Legal Definitions - Administration for Children and Families

The Administration for Children and Families (ACF) is a major division within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Its core mission is to promote the economic and social well-being of families, children, individuals, and communities across the nation. ACF achieves this by providing leadership, funding, and oversight for a wide array of federal programs that support child welfare, early childhood development, family assistance, and services for specific vulnerable populations, including refugees, immigrants, and individuals with developmental disabilities.

Here are some examples of how the Administration for Children and Families operates:

• For instance, when a state government receives federal funding to operate its Head Start program, which provides comprehensive early childhood education, health, nutrition, and parent involvement services to low-income children and their families, the funding and programmatic guidelines often originate from or are overseen by the Administration for Children and Families. This illustrates ACF's role in supporting the well-being of children and families by ensuring access to critical early development and support services.

• Consider a non-profit organization that assists newly arrived refugees in the United States with finding housing, learning English, and accessing job training. This organization likely receives grants and guidance from federal programs managed by the Administration for Children and Families, specifically through its Office of Refugee Resettlement. This example demonstrates ACF's responsibility in aiding refugees and other vulnerable populations in their integration and self-sufficiency within the country.

• Imagine a community-based program that offers vocational training and independent living support for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The standards, funding streams, and advocacy efforts for such programs often fall under the purview of the Administration for Children and Families, particularly through its Administration on Disabilities. This highlights ACF's commitment to improving the quality of life and promoting the independence of individuals with developmental disabilities.