[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 213 (Monday, November 4, 2002)]
[Notices]
[Pages 67198-67200]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-27971]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Administration for Children and Families


Statement of Organization, Functions, and Delegations of 
Authority

    This notice amends Part K of the Statement of Organization, 
Functions, and Delegations for Authority of the Department of Health 
and Human Services (DHHS), Administration of Children and Families 
(ACF) as follows: Chapter KG, The Office of Community Services (OCS) 
[62 FR 8743-44], as last amended February 26, 1997; Chapter KH, The 
Office of Family Assistance (OFA) [61 FR 35770], as last amended, 
February 23, 2000; and Chapter KM, The Office of Planning, Research and 
Evaluation (OPRE) [67 FR 4453-54], as last amended, January 30, 2002. 
This notice reflects the realignment of the Tribal Services and the 
Data Collection and Analysis functions within ACF.
    These Chapters are amended as follows:

I. Chapter KG, The Office of Community Services

    A. Delete KG.00 Mission in its entirety, and replace it with the 
following:
    KG.00 Mission. The Office of Community Services (OCS) advises the 
Secretary, through the Assistant Secretary for Children and Families, 
on matters relating to community programs to promote economic self-
sufficiency. The Office is responsible for administering programs that 
serve low-income and needy individuals and address the overall goal of 
personal responsibility and achieving and maintaining self-sufficiency. 
The Office administers the Community Services Block Grant, Social 
Services Block Grant, and the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Block 
Grant programs. The Office also administers the Family Violence 
Program. It administers a variety of discretionary grant programs that 
foster family stability, economic security, responsibility and self-
support, promote and provide services to homeless and low-income 
individuals, and develop new and innovative approaches to reduce 
welfare dependency.
    B. Delete KG.10 Organization in its entirety and replace with the 
following:
    KG.10 Organization. The Office of Community Services is headed by a 
Director who reports directly to the Assistant Secretary for Children 
and Families and consists of:

Office of the Director (KGA)
Division of State Assistance (KGB)
Division of Community Discretionary Programs (KGC)
Division of Community Demonstration Programs (KGD)
Division of Energy Assistance (KGE)

    C. Delete KG.20 Functions, Paragraph F, The Division of Tribal 
Services in its entirety.

II. Chapter KH, The Office of Family Assistance

    A. Delete Chapter KH.00 Mission in its entirety, and replace 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 the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families 
(TANF) program, title IV-A of the Social Security Act. This program 
promotes temporary assistance and economic self-sufficiency for 
children and families. The Office provides leadership, direction and 
technical guidance, with ACF Regional Offices, to the States, Tribes, 
and Territories on the TANF program, the Native Employment Works 
program, and the Aid to the Aged, Blind and Disabled program in Guam, 
Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The Office refocuses efforts to 
increase economic independence and productivity for families. It 
provides direction and guidance in the collection and dissemination of 
performance and other valuable data for these programs. The Office 
provides technical assistance to States, Territories, Indian Tribes, 
Native American organizations, localities and

[[Page 67199]]

community groups, and assesses State, Territorial, and Tribal 
performance in administering these programs; reviews State and Tribal 
planning for administrative and operational improvements; and 
recommends actions to improve effectiveness.
    B. Delete KH.10 Organization in its entirety and replace with the 
following:
    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 State TANF Policy (KHB)
Division of State and Territory TANF Management (KHC)
Division of Data Collection and Analysis (KHG)
Division of Tribal TANF Management (KHH)

    C. Delete KH.20 Functions, Paragraph A. in its entirety and replace 
with the following:
    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 Deputy Director assists the Director in carrying out the 
responsibilities of the office. The Chief Program Officer assists the 
Director, and OFA Divisions in program planning, coordination, and 
evaluation efforts, and providing leadership and direction in the 
planning and execution of initiatives designed to improve program and 
organizational performance. The Office provides public information 
services by responding to welfare reform inquiries from the public and 
private sectors from both domestic and international entities via 
written and electronic communication and monitors completion of 
correspondence assigned to OFA. This office also coordinates and 
organizes the printing and distribution of policy and guidance 
documents and responds to Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests.
    D. Delete KH.20 Functions, Paragraph B. in its entirety and replace 
with the following:
    B. The Division of State TANF Policy provides direction and 
guidance in the nationwide administration of the Temporary Assistance 
for Needy Families programs, under title IV-A of the Social Security 
Act and the Aid to the Aged, Blind, and Disabled program in Guam, 
Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.
    The Division ensures compliance with Federal laws and regulations. 
The Division proposes and reviews legislation and implements national 
policy, develops regulations to implement new laws and prepares policy 
interpretations. The Division provides guidance and direction, 
analyzes, tracks and disseminates information on State progress in 
achieving work participation goals. The Division shapes and facilitates 
communication between Federal, State and local entities to coordinate 
cross-cutting welfare to work related policies. The Division 
collaborates with ACF and HHS components on related programs such as: 
Head Start, child care programs and programs related to child welfare. 
The Division develops State plan procedures and evaluates State TANF 
plans with internal and external collaboration to identify critical 
issues contained in the plans and amendments. It also prepares 
congressional materials, testimonies and speeches. The Division 
collaborates with and provides program guidance to the Office of the 
General Counsel (OGC) on litigation.
    E. Delete KH.20 Functions, Paragraph C. in its entirety and replace 
with the following:
    C. The Division of State and Territory TANF Management provides 
technical assistance to States, Territories, localities and community 
groups; assists in the assessment of State and Territorial performance 
in administering the TANF program and the Aid to the Aged, Blind and 
Disabled program in Guam, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands; and 
recommends and promotes improvements in outcomes for clients. The 
Division develops and implements strategies to assist grantees in 
implementing and designing programs to meet TANF purposes. The Division 
develops and delivers technical assistance, focusing on innovative 
policy and program design approaches, to improve the well-being of 
children. The Division facilitates closer working relationships with 
State programs and program officials to help States improve their TANF 
programs. The Division promotes cross-program policy initiatives to 
self-sufficiency and family focused services. The Division collaborates 
with ACF and HHS components and other Federal agencies to deliver 
family-focused services. It promotes job development through agreements 
with other Federal agencies and corporations. The Division identifies 
best practices and shares information through conferences, publications 
and other means. The Division establishes strong working partnerships 
with States, Tribes and Territories to help them build management 
capacity and skills to improve the performance of the TANF programs. 
The Division compiles, analyzes, evaluates, and disseminates 
information on implementation and strategies in the TANF program and 
other related welfare programs in the United States, including 
information on pertinent statutes, regulations, program instructions 
and guidance. The Division serves as a catalyst to connect other 
relevant national, Federal, State and local organizations to operate 
more effectively, and to share resources and information relative to 
increasing the economic self-sufficiency of low-income families. The 
Division has responsibility for updating contracted Web sites to 
provide easy access; targeted and focused useful information; customer-
friendly organization and search capabilities.
    F. Delete KH.20 Functions, Paragraph D. in its entirety and replace 
with the following:
    D. The Division of Data Collection and Analysis is responsible for 
all aspects of the collection, compilation, analysis, and dissemination 
of statistical and financial data on the TANF program and the Aid to 
the Aged, Blind and Disabled programs in Guam, Puerto Rico, and the 
Virgin Islands. The Division develops regulations to implement data 
collection requirements; designs, develops, implements, and maintains 
systems for the collection and analysis of data including: 
participation rate information, recipient characteristics, financial 
and administrative data, State expenditures on families, work 
activities of non-custodial parents, transitional services, and data 
used in the assessment of State performance. The Division provides 
leadership and coordinates with other ACF and HHS offices and external 
organizations in the use of these data for policy and research 
purposes. The Division also develops and maintains statistical 
protocols and manuals for data collection purposes and provides 
technical assistance in the use of these materials.
    G. Amend KH.20 Functions, to add the following new paragraph:
    E. The Division of Tribal TANF Management is responsible for 
assisting in implementation and coordination of ongoing consultation 
with tribal governments and, where appropriate, State and Federal 
agencies regarding issues relating to the TANF and the Native 
Employment Works program and related legislation. It is also 
responsible for development of regulations and guidelines for Tribal 
employment programs and for providing leadership, policy direction, 
technical assistance and coordination of Tribal services

[[Page 67200]]

programs. The Division performs inter- and intra-agency liaison 
functions to promote family stability, economic security, 
responsibility and self-support for Native Americans. It is responsible 
for conducting program reviews to ensure compliance with the Act, 
regulations and policy directives. It is responsible for activities 
related to tribal data collection reporting requirements relating to 
the programs.

III. Chapter KM, The Office of Planning, Research and Evaluation

    A. Delete KM.00 Mission in its entirety and replace with the 
following:
    KM.00 Mission. The Office of Planning, Research and Evaluation 
(OPRE) is the principal advisor to the Assistant Secretary for Children 
and Families on improving the effectiveness and efficiency of programs 
designed to make measurable improvements in the economic and social 
well-being of children and families.
    The Office provides guidance, analysis, technical assistance, and 
oversight to ACF programs and across programs in the agency on: 
Strategic planning aimed at measurable results; performance 
measurement; research and evaluation methodologies; demonstration 
testing and model development; statistical, policy and program 
analysis; synthesis and dissemination of research and demonstration 
findings; and application of emerging technologies to improve the 
effectiveness of programs and service delivery.
    The Office, through the Division of Economic Independence and the 
Division of Child and Family Development, oversees and manages the 
research programs under sections 413 and 1110 of the Social Security 
Act, including: Priority setting and analysis; managing and 
coordinating major cross-cutting, leading-edge studies and special 
initiatives; and collaborating with states, communities, foundations, 
professional organizations and others to promote the development of 
children, family focused services, parental responsibility, employment, 
and economic independence. Through the Division of Child and Family 
Development, the Office also oversees and manages the research, 
demonstration, and evaluation activities under Section 649 of the Head 
Start Act. In addition, the Office also provides coordination and 
leadership in implementing the Government Performance and Results Act 
(GPRA).
    B. Delete KM.10 Organization in its entirety and replace with the 
following:
    KM.10 Organization. The Office of Planing, Research and Evaluation 
(OPRE) 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 (KMA)
Division of Economic Independence (KMB)
Division of Child and Family Development (KMC)
    C. Delete KM.20 Functions, Paragraph A. in its entirety and replace 
with the following:
    KM.20 Functions. A. The Office of the Director provides direction 
and executive leadership to OPRE in administering its responsibilities. 
It serves as principal advisor to the Assistant Secretary for Children 
and Families on all matters pertaining to: improving the effectiveness 
and efficiency of ACF programs; strategic planning; performance 
measurement; program and policy evaluation; research and 
demonstrations; state and local innovations and progress; and public/
private partnership initiatives of concern to the Assistant Secretary 
for Children and Families. It represents the Assistant Secretary for 
Children and Families at various planning, research, and evaluation 
forums and carries out special Departmental and Administration 
initiatives.
    D. Delete KM.20 Functions, Paragraph B in its entirety and replace 
with the following:
    B. The Division of Economic Independence, in cooperation with ACF 
income support programs and others, works with Federal counterparts, 
States, community agencies, and the private sector to understand and 
overcome barriers to economic independence; promote parental 
responsibility; and assist in improving the effectiveness of programs 
that further economic independence.
    The Division provides guidance, analysis, technical assistance and 
oversight in ACF on: Strategic planning and performance measurement for 
economic independence; statistical, policy, and program analysis; 
surveys, research, and evaluation methodologies; demonstration testing 
and model development; synthesis and dissemination of research and 
demonstration findings; and application of emerging technologies to 
programs which promote employment, parental responsibility, and 
economic independence.
    The Division develops policy-relevant research priorities; 
conducts, manages, and coordinates major cross-program, leading-edge 
research, demonstrations, and evaluation studies, manages and conducts 
statistical, policy, and program analyses on trends in employment, 
child support payments, and other income supports; and works in 
partnership with States, communities, and the private sector to promote 
employment, parental responsibility, and family economic independence.
    E. Delete KM.20 Functions, Paragraph C. in its entirety and replace 
with the following:
    C. The Division of Child and Family Development, in cooperation 
with ACF programs and others, works with Federal counterparts, States, 
community agencies, and the private sector to: Improve the 
effectiveness and efficiency of programs; assure the protection of 
children and other vulnerable populations; strengthen and promote 
family stability; and foster sound growth and development of children 
and their families.
    The Division provides guidance, analysis, technical assistance, and 
oversight in ACF on: Strategic planning and performance measurement for 
all ACF programs, including child and family development; statistical, 
policy, and program analysis; surveys, research and evaluation 
methodologies; demonstration testing and model development; synthesis 
and dissemination of research and demonstration findings; and 
application of emerging technologies to improve the effectiveness of 
programs and service delivery.
    The Division conducts, manages, and coordinates major cross-
program, leading edge research, demonstration, and evaluation studies; 
develops policy-relevant research priorities; and manages and conducts 
statistical, policy, and program analyses related to children and 
families. Division staff also provides consultation, coordination, 
direction, and support for research activities related to children and 
families across ACF programs.
    In partnership with the Head Start Bureau and the Commissioner, 
Administration on Children, Youth and Families, the Division oversees 
and manages the research, demonstration, and evaluation activities 
under section 649 of the Head Start Act and manages the Head Start 
research budget. The Division also manages the Social Services research 
and demonstration budget under section 1110 of the Social Security Act.
    F. Delete KM.20 Functions, Paragraph D. in its entirety.

    Dated: October 28, 2002.
Wade F. Horn,
Assistant Secretary for Children and Families.
[FR Doc. 02-27971 Filed 11-1-02; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4184-01-P