[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 131 (Monday, July 8, 1996)] [Notices] [Page 35770] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 96-17283] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Administration for Children and Families Office of Family Assistance Statement of Organization, Functions, and Delegations of Authority This notice amends Part K of the Statement of Organization, Functions, and Delegations of Authority of the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Administration for Children and Families (ACF) as follows: Chapter KH, The Office of Family Assistance (OFA) (60 FR 2766), as last amended, January 11, 1995. This Notice reflects the OFA'S new structure, which refocuses efforts to meet performance goals of economic independence for families and healthy development of children. Specifically, delete Chapter KH in its entirety, and replace it with the following: KH.00 Mission. The Office of Family Assistance (OFA) advises the Secretary, through the Assistant Secretary for Children and Families, on matters relating to public assistance and economic self-sufficiency programs. The Office provides leadership, direction and technical guidance to the nationwide administration of the following programs: Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC); Aid to the Aged, Blind and Disabled in Guam, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands; the Emergency Assistance Program (EA); and the Job Opportunities and Basic Skills Training Program (JOBS). OFA develops, recommends and issues policies, procedures and interpretations to provide direction to these programs. It provides direction and guidance in the collection and dissemination of performance and other valuative data for these programs. The Office provides technical assistance to States, territories, Indian Tribes and Native American organizations, and assesses their performance in administering these programs; reviews state planning for administrative and operational improvements; and recommends actions to improve effectiveness. Reviews, approves and monitors research and demonstration projects to achieve welfare reform; directs reviews; and provides consultations and conducts necessary negotiations to achieve effective public assistance programs. KH.10 Organization. The Office of Family Assistance is headed by a Director who reports to the Assistant Secretary for Children and Families. The Office is organized as follows: Office of the Director (KHA) Division of Self-Sufficiency Programs (KHB) Division of Performance Measurement (KHC) KH.20 Functions A. The Office of the Director is directly responsible to the Assistant Secretary for Children and Families for carrying out OFA's mission and providing direction, leadership, guidance and general supervision to the principal components of OFA. The Office is headed by the Director for Family Assistance. The Deputy Director assists the Director in carrying out the responsibilities of the Office. The Executive Officer assists the Director, Deputy Director and OFA Divisions in providing general oversight of management, administrative and personnel activities and in coordinating the formulation and execution of program and administrative budgets. B. The Division of Self-Sufficiency Programs (DSS) provides direction and guidance in the nationwide administration of the Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC), Aid to the Aged, Blind and Disabled, Emergency Assistance and Job Opportunities and Basic Skills Training (JOBS) Programs under the Social Security Act. The Division proposes legislation and implements national policy, develops regulations to implement new laws and prepares policy interpretations. The Division provides technical assistance to States, territories, Indian Tribes and Native American organizations; assesses their performance in administering these programs; and recommends and promotes improvements in outcomes for clients. The Division develops and implements strategies to assist grantees in implementing and improving their self-sufficiency programs. DSS identifies effective practices and shares information through conferences, technology transfers, publications, the Internet and resource networks. The Division ensures compliance with Federal laws and regulations and promotes cross-program policy initiatives to support work, personal responsibility and family-focused services. C. The Division of Performance Measurement (DPM) is responsible for the identification, development, collection, and dissemination of a core set of national performance data elements in support of AFDC/JOBS self-sufficiency and other program goals. The Division formulates, develops, and conducts special studies/projects in coordination with States, other grantees and other ACF components and provides evaluations of waivers of program rules as appropriate. Compiles, analyzes, and evaluates program and administrative data on the AFDC/ JOBS program. DPM develops and maintains data collection protocols, specifications and procedures including issuing regulations, manuals, guidance, and providing training as necessary. Dated: July 2, 1996. Mary Jo Bane, Assistant Secretary for Children and Families. [FR Doc. 96-17283 Filed 7-5-96; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4184-01-P