[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 68 (Friday, April 7, 2000)]
[Notices]
[Pages 18337-18338]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-8606]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Administration for Children and Families


Administration on Developmental Disabilities 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 KC, Administration on Developmental Disabilities 
(ADD), 56 FR 42338, dated August 27, 1991. This Notice reflects a 
revised ADD mission statement to reflect current legislative references 
and a realignment of functions within the Office of ADD.
    I. Delete KC.00 Mission in its entirety and replace with the 
following:
    KC.00 Mission. The Administration on Developmental Disabilities 
(ADD) advised the Secretary, through the Assistant Secretary for 
Children and Families, on matters relating to individuals with 
developmental disabilities and their families. ADD serves as the focal 
point in the Department to support and encourage the provision of 
quality services to individuals with developmental disabilities and 
their families. ADD assists states, through the design and 
implementation of a comprehensive and continuing state plan, in 
increasing the independence, productivity and community inclusion of 
individuals with developmental disabilities. These state plans make 
optimal use of existing federal and state resources for the provision 
of services and supports to these individuals and their families to 
achieve these outcomes. ADD works with states to ensure that the rights 
of all individuals with developmental disabilities are protected.
    ADD administers two formula grant programs, State Developmental 
Disabilities Councils and Protection and Advocacy Systems, and two 
discretionary grant programs, University Affiliated Programs and 
Projects of National Significance, including Family Support. These 
programs support the provision of services to individuals with 
developmental disabilities and their families. In concert with other 
components of ACF as well as other public, private, and voluntary 
sector partners, ADD develops and implements research, demonstration 
and evaluation strategies for discretionary funding of activities 
designed to improve and enrich the lives of individuals with 
developmental disabilities. In addition, ADD serves as a resource in 
the development of policies and programs to reduce or eliminate 
barriers experienced by individuals with developmental disabilities 
through the identification of promising practices and dissemination of 
information. ADD supports and encourages programs or services, which 
prevent developmental disabilities and manages initiatives involving 
the private and voluntary sectors that benefit individuals with 
developmental and other disabilities and their families.
    II. Delete KC.10 Organization in its entirety and replace with the 
following:
    KC.10 Organization. The Administration on Development Disabilities 
is headed by a Commissioner who reports directly to the Assistant 
Secretary for Children and Families. The Administration on 
Developmental Disabilities consists of:

Office of the Commissioner (KCA)
Program Operations Division (KCB)
Program Development Division (KCC)

    III. Delete KC.20 Functions in its entirety and replace with the 
following:
    KC.20 Functions. A. The Office of the Commissioner (OC) serves as 
the principal advisor to the Assistant Secretary for Children and 
Families, the Secretary, and other elements of the Department for 
individuals with developmental disabilities. OC provides executive 
direction and management strategy to ADD's components and establishes 
goals and objectives for ADD programs. The Deputy Commissioner assists 
the Commissioner in carrying out the responsibilities of the Office and 
acts as Commissioner in the absence of the Commissioner. The Staff 
within the office of the Commissioner plans, coordinates and controls 
ADD policy, planning, and management activities which include the 
development of legislative proposals, regulations and policy issuances 
for ADD. The Staff manages the formulation and execution of the program 
and operating budgets; provides administrative, personnel and 
information systems support services; serves as the ADD Executive 
Secretariat controlling the flow of correspondence; and coordinates 
with appropriate ACF components in implementing administrative 
requirements and procedures. The staff also coordinates interagency 
collaboration, program outreach, and convenor functions.
    In coordination with the ACF Office of Public Affairs, OC develops 
a strategy for increasing public awareness of the needs of individuals 
with developmental disabilities and programs designed to address them.
    B. Division of Program Operations (POD) is responsible for the 
coordination, management, and evaluation of the State Developmental 
Disabilities Councils Program and the Protection and Advocacy Grants 
Program, including the development of procedures and performance 
standards that ensure compliance with the Developmental Disabilities 
Assistance and Bill of Rights (DD) Act and improve the outcomes of 
Developmental Disabilities Councils and Protection and Advocacy Systems 
in increasing the independence, productivity and

[[Page 18338]]

community inclusion of persons with developmental disabilities.
    The Division conducts routine and special analyses of state plans 
under the Basic State Grants Program, including an examination of 
priority area activities, to assure consistent application of ADD 
program goals and objectives. The Division conducts reviews of programs 
to ensure compliance with the DD Act and to improve program outcomes; 
and identifies and disseminates information regarding excellence in 
advancing the independence, productivity and community inclusion of 
people with developmental disabilities.
    The Division initiates, executes, and supports the development of 
interagency, intergovernmental, and public-private sector agreements, 
committees, task forces, commissions, or joint funding efforts as 
appropriate.
    The Division provides program and administrative guidance to 
regional offices on matters related to the implementation of the DD 
Act; and ensures timely and effective communication with the regional 
offices regarding program compliance, policy clarification, and the 
approval of required state plans and reports.
    C. Division of Program Development (PDD) manages the discretionary 
grants and contracts mandated by the DD Act, and provides program 
development services. PDD originates cross-cutting research, 
demonstration and evaluation initiatives with other components of ADD, 
ACF, HHS, and other government agencies; and manages discretionary 
grants and contracts and assists in monitoring and evaluating 
discretionary grants at the national level.
    The Division plans for and implements experimental program services 
based on advice from state and local organizations on program needs. 
The Division formulates and prepares annual demonstration and 
evaluation plans, coordinates and administers the University Affilatied 
Programs (UAP's) activities, and develops quality assurance criteria 
for the UAP Program.
    The Division develops and initiates guidelines, policy issuances 
and actions with team participation by other components of ADD, ACF, 
HHS, and other government agencies to fulfill the mission and goals of 
the DD Act, as amended. The Division ensures the dissemination of 
project results and information produced by ADD grantees.
    The Division coordinates national program trends with other ACF 
programs and HHS agencies; and studies, reviews and analyzes other 
federal programs providing services applicable to persons with 
developmental disabilities for the purpose of integrating and 
coordinating program efforts.

    Dated: March 30, 2000.
Sue Swenson,
Commissioner, Administration on Developmental Disabilities.
[FR Doc. 00-8606 Filed 4-6-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4184-01-M