MIECHV) and Tribal MIECHV: The MIECHV Program responds to the 

diverse needs of children and families in communities at risk and provides an 

unprecedented opportunity for collaboration and partnership at the federal, state, and 

community levels to improve health and development outcomes for at-risk children 

through evidence-based home visiting programs.

Health Resources and Services Administration administers the State MIECHV program, 

which provides grants to States and Jurisdictions to develop statewide home visiting 

programs. ACF administers the Tribal MIECHV program, which provides grants to 

Tribes, Tribal Organizations, and Urban Indian Organizations to develop home visiting 

programs in Native communities.

Early Childhood Health: Effective disease prevention, along with promotion of healthy 

development and wellness, are best achieved with well-coordinated efforts starting early 

in the life course. Disease prevention and health promotion, as well as linkages to 

health services, can be delivered anywhere children and families spend time: in the 

home, in communities, and in a range of early care and education settings serving 

children prenatally through age 8 such as child care, Head Start/Early Head Start 

(HS/EHS), home visiting and after school programs. Returns on investment for these 

coordination efforts are unparalleled; by addressing health and development early in 

children’s lives, it is possible to reduce or even eliminate the need for more expensive 

corrective measures in later years.

ACF Health Priorities to support safe, healthy and happy children who are ready to 

learn:

Asthma Prevention with Special Emphasis on Tobacco Exposure Prevention

Developmental and Behavioral Services

Health Literacy

Healthy Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Overweight/Obesity Prevention

Injury and Maltreatment Prevention 

Oral Health 
- 30 -

State Advisory Councils: ACF awarded $100 million in American Recovery and 

Reinvestment Act funding for 50 State Advisory Council grants to 45 states, the District 

of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, Guam, and American Samoa. The overall 

responsibility of the State Advisory Council is to lead the development or enhancement 

of a high-quality, comprehensive system of early childhood development and care that 

ensures statewide coordination and collaboration among the wide range of early 

childhood programs and services in the state. These include child care, Head Start, 

IDEA preschool, infants and families programs, and pre-kindergarten programs and 

services.

Race to the Top-Early Learning Challenge: On December 16, 2011, the White House 

announced that nine states—California, Delaware, Maryland, Massachusetts, 

Minnesota, North Carolina, Ohio, Rhode Island, and Washington—would receive grant 

awards from the $500 million Race to the Top-Early Learning Challenge (RTT-ELC) 

fund. This fund is a competitive grant program jointly administered by the U.S.

Departments of Education and Health and Human Services. 

Since that time, staff from the Department of Education’s Office of Early Learning has 

been working closely with ACF Early Childhood Development staff to guide and oversee 

the work of these nine states. 

RTT-ELC focuses on five key areas of reform:

Establishing Successful State Systems by building on the State's existing 

strengths, ambitiously moving forward the State's early learning and development 

agenda, and carefully coordinating programs across agencies to ensure 

consistency and sustainability beyond the grant

Defining High-Quality, Accountable Programs by creating a common tiered 

quality rating and improvement system that is used across the State to evaluate 

and improve program performance and to inform families about program quality

Promoting Early Learning and Development Outcomes for Children to 

develop common standards within the State and assessments that measure child 

outcomes, address behavioral and health needs, as well as inform, engage and 

support families

Supporting A Great Early Childhood Education Workforce by providing 

professional development, career advancement opportunities, appropriate 

compensation, and a common set of standards for workforce knowledge and 

competencies

Measuring Outcomes and Progress so that data can be used to inform early 

learning instruction and services and to assess whether children are entering 

kindergarten ready to succeed in elementary school.

Other Interagency Initiatives:

National Early Care and Education Survey: ECD is working with the Office of 

Planning, Research, and Evaluation, which is conducting a national survey that 

will provide a comprehensive assessment of both the availability and utilization of 
- 31 -

early care and education in the United States. Additionally, because of the 

critical importance of quality, it will include a set of observable predictors of 

quality.

“Look Before You Lock” Campaign: ECD is working in partnership with the 

U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety 

Administration (NHTSA) for a first-ever national campaign to prevent child 

heatstroke deaths, injury, and trauma after being left unsupervised in cars, vans, 

or school buses. The campaign reminds bus drivers and monitors, teachers, 

parents, and caregivers to acknowledge it could happen to them and to ask 

themselves—"Where's baby? Look before you lock." There will be a series of 

radio and online advertisements centered around this theme, as well as a tool kit 

for parents and grassroots organizations to use in local outreach on the issue.

Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP): ECD is currently working 

closely with the Food and Nutrition Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture

to reissue policy guidance regarding the participation of tribal child care programs 

in the CACFP. The revised memo, updating what was originally released in 

1999, will clarify current program policies and remove unnecessary barriers that 

some tribal child care programs currently face. 
- 32 -

Office of Child Care

370 L’Enfant Promenade, S.W.

5

th Floor

Washington, D.C. 20447

(202) 690-6782

(202) 690-5600

www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/occ

The Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) supports low-income working families 

through financial aid for child care. It also promotes children’s learning by improving the 

quality of early care and education and after school programs. Subsidized child care 

services are available to eligible families through vouchers or contracts with providers.

Parents may select any legally operating child care provider that accepts subsidies, i.e., 

a child care center, family child care home, relative, friend, or neighbor. Child care 

providers serving children funded by CCDF must meet basic health and safety 

requirements set by States, Territories, and Tribes. These requirements must address 

prevention and control of infectious diseases, including immunizations, building and 

physical premises safety, and minimum health and safety training.

Federal funds go to States, Territories, the District of Columbia, and federally 

recognized Indian tribes, which then designate a CCDF Lead Agency within each 

jurisdiction. These agencies distribute subsidies to eligible families and providers in 

accordance with their jurisdiction’s child care system. Within basic federal guidelines, 

lead agencies have the flexibility to define income eligibility and establish other key 

aspects of program design. CCDF funds can be used for outreach and other efforts to 

expand child care assistance, or quality improvement efforts in under-represented, 

vulnerable, or emerging populations and communities.

CCDF Lead Agencies use quality enhancement funds to improve child care and other 

services to parents. These services include child care resource and referral services, 

and consumer education to assist parents in selecting quality child care. To improve 

the health and safety of available child care, CCDF Lead Agencies may also provide 

training, technical assistance, and grants and loans to providers. In addition, funds may 

be used for improved monitoring to ensure compliance with health and safety 

requirements. Many CCDF Lead Agencies are making systemic investments, such as 

developing quality rating and improvement, and professional development systems.

These systems are designed to ensure that children and families are receiving high 

quality, developmentally appropriate child care within their early care and education 

systems. The goal is to enhance children’s readiness for school and subsequent 

academic success.
- 33 -

Office of Head Start

1250 Maryland Avenue, S.W. 

8

th Floor

Washington, D.C. 20024 

(866) 763-6481 Phone

(202) 205-9721 Fax

www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ohs

Head Start is a federal program that promotes the school readiness of children ages 

birth to 5 from low-income families by enhancing their cognitive, social, and emotional 

development. Head Start programs provide comprehensive services to enrolled 

children and their families, which include health, nutrition, social services, and other 

services determined to be necessary by family needs assessments, in addition to 

education and cognitive development services.

Head Start serves preschool-age children and their families. Many Head Start 

programs also provide Early Head Start, which serves infants, toddlers, pregnant

women, and their families who have incomes below the federal poverty level.

The Office of Head Start, within the Administration of Children and Families of the 

Department of Health and Human Services, awards grants to public and private 

agencies on a competitive basis to provide these comprehensive services to specific 

communities. Head Start grantees provide the services as described in the Head Start 

Performance Standards and in accordance with the Head Start Act of 2007.
- 34 -

Specific Populations
- 35 -

Administration for Native Americans

370 L’Enfant Promenade, S.W.

2

nd Floor

Washington, D.C. 20447

(202) 690-7776 Phone (Toll free: 1-877-922-9262)

(202) 690-8145 Fax

www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ana

The Administration for Native Americans (ANA) provides discretionary grant funding to 

Tribes (both federally and not federally recognized) and non-profit organizations in all 50 

States and Native populations in the Pacific Basin (including American Samoa, Guam, 

and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands).

ANA Mission:

The mission of ANA is to promote the goal of self-sufficiency and cultural preservation 

for Native Americans by providing social and economic development opportunities. To 

accomplish this, ANA provides financial assistance, training, and technical assistance to 

eligible Tribes and Native American communities. In support of self-sufficiency, ANA 

projects are planned, designed, and implemented by Native American community 

members to address their particular needs. ANA subscribes to the philosophy that 

sustainable change must originate within the community.

ANA Funding Opportunity Areas:

Social and Economic Development Strategies (SEDS) 

SEDS Tribal Governance 

Native American Language Preservation and Maintenance 

Native American Language Preservation and Maintenance – Esther Martinez 

Initiative 

Environmental Regulatory Enhancement 

Native Asset Building Initiative

ANA Goals:

Economic Development - Promote the physical, commercial, technological, and 

industrial development of stable, diversified local economies, and economic 
- 36 -

activities, which will provide jobs, promote economic well-being, and reduce 

dependency on public funds and social services. 

Governance – Support local access to, control of, and coordination of services 

and programs that safeguard the health and well-being of people and are 

essential to a thriving and self-sufficient community. Increase tribal and Alaska 

Native village governments’ ability to exercise local control and decision-making 

over their resources. 

Social Development – Invest in human and social capital to advance the needs of 

Native Americans, while incorporating culturally appropriate activities to enhance 

tribal, native community, and Alaska Native village goals. 

Strengthening Families – Incorporate culturally relevant strategies to strengthen 

families, foster child well-being, and promote responsible fatherhood. 

Language Preservation and Maintenance – Preserve, maintain, and revitalize 

Native American languages. 

Environmental Regulatory Enhancement – Enhance the capacity of Tribes and 

Native non-profits to build and sustain environmentally healthy communities 

through regulations, ordinances, laws, training, and education. 

ANA Eligibility – Who is eligible for ANA funding?

Federally recognized Indian Tribes 

Consortia of Indian tribes 

Incorporated non-federally recognized Tribes 

Incorporated nonprofit multi-purpose community-based Indian organizations 

Urban Indian Centers 

National or regional incorporated nonprofit Native American organizations with 

Native American community-specific objectives 

Alaska Native villages as defined in the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act 

(ANCSA) and/or nonprofit village consortia 

Incorporated nonprofit Alaska Native multi-purpose community based 

organizations 

Nonprofit Alaska Native Regional Corporations/Associations in Alaska with 

village-specific projects 

Nonprofit Native organizations in Alaska with village specific projects 

Public and nonprofit private agencies serving Native Hawaiians 

Public and nonprofit private agencies serving native peoples from Guam, 

American Samoa, or the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (the 

populations served may be located on these islands or in the continental United 

States) 

Native-controlled community colleges, and Native-controlled post-secondary 

vocational institutions, colleges and universities located on Hawaii, Guam, 

American Samoa or the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands that 

serve Native peoples 

Nonprofit Alaska Native community entities or Native governing bodies (Indian 

Reorganization Act or Traditional Councils) as recognized by the Bureau of 

Indian Affairs 
- 37 -

Training and Technical Assistance

ANA provides free training and technical assistance to potential applicants and current 

grantees through contractors in each ANA geographic region (East, West, Alaska, and 

Pacific Basin). This includes:

Project development training 

Pre-application training

Pre-application electronic technical assistance 

ANA Resources

Please visit ANA’s website for links to the following resources and more: 

www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ana

Indian Business Guides 

Native Language Preservation: A Reference Guide for Establishing Archives and 

Repositories 

Native American Veterans: Storytelling for Healing 

Family Preservation Idea Guide 

Reference Guide for Native American Family Preservation Programs 

Family Preservation Resource Directory 

Tribal Resource Directory
- 38 -

Office of Refugee Resettlement

370 L’Enfant Promenade, S.W.

8

th Floor

Washington, D.C. 20447

(202) 401-9246 Phone (Toll free: 1-877-922-9262)

(202) 401-0981 Fax

www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/orr

The Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) gives new populations the opportunity to 

maximize their potential in the United States. ORR’s programs provide people in need 

with critical resources to assist them in becoming integrated members of American 

society, such as cash, social services, and medical assistance.

ORR benefits and services are available to eligible persons from the following groups:

Refugees

Asylees

Cuban/Haitian entrants

Amerasians

Victims of human trafficking

Unaccompanied alien children

Survivors of torture

ORR has four divisions and one major program area:

Refugee Assistance

Resettlement Services

Children’s Services

Anti-Trafficking in Persons

Office of the Director

Division of Refugee Assistance:

The Division of Refugee Assistance (DRA) supports, oversees and provides guidance 

to State-Administered, Public Private Partnership and Wilson/Fish programs that 

provide assistance and services to refugees, asylees, certain Amerasian immigrants, 

Cuban and Haitian entrants, and Certified Victims of Human Trafficking (henceforth 

referred to collectively as refugees). DRA reviews and monitors state plans, budget 

submissions, service plans, and reports, while providing technical assistance to ensure 

that federal regulations are followed and adequate services and performance are

maintained. The ultimate goal is to provide the types of assistance that will allow 

refugees to become economically self-sufficient as soon as possible after their arrival in 

the United States. DRA also includes the newly-formed Refugee Health Team, which 

coordinates with state and federal partners to advance ORR's health initiatives. 
- 39 -

Program structures:

State Administered: Cash, medical, and social services are primarily managed 

by states as part of their social service or labor force programs. The program 

goal is to enable refugees become self-sufficient as soon as possible.

Public Private Partnership: This partnership provides States the option to enter 

into a partnership with local voluntary resettlement agencies to provide cash 

assistance to refugees. The objective is to create more effective resettlement,

while maintaining state responsibility for policy and administrative oversight. 

Wilson-Fish: The program is an alternative to the traditional state administered 

refugee resettlement program. This program provides cash, medical assistance, 

and social services to refugees. The purpose of the Wilson-Fish program is to 

increase refugee prospects for early employment and self-sufficiency, promote 

coordination among voluntary resettlement agencies and service providers, and 

ensure that refugee assistance programs exist in every state where refugees are 

resettled.

DRA is responsible for the following programs:

Cash and Medical Assistance: This program provides reimbursement to states 

and other programs for cash and medical assistance. Refugees who are 

ineligible for TANF and Medicaid may be eligible for cash and medical assistance 

for up to eight months from their date of arrival, grant of asylum, or date of 

certification for trafficking victims. 

Refugee Social Services: This program allocates formula funds to states to 

serve refugees who have been in the United States less than 60 months (five 

years). Services are focused on addressing employability and include 

interpretation and translation, day care, citizenship, and naturalization. Services 

are designed to help refugees obtain jobs within one year of enrollment. 

Targeted Assistance: This program allocates formula funds to states that 

qualify for additional funds due to an influx of refugee arrivals that need public 

assistance. TAG service prioritize (a) cash assistance recipients, particularly 

long-term recipients; (b) unemployed refugees not receiving cash assistance; 

and (c) employed refugees in need of services to retain employment or to attain 

economic independence. 

Cuban Haitian: This program provides discretionary grants to states and other 

programs to fund assistance and services in localities with a heavy influx of 

Cuban and Haitian entrants and refugees. This program supports employment 

services, hospitals, and other health and mental health care programs, adult and 

vocational education services, refugee crime or victimization programs, and 

citizenship and naturalization services. 
- 40 -

Refugee Preventive Health: This program provides discretionary grants to 

states or their designated health agencies or other programs that facilitate 

medical screenings and support health services. The program aims to reduce 

the spread of infectious disease, treat any current ailments, and promote 

preventive health practices. 

Refugee School Impact: This program provides discretionary grants to state 

and other programs. Funds go to school districts to pay for activities that will 

lead to the effective integration and education of refugee children between the 

ages of 5 and 18. Activities include English as a second language; after-school 

tutorials; programs that encourage high school completion and full participation in 

school activities; after-school and/or summer clubs and activities; parental 

involvement programs; bilingual/bicultural counselors; interpreter services, etc. 

Services to Older Refugees: This program provides discretionary grants to 

states to ensure that refugees aged 60 and above are linked to mainstream 

aging services in their community. ORR cooperates with the Administration for

Community Living to reach this goal. 

Targeted Assistance Discretionary: This program provides discretionary 

grants to states and other programs to address the employment needs of 

refugees that cannot be met with the Formula Social Services or Formula 

Targeted Assistance Grant Programs. Activities under this program are for the 

purpose of supplementing and/or complementing existing employment services 

to help refugees achieve economic self-sufficiency. 

Division of Resettlement Services

The Division of Resettlement Services (DRS) provides assistance through public and 

private non-profit agencies to support the economic and social integration of refugees. 

DRS is responsible for the following programs:

Matching Grant Program: This is an alternative program to public assistance 

designed to enable refugees to become self-sufficient within four to six months 

from the date of arrival into the United States. Eligible grantees are voluntary 

agencies able to coordinate comprehensive multilingual, multicultural services for 

refugees at local sites; the same agencies are under cooperative agreements 

with the Department of State/Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration 

(PRM). 

Services to Survivors of Torture Program: This program provides funding for 

a comprehensive program of support for survivors of torture. The Torture Victims 

Relief Act of 1998 recognizes that a significant number of refugees, asylees, and 

asylum seekers entering the United States have suffered torture. The program 

provides rehabilitative services which enable survivors to become productive 

members of our communities. 
- 41 -

Refugee Agriculture Partnership Program: The Refugee Agriculture 

Partnership Program (RAPP) involves refugees in the effort to improve the 

supply and quality of food in urban and rural areas. Refugees are potential 

farmers or producers of more healthful foods, as well as consumers whose 

health and well-being are affected by diet. RAPP has evolved into a program 

with multiple objectives that include: creating sustainable income; producing 

supplemental income; having an adequate supply of healthy foods in a 

community; achieving better physical and mental health; promoting community 

integration, and developing the capacity of organizations to access USDA and 

other services and resources. In cooperation with the USDA, ORR helps 

develop community gardens and farmers’ markets.

Preferred Communities Program: This program supports the resettlement 

agencies of newly arriving refugees by providing them additional resources to 

help refugees to become self-sufficient and to integrate into their new 

communities. The program also assists service providers that assist refugees 

with special needs that require more intensive case management. 

Supplemental Services for Recently Arrived Refugees: This program 

provides additional resources to communities where refugee services are 

insufficient because of changes in arrival patterns including secondary 

migrations. Services include: case management; health and mental health 

services; English as a second language; job placement/employment; life skills 

workshops; nutrition education; an education program for mothers of pre-school 

children; after school programs; orientation; interpretation; and translation. 

Ethnic Community Self-Help Program: This program provides assistance to 

refugee ethnic community-based organizations (ECBOs) that address community 

building and facilitate cultural adjustment and integration of refugees. The 

program’s purpose is to promote community organizing that builds bridges 

between newcomer refugee communities and community resources. 

Technical Assistance Program: This program provides technical assistance 

grants to organizations with expertise in specific areas, such as employment, 

cultural orientation, economic development, and English language training. 

Microenterprise Development Program: This program enables refugees to 

become financially independent by helping them develop capital resources and 

business expertise to start, expand, or strengthen their own business. The 

program provides training and technical assistance in business plan 

development, management, bookkeeping, and marketing to equip refugees with 

the skills they need to become successful entrepreneurs. 

Individual Development Accounts Program: Individual development accounts 

are matched savings accounts available for the purchase of specific assets. 
- 42 -

Under the IDA program, the matching funds, together with the refugee's own 

savings from his or her employment, are available for one (or more) of the 

following: home purchase; microenterprise capitalization; post secondary 

education or training; and in some cases, purchase of an automobile if necessary 

to maintain or upgrade employment. Upon enrolling in an IDA program, a 

refugee signs a savings plan agreement, which specifies the savings goal, the 

match rate, and the amount the refugee will save each month. Refugees also 

receiving training in navigating the financial system, budgeting, saving, and 

credit. 

Division of Children’s Services

The Division of Children’s Services (DCS) recognizes the importance of providing a safe 

and appropriate environment for unaccompanied alien children during the interim period 

between the minor's transfer into ORR care and reunification with family or other 

sponsors or removal from the United States by the U.S. Department of Homeland 

Security. DCS strives to provide the best care and placement for unaccompanied alien 

children (UAC), who are in federal custody by reason of their immigration status, while 

taking into account the unique nature of each child's situation in making placement, 

case management, and release decisions. DCS also oversees the Unaccompanied 

Refugee Minors (URM) program, which connects refugee minors with appropriate foster 

care services and benefits when they do not have a parent or a relative available and 

committed to providing for their long-term care.

Unaccompanied Children’s Services: This program makes and implements 

placement decisions in the best interests of UAC to ensure that they are in the 

least restrictive setting possible while in federal custody. The majority of UAC 

are cared for through a network of state licensed ORR-funded care providers, 

which provide classroom education, mental and medical health services, case 

management, and socialization/recreation. ORR/DCS funds programs to provide 

a continuum of care for children, including foster care, group homes, and 

residential treatment centers. The division also coordinates a legal access 

project assuring that these children have information about their legal rights and 

receive an individual legal screening to assess their chances of legal relief. 

Finally, ORR/DCS provides family reunification services to facilitate safe and 

timely placement with family members or other qualified sponsors. 

Unaccompanied Refugee Minors Program: This program ensures that eligible 

unaccompanied minor populations receive the full range of assistance, care, and 

services available to all foster children in the state by establishing a legal 

authority to act in place of the child’s unavailable parent(s). Our programs 

encourage reunification of children with their parents or other appropriate adult 

relatives through family tracing and coordination with local refugee resettlement 

agencies. However, if reunification is not possible, each program works to 

design a case specific permanency plan for each minor or youth in care. 

Additional services ORR provides include: indirect financial support for housing, 

food, clothing, medical care, and other necessities; intensive case management
- 43 -

by social workers; independent living skills training; educational supports

including educational training vouchers; English language training; career/college 

counseling and training; mental health services; assistance adjusting immigration 

status; cultural activities; recreational opportunities; support for social integration; 

cultural and religious preservation.

Anti-Trafficking in Persons Division

The Division of Anti-Trafficking in Persons (ATIP) helps certify victims of a severe form 

of trafficking in persons, as defined by the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000. 

These individuals are eligible to receive federally funded benefits and services to the 

same extent as refugees, and can begin to rebuild their lives in the United States. ATIP 

is committed to promoting public awareness and assisting in the identification of 

trafficking victims by educating the public and persons likely to encounter victims. 

These organizations or persons may include: social services providers; public health 

officials; legal organizations; as well as ethnic, faith-based, and community 

organizations. 

ATIP is responsible for the following programs:

Victim Identification and Public Awareness

Rescue and Restore Campaign: This program is a public awareness campaign 

that established Rescue and Restore coalitions in 24 cities, regions, and states. 

These community action groups are comprised of non-governmental organization 

leaders, academics, students, law enforcement officials, and other key 

stakeholders who are committed to addressing the problem of human trafficking 

in their own communities. 

Rescue and Restore Regional Program: This program serves as the focal 

point for regional public awareness campaign activities and intensification of local 

outreach to identify victims of human trafficking. Each Rescue and Restore

Regional partner oversees and builds the capacity of a local anti-trafficking 

network, and sub-awards 60 percent of grant funds to local organizations that 

identify and work with victims. By acting as a focal point for regional antitrafficking efforts, Rescue and Restore Regional partners encourage a cohesive 

and collaborative approach in the fight against modern-day slavery. 

Assistance for Victims of Human Trafficking

Certifications and Eligibility Letters: HHS is the sole federal agency 

authorized to certify foreign adult victims of human trafficking. Similarly, it is the 

sole federal agency authorized to make foreign child victims of human trafficking 

eligible for assistance. ORR issues all certifications and eligibility letters. 

Certification grants adult foreign victims of human trafficking access to federal 

benefits and services to the same extent as refugees. Likewise, eligibility letters 

grant minor foreign victims of trafficking access to federal benefits and services 
- 44 -

to the same extent as refugees, including placement in the Unaccompanied 

Refugee Minors program. 

National Human Trafficking Victim Assistance Program: This program 

provides funding for comprehensive case management services to foreign 

victims of trafficking and potential victims seeking HHS certification in any 

location in the United States. The grantees provide case management to assist 

a victim of trafficking to become certified, and other necessary services after 

certification, through a network of sub-awardees in locations throughout the 

country. These grants ensure the provision of case management, referrals, and 

emergency assistance (such as food, clothing, and shelter) to victims of human 

trafficking and certain family members. Grantees help victims gain access to 

housing, employability services, mental health screening and therapy, medical 

care, and some legal services, enabling victims to live free of violence and 

exploitation.

National Human Trafficking Resource Center: This program is a national, tollfree hotline for the human trafficking field in the United States. It is reached by 

calling 1-888-3737-888 or e-mailing NHTRC@PolarisProject.org. The NHTRC 

operates around the clock to protect victims of human trafficking. It provides 

callers with a range of comprehensive services including: crisis intervention; 

urgent and non-urgent referrals; tip reporting; anti-trafficking resources; and 

technical assistance for the anti-trafficking field and those who wish to get 

involved. To perform these functions, the NHTRC maintains a national database 

of organizations and individuals, as well as a library of anti-trafficking resources 

and materials. 

Office of the Director

The Office of the Director responds to overall ORR operations and special projects, 

including communications and outreach, media relations, and the federal government’s 

U.S. Repatriation Program. The Budget, Policy, and Data Analysis (BPDA) team is also 

located within the Office of the Director, and is responsible for the allocation and 

tracking of funds for refugee cash and medical assistance, as well as state 

administrative costs; forecasting and executing ORR’s annual budget; developing 

regulations and legislative proposals; and routinely interpreting policy. BPDA also 

coordinates preparation of the ORR Annual Report to Congress.
- 45 -

Program Support
- 46 -

Office of Administration

370 L'Enfant Promenade, S.W.

6

th Floor 

Washington, D.C. 20447 

(202) 401-9238 Phone

(202) 401-5450 Fax

The Office of Administration (OA) is responsible for all aspects of human resource 

administration and management, staff development and training activities, information 

resource management, financial management (including program integrity 

implementation), ethics, grants administration and policy, procurement issues,

organizational development and analysis, administrative services, facilities 

management, and state systems policy for the agency.

The Immediate Office manages and implements HHS policies in the areas of 

facilities management, ethics, travel, conference/efficiency spending, and safety 

and security.

The Office of Workforce Planning and Development (OWPD) provides 

guidance and directs activities associated with human resource management, 

employee development, training, reorganizations, employee relations, work life 

programs, equal employment opportunity, and delegations of authority. 

The Office of Information Services (OIS) provides centralized information 

technology policy and procedures, develops long-range strategic and 

procurement plans for ACF information systems and telecommunications, and 

oversees the implementation of e-government policies and IT investment 

management. OIS manages the Grants Center of Excellence, which provides 

federal agencies with business solutions to manage grant programs, from the 

grant-forecasting phase to closeout. 

The Office of Financial Services (OFS) fosters effective fiscal stewardship of 

ACF programs. It develops financial and grants policy guidance, performs audit 

oversight and debt management functions, manages ACF’s program integrity 

activities and plans for the annual preparation and audit of ACF's financial 

statements, and facilitates program integrity activities for the agency.

The Office of Grants Management (OGM) directly administers, manages, 

provides financial stewardship, and technical guidance to more than 60 ACF 

program and regional offices for discretionary, mandatory grants, and 

cooperative agreements. OGM also performs audit resolution.

.

ACF Funding Opportunities

OA awards discretionary and mandatory grants (including formula, block and 

entitlement) to such entities as state and local governments, American Indian tribes, 

Native American entities, faith-based organizations, institutions of higher education, and 

non-profit and for-profit organizations.
- 47 -

You can learn about expected grant opportunities at the HHS Grants Forecast site at 

https://extranet.acf.hhs.gov/hhsgrantsforecast/index.cfm. Each forecast record contains 

actual or estimated dates, funding levels, and a list of eligible applicants for grants that 

the agency intends to award during the fiscal year. 

When funding is available, ACF issues an official notice, known as a Funding 

Opportunity Announcement (FOA) that will provide program goals, requirements, and 

timetables for completion of awarded projects. You can find all ACF FOAs at 

http://www.grants.gov/. You may also apply for grant awards on this site.

Learn more about ACF funding opportunities by visiting us at 

http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/. This site provides links to current announcements, 

forms, and other related information.
- 48 -

Office of Human Services Emergency Preparedness and Response

370 L'Enfant Promenade, S.W.

6

th Floor

Washington, D.C. 20447

(202) 401-4966 Phone

(202) 205-8446 Fax

www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ohsepr

The Office of Human Services Emergency Preparedness and Response provides 

leadership in human services preparedness, response, and recovery promoting 

resilience of individuals, families, and communities prior to, during, and after nationally 

declared disasters and public health emergencies.

Vision: A nation of individuals, families, and communities that can recover rapidly and 

equitably from a disaster or public health emergency.

Core Values:

Advocacy: Influence decision-making to promote inclusion of human services into 

all phases of emergency preparedness, response, and recovery

Partnership: Foster and cultivate collaborative relationships based on mutual 

respect, transparency, integrity, and a shared commitment to a prepared and 

resilient nation

Integrity: Pursue our mission and vision in a manner consistent with the highest 

standards of government service and professional ethics, that elicits the trust of 

those we serve

Leadership: Galvanize diverse partners to address unmet human services needs 

in disasters and public health emergencies, inspiring unified effort, leveraging 

recognized expertise, and coordinating support to all partners
- 49 -

Office of Legislative Affairs and Budget

370 L'Enfant Promenade, S.W.

5

th Floor

Washington, D.C. 20447

(202) 401-9223 Phone

(202) 401-4562 Fax

www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/olab

The Office of Legislative Affairs and Budget (OLAB) advises ACF’s Assistant Secretary 

on all policy and programmatic matters. OLAB is the primary contact for the 

Department of Health and Human Services, the Executive Branch, and Congress on all 

legislative, budget development and execution, and regulatory activities. The office has 

two divisions:

The Division of Budget is responsible for:

Preparing all major ACF budget documents

Coordinating execution of the entire ACF budget

Forecasting budget authority needs, expenditures and outlays for mandatory 

spending, and discretionary spending programs such as TANF, Foster Care and 

Adoption Assistance, Child Care Development Fund, Child Support Enforcement, 

Head Start, and LIHEAP

Working closely with program staff to integrate performance goals and measures 

into the budget process

See our Budget Information webpage 

(http://transition.acf.hhs.gov/programs/olab/budget) for the most recent ACF budget 

requests, Congressional Justifications, and historical ACF budgets, as well as links to 

Congressional action that includes ACF’s funding and specific priorities.

The Division of Legislative and Regulatory Affairs is responsible for:

Coordinating the development of legislative proposals, including reauthorization 

of program funding

Monitoring legislative activity related to ACF programs

Responding to Congressional requests, such as requests for technical 

assistance on legislation

Preparing agency witnesses for Congressional hearings

Monitoring fulfillment of the ACF’s regulatory and congressional reporting 

commitments

Find more information on Legislative Affairs at 

http://transition.acf.hhs.gov/programs/olab/legislative, including:

Reports to Congress

Congressional testimonies by ACF witnesses

A list of the ACF programs by fiscal and budget year in which the authority 

expires and the Congressional Committees of jurisdiction for the program

Legislative resources
- 50 -

Search our regulations webpage 

(http://transition.acf.hhs.gov/programs/olab/regulations) for a list of ACF’s published 

regulations and their publication dates in the Federal Register from 1997 to present, as 

well as regulatory resources.
- 51 -

Office of Planning, Research and Evaluation

370 L'Enfant Promenade, S.W.

7

th Floor

Washington, D.C. 20447

(202) 401-4535 Phone

(202) 205-3598 Fax

www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/opre/

The Office of Planning, Research and Evaluation (OPRE) advises the Assistant 

Secretary for Children and Families on increasing the effectiveness and efficiency of 

ACF programs. In collaboration with ACF program offices and others, OPRE oversees 

ACF’s performance management activities, conducts research and policy analyses, and 

develops and guides research and evaluation projects that assess program 

performance and inform policy and practice.

OPRE’s website provides links to research projects under eight separate topic areas: 

Abuse, Neglect, Adoption, and Foster Care

Child Care

Early Head Start

Family and Youth Services

Head Start

Home Visiting

Strengthening Families, Healthy Marriage, and Responsible Fatherhood

Self-Sufficiency, Welfare, and Employment 

Other Research

The Office also provides guidance, analysis, technical assistance, and oversight to ACF 

programs in:

Strategic planning

Performance measurement

Research and evaluation methods

Statistical, policy, and program analysis

Synthesis and dissemination of research and demonstration findings 

OPRE includes the Division of Economic Independence, the Division of Child and 

Family Development and the Division of Family Strengthening.

Funding Types: OPRE awards grants, cooperative agreements, and contracts for 

innovative research, demonstrations, and evaluations that are responsive to ACF 

program priorities. All applications must meet standards of excellence in research, 

demonstration, or evaluation design.
- 52 -

Target Audience: Researchers, policy-makers, practitioners, and other stakeholders at 

the national, state, and local levels use OPRE’s work.

Grantee Types: Governmental entities, colleges, universities, non-profit, and for-profit 

organizations (if fee is waived). Grants or cooperative agreements cannot be made 

directly to individuals.
- 53 -

Office of Public Affairs

370 L’Enfant Promenade, S.W.

4

th Floor

Washington, D.C. 20447

(202) 401-9215 Phone

(202) 205-9688 Fax

www.acf.hhs.gov/news

The Office of Public Affairs (OPA) informs the media and the American public about 

ACF programs and initiatives through the production, marketing, and dissemination of 

quality, reliable, and consistent information. 

OPA develops, directs, and coordinates public affairs policies for ACF, responds to all 

media requests, responds to Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests, and

coordinates interviews for the assistant secretary and/or relevant program directors. 

OPA initiates news strategies to work with media to give the public a better 

understanding of the initiatives and programs via communication tools, which include: 

News releases

Speeches

Website

Social Media

Fact Sheets

Brochures

Feature articles

Opinion editorials

Freedom of Information Act: The public may request ACF information under FOIA. 

The Electronic Reading Room page, located at www.acf.hhs.gov/e_reading_room.html, 

has instructions on how to make a request and provides contact information. You will 

also find links to items people ask for most often.

You can also mail or fax your request to:

ACF Freedom of Information Officer

Administration for Children and Families

370 L'Enfant Promenade, S.W.

Washington, D.C. 20447

(888) 747-1861 Phone

(202) 401-4829 Fax
- 54 -

Office of Regional Operations

370 L’Enfant Plaza, S.W.

6

th Floor

Washington, D.C. 20447 

(202) 401-4802 Phone

(202) 401-5706 Fax

www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/oro/

The Office of Regional Operations (ORO) advises the Assistant Secretary for Children 

and Families on all strategic and operational activities related to implementing the 

agency's national goals and priorities at the regional level. ORO oversees the 

performance of the Offices of the Regional Administrators (ORA) on all coordination of 

crosscutting and special emphasis programs and initiatives, emergency preparedness, 

tribal government relations, state and local ACF-related affairs, and administrative 

functions in Regions I-X. ORO is headed by a director, who reports to the Assistant 

Secretary for Children and Families.

Regional Offices

ORAs are located in the 10 regional offices of the U.S. Department of Health and 

Human Services: 

Region I 

15 New Sudbury Street, Room 2000 

Boston, MA 02203 

(617) 565-1020 

www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/region1/index.html

States: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and 

Vermont 

Region II

26 Federal Plaza, Room 4114 

New York, N.Y. 10278 

(212) 264-2890 

www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/region2/index.html

States and Territories: New York, New Jersey, Puerto Rico, and Virgin Islands 

Region III

150 S. Independence Mall West, Suite 864 

Philadelphia, PA 19106 

(215) 861-4000 

www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/region3/index.html

States: Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West 

Virginia 
- 55 -

Region IV 

61 Forsyth Street, S.W., Suite 4M60 

Atlanta, GA 30303 

(404) 562-2900 

www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/region4/index.html

States: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South 

Carolina, and Tennessee 

Region V 

233 N. Michigan Avenue, Suite 400 

Chicago, IL 60601 

(312) 353-4237 

www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/region5/index.html

States: Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin 

Region VI 

1301 Young Street, Room 914 

Dallas, TX 75202 

(214) 767-9648 

www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/region6/index.html

States: Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas 

Region VII

601 E. 12th Street, Room 349

Kansas City, MO 64106 

(816) 426-3981 

www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/region7/

States: Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska

Region VIII 

999 18th Street, South Terrace, Suite 499

Denver, CO 80202 

(303) 844-3100

www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/region8/index.html

States: Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming 

Region IX 

90 7th Street, 9th Floor 

San Francisco, CA 94103 

(415) 437-8400 

www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/region9/index.html

States and Territories: Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada, American Samoa, 

Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, 

Guam, Marshall Islands, and Republic of Palau 
- 56 -

Region X 

2201 Sixth Avenue, Suite 300 

Blanchard Plaza Bldg, 3rd Floor 

Seattle, WA 98121 

(206) 615-3660

www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/region10/index.html

States: Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington