[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 152 (Tuesday, August 7, 2012)]
[Notices]
[Pages 47077-47078]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-19019]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Administration for Children and Families


Statement of Organization, Functions, and Delegations of 
Authority; Office of Planning, Research and Evaluation

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 has realigned 
the Office of Planning, Research and Evaluation (OPRE). This notice 
establishes the Division of Family Strengthening within OPRE. It 
realigns research and evaluation functions among the three divisions of 
OPRE.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Naomi Goldstein, Director, Office of 
Planning, Research and Evaluation, 901 D Street SW., Washington, DC 
20447, (202) 401-9220. 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 KM, as last amended, 75 FR 42760-
42762, July 22, 2010.
    I. Under Chapter KM, Office of Planning, Research and Evaluation, 
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.
    OPRE 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. OPRE, through the 
Division of Economic Independence, the Division of Child and Family 
Development, and the Division of Family Strengthening, oversees and 
manages the research programs under sections 413, 429, 511, 1110, and 
2008 of the Social Security Act and section 649 of the Head Start Act, 
as well as other research authorized by Congress and related to ACF 
programs and the populations they serve. Activities of OPRE include: 
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. OPRE also provides coordination and leadership 
in implementing the Government Performance and Results Act 
Modernization Act (GPRAMA).
    II. Under Chapter KM, Office of Planning, Research and Evaluation, 
delete KM.10 Organization in its entirety and replace with the 
following:
    KM.10 Organization. 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)
Division of Family Strengthening (KMD)

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

[[Page 47078]]

agencies, and the private sector to: Improve the effectiveness and 
efficiency of programs; 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.
    IV. Under Chapter KM, Office of Planning, Research and Evaluation, 
add KM.20 Functions, Paragraph D as follows:
    D. The Division of Family Strengthening, 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, youth, and 
other vulnerable populations; strengthen families; and foster sound 
growth and development of children, youth and their families.
    The Division provides guidance, analysis, technical assistance and 
oversight in ACF on: child, youth and family development; child safety; 
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 strengthening 
families. Division staff also provides consultation, coordination, 
direction and support for research activities related to strengthening 
families across ACF programs.

     Dated: July 10, 2012.
George H. Sheldon,
Acting Assistant Secretary for Children and Families.
[FR Doc. 2012-19019 Filed 8-6-12; 8:45 am]
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