[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 249 (Wednesday, December 28, 2011)]
[Notices]
[Pages 81505-81508]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-33265]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Administration for Children And Families


Administration on Children, Youth and Families; Statement of 
Organization, Functions, and Delegations of Authority

AGENCY: Administration for Children and Families, HHS.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: Statement of Organizations, Functions, and Delegations of 
Authority The Administration for Children and Families (ACF) has 
reorganized the Administration on Children, Youth and Families (ACYF). 
This reorganization realigns the Children's Bureau Data and Technology 
Team and the Family and Youth Services Bureau Research, Data, and 
Evaluation Team to create the Office of Data Analysis, Research, and 
Evaluation. It also renames the Division of Research and Innovation to 
the Division of Program Innovation. It renames the Division of Youth 
Services to the Division of Adolescent Development and Support. It 
deletes the Division of Abstinence Programs. Additionally, it deletes 
the Mentoring Children of Prisoners program.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Bryan Samuels, Commissioner, 
Administration on Children, Youth and Families, 1250 Maryland Avenue 
SW., Washington, DC 20024, (202) 205-8347.
    This notice amends Part K of the Statement of Organization, 
Functions, and Delegations of Authority of the Department of Health and 
Human Services (HHS), Administration for Children and Families (ACF) as 
follows: Chapter KB, Administration on Children, Youth and Families 
(ACYF), as last amended 72 FR 24314-24316, May 2, 2007.
    I. Under Chapter, KB, Administration on Children, Youth and 
Families, delete KB in its entirety and replace with the following:
    KB.00 Mission. The Administration on Children, Youth and Families 
(ACYF) advises the Secretary, through the Assistant Secretary for 
Children and Families, on matters relating to the sound development of 
children, youth, and families by planning, developing, and implementing 
a broad range of activities that prevent or remedy the effects of 
trauma, abuse, and/or neglect of children and youth and promote child, 
adolescent, and family well-being.
    ACYF administers State grant programs under titles IV-B and IV-E of 
the Social Security Act; manages the Adoption Opportunities program and 
other discretionary programs for the development and provision of child 
welfare services; and implements the Child Abuse Prevention and 
Treatment Act. It administers programs under the Runaway and Homeless 
Youth Act; carries out the provisions of the Family Violence Prevention 
and Services Act; and manages adolescent pregnancy prevention programs 
under the Affordable Care Act.
    In concert with other components of ACF, ACYF develops and 
implements research, demonstration, and evaluation strategies for the 
discretionary funding of activities designed to improve and enrich the 
lives of children and youth and to strengthen families. It administers 
Child Welfare Services training and research and demonstration programs 
authorized by title IV-B of the Social Security Act and oversees 
promising youth development programs.
    KB.10 Organization. The Administration on Children, Youth and 
Families is headed by a Commissioner, who reports directly to the 
Assistant Secretary for Children and Families, and consists of:
    Office of the Commissioner (KBA).
    Office of Management Services (KBA1).
    Office of Data Analysis, Research and Evaluation (KBA3).
    Children's Bureau (KBD).
    Children's Bureau Regional Program Units (KBDDI-X) .
    Office of Child Abuse and Neglect (KBD1).
    Division of Policy (KBD2).
    Division of Program Implementation (KBD3).
    Division of Program Innovation (KBD4).
    Division of Child Welfare Capacity Building (KBD5).
    Division of State Systems (KBD6).
    Family and Youth Services Bureau (KBE).
    Division of Adolescent Development and Support (KBE1).
    Division of Family Violence Prevention (KBE2).
    KB.20 Functions. A. The Office of the Commissioner serves as 
principal advisor to the Assistant Secretary for Children and Families, 
the Secretary, and other officials of the Department on the sound 
development of children, youth, and families. It provides executive 
direction and management strategy to ACYF components. The Deputy 
Commissioner assists the Commissioner in carrying out the 
responsibilities of the Office.
    In addition to the Immediate Office, the Office of the Commissioner 
contains

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the Office of Management Services and the Office of Data Analysis, 
Research and Evaluation.
    1. Office of Management Services manages the formulation and 
execution of the budgets for ACYF programs and for Federal 
administration; serves as the central control point for operational and 
long range planning; functions as Executive Secretariat for ACYF, 
including managing correspondence, correspondence systems, and 
electronic mail requests; reviews and manages clearance for funding 
opportunity announcements for ACYF; coordinates the provision of staff 
development and training; provides support for ACYF's personnel 
administration, including staffing, employee and labor relations, 
performance management, and employee recognition; manages procurement 
planning and provides technical assistance regarding procurement; 
oversees the discretionary grant paneling process; manages ACYF-
controlled space and facilities; performs manpower planning and 
administration; plans for, acquires, distributes and controls ACYF 
supplies; provides mail and messenger services; maintains duplicating, 
fax, and computer and computer peripheral equipment; supports and 
manages automation within ACYF; provides for health and safety; and 
oversees travel, time and attendance, and other administrative 
functions for ACYF.
    2. Office of Data Analysis, Research and Evaluation provides 
leadership and direction in program development, innovation, research 
and in the management of the legislatively mandated information systems 
used in ACYF. It conducts analysis of national data to inform the 
policy and program priorities of ACYF and issues regular reports. It 
oversees ACYF's research and evaluation strategy in support of ACYF's 
implementation of programs that replicate evidence-based effective 
program models and efforts to develop an evidence base for innovative 
practices.
    B. The Children's Bureau (CB) is headed by an Associate 
Commissioner who advises the Commissioner, ACYF, on matters related to 
child welfare, including child abuse and neglect, child protective 
services, family preservation and support, adoption, foster care and 
independent living, and child abuse and neglect prevention. A Deputy 
Associate Commissioner supports the Associate Commissioner and manages 
the day-to-day operations of the CB. CB recommends legislative and 
budgetary proposals, operational planning system objectives and 
initiatives, and projects and issue areas for evaluation, research, and 
demonstration activities.
    The Child and Family Services Review Team, housed in the Office of 
the Associate Commissioner, in partnership with the Administration for 
Children and Families Regional Offices, carries out reviews of child 
protective services, foster care, adoption, family preservation, family 
support, and independent living services provided by the States. CB 
represents ACYF in initiating and implementing interagency activities 
and projects affecting children and families and provides leadership 
and coordination for the programs, activities, and subordinate 
components of the Bureau. Seven units comprise the CB:
    1. The Regional Program Unit is headed by a CB Regional Program 
Manager who reports to the Associate Commissioner, CB, within ACYF. The 
CB Regional Program Manager, through subordinate regional staff, in 
collaboration with program components, is responsible for: (1) 
Providing program and technical administration of CB formula, 
entitlement, block, and discretionary programs related to child 
welfare, including child abuse and neglect prevention, child protective 
services, family preservation and support, adoption, foster care, and 
independent living; (2) collaborating with the ACF Central Office, 
States, and grantees on all program matters for programs or issues that 
have significant implications for the programs; (3) providing technical 
assistance to entities responsible for administering CB programs to 
resolve identified problems; (4) ensuring that appropriate procedures 
and practices are adopted; (5) working with appropriate State and local 
officials to develop and implement outcome-based performance measures; 
and (6) monitoring the programs to ensure their efficiency and 
effectiveness, and ensuring that these entities conform to Federal 
laws, regulations, policies, and procedures governing the programs.
    2. The Office on Child Abuse and Neglect provides leadership and 
direction on the issues of child maltreatment and the prevention of 
abuse and neglect under the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act 
(CAPTA). It is the focal point for interagency collaborative efforts, 
national conferences and special initiatives related to child abuse and 
neglect, and for coordinating activities related to the prevention of 
abuse and neglect and the protection of children at risk of 
maltreatment. It supports activities to build networks of community-
based, prevention-focused family resource and support programs through 
the Community-Based Child Abuse Prevention Grants. It supports 
improvement in the systems which handle child abuse and neglect cases, 
particularly child sexual abuse and exploitation- and maltreatment-
related fatalities, and improvement in the investigation and 
prosecution of these cases through the Children's Justice Act.
    3. The Division of Policy provides leadership and direction in 
policy development and interpretation of titles IV-B and IV-E of the 
Social Security Act and the Basic State Grant under CAPTA. It writes 
regulations and interprets policy for the Bureau's formula and 
entitlement grant programs, and responds to requests for policy 
clarification from ACF Regional Offices and other sources.
    4. The Division of Program Implementation provides leadership and 
direction in the operation and review of programs under titles IV-B and 
IV-E of the Social Security Act and the Basic State Grant under CAPTA. 
It develops program instructions, information memoranda, and annual 
reports related to these programs. It analyzes State Plans and develops 
State profiles and other reports, and it participates in monitoring and 
reviewing State information systems to ensure the accuracy and 
relevance of the data. It is responsible for the Monitoring Team, which 
schedules and coordinates the monitoring of State reviews and ensures 
effective corrective action if necessary. It works with other agencies 
and organizations as appropriate on the implementation and oversight of 
relevant sections of the Indian Child Welfare Act. It is the focal 
point for financial issues, including disallowances, appeals, and the 
decisions of the Departmental Appeals Board (DAB). It responds to 
client and constituent correspondence received electronically or 
through other channels.
    5. The Division of Program Innovation provides leadership and 
direction in program development, innovation and research. It defines 
critical issues for investigation and makes recommendations regarding 
subject areas for research, demonstration and evaluation. It 
administers the Bureau's discretionary grant programs and awards 
project grants to State and local agencies and organizations 
nationwide. It provides direction to the Crisis Nurseries and Abandoned 
Infants Resource Centers.
    6. The Division of Child Welfare Capacity Building provides 
leadership and direction in the areas of training, technical assistance 
and information

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dissemination under titles IV-B and IV-E of the Social Security Act, 
and under the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act. Either directly 
or through funded Resource Centers and Implementation Centers, it 
provides training and technical assistance to assist service providers, 
State and local governments and tribes, and strengthen headquarters and 
regional office staff.
    It manages discretionary training grants under section 426 of the 
Social Security Act and title IV-E training and directs the operations 
and activities of the Child Welfare Information Gateway. The Division 
identifies best practices for treating vulnerable families and 
preventing abuse and neglect. It participates in the development of 
funding opportunity announcements and manages certain discretionary 
grant projects. It also develops and issues a periodic newsletter, and 
is the focal point for conference and meeting planning activities for 
the Bureau.
    7. The Division of State Systems (DSS) reviews, assesses, and 
inspects the planning, design and operation of State management 
information systems and approves advanced planning documents for 
automated data systems. The Division provides leadership for the 
provision of technical assistance to States on information systems 
projects and advances the use of computer technology in the 
administration of child welfare and social services programs by States. 
The Division reviews, analyzes, and approves/disapproves State requests 
for Federal financial participation for automated systems development 
and related activities, which support child welfare programs, including 
foster care and adoption. It provides assistance to States in 
developing or modifying automation plans to conform to Federal 
requirements; monitors approved State system development activities; 
and conducts periodic reviews to assure State compliance with 
regulatory requirements applicable to automated systems supported by 
Federal financial participation. It provides guidance to States on 
functional requirements for these automated information systems.
    C. The Family and Youth Services Bureau (FYSB) is headed by an 
Associate Commissioner who recommends policy direction and programs to 
address issues involving vulnerable youth and their families to the 
Commissioner, ACYF. A Deputy Associate Commissioner supports the 
Associate Commissioner and manages the day-to-day operations of FYSB. 
The Bureau assesses policies and legislation and develops program 
initiatives for runaway and homeless youth, family violence prevention 
and services, and adolescent pregnancy prevention. It recommends 
budgetary and legislative proposals and subject areas for research and 
demonstration activities, and it coordinates efforts with and provides 
expert advice to departmental and other Federal agencies on issues and 
programs for vulnerable youth, including runaway and homeless youth; 
youth at risk of involvement with gangs, violence and drugs; and other 
youth in at-risk situations. The Bureau represents HHS on various 
councils, workgroups, and committees and provides leadership and 
coordination to other HHS programs and agencies. The Bureau is 
comprised of two divisions.
    1. The Division of Adolescent Development and Support promotes a 
positive youth development approach to program services so that Bureau 
programs and activities meet the developmental needs of vulnerable 
populations of young people and their families through administering 
programs that impact runaway homeless youth, children whose parents are 
incarcerated, and youth who are pregnant, or who are at risk of 
becoming pregnant.
    The Division administers the runaway and homeless youth program--
which incorporates the basic center, street outreach, and transitional 
living programs. It also includes development and implementation of 
policy, guidelines and regulations concerning the funding and 
management of service projects for youth under the Runaway and Homeless 
Youth Act. The Division designs, develops, funds, and monitors support 
activities related to these programs, including but not limited to the 
provision of technical assistance, a monitoring system, a data 
collection system, the National Clearinghouse on Families and Youth, 
and the National Runaway Switchboard. The Division oversees the receipt 
and review of applications for grants in these program areas and 
monitors the management of these grants through the ACF Regional 
Offices.
    The Division administers a comprehensive array of adolescent 
pregnancy prevention projects and grant programs that prevent teen 
pregnancy and the spread of sexually transmitted infections including 
HIV/AIDS among teens. Grant programs include evidence based 
comprehensive pregnancy prevention and personal responsibility 
education (such as maintaining healthy relationships and financial 
literacy) as well as programs that test innovative approaches to 
adolescent pregnancy prevention. The Division also administers grants 
that support medically accurate abstinence education programs which may 
include promoting abstinence through mentoring, counseling and adult 
supervision. The Division develops the conceptual framework for issues 
pertaining to adolescent pregnancy prevention, monitors funded 
programs, and ensures the provision of technical assistance.
    The Division determines the overall conceptual and policy framework 
to address issues facing vulnerable families and adolescents in ACYF. 
It identifies problems, defines critical issues for investigation, and 
makes recommendations regarding subject areas for research, 
demonstration, and evaluation activities. Based on the outcomes of 
these activities, the Division disseminates information through 
conferences, forums, and written materials; provides assistance to 
service providers and state and local governments and tribes in 
planning, developing, implementing and evaluating programs affecting 
family and youth; and recommends plans and programs to increase public 
awareness and understanding about activities affecting vulnerable 
families and youth. Supervision of FYSB's regional staff is also the 
responsibility of this Division.
    The Division of Family Violence Prevention promotes public 
awareness about domestic violence and its impact and prevention and 
intervention strategies to address the problem. The Division's programs 
support the prevention of family violence; provide immediate shelter 
and related assistance to victims of family violence and their 
dependents; provide for research into the most effective methods of 
family violence prevention, identification, and intervention; and 
provide training and technical assistance to family violence personnel 
in States, tribes, local public agencies (including law enforcement 
agencies, courts, social service agencies, and health care providers), 
and non-profit organizations.
    The Division also supports the development of services to address 
the needs of children exposed to domestic violence. The Division is 
responsible for developing, updating, and implementing program 
regulations and policies. The Division oversees the receipt and review 
of applications for grants and grantee activities. It also provides 
guidance, review, support and assistance to States and grantees on HHS 
policies, regulations, procedures, and systems necessary to ensure 
efficient program operation at the State, territorial, and tribal 
levels. In addition, the Division coordinates all programs for victims 
and potential victims of family violence and their dependents.


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     Dated: November 1, 2011.
George H. Sheldon,
Acting Assistant Secretary for Children and Families.
[FR Doc. 2011-33265 Filed 12-27-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4184-01-P