The Administration on Children, Youth and Families is a part of the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), under the Department of Health and Human Services, and is administered by a Commissioner who is a Presidential appointee. ACYF is divided into two bureaus, each of which is responsible for different issues involving children, youth and families and a cross-cutting unit responsible for research and evaluation. Each of ACYF's bureaus is headed by an Associate Commissioner. In addition, the United States and its territories are divided into 10 geographic regions, each having an office responsible for administering some of ACYF's programs located in that region.

The Administration on Children, Youth and Families (ACYF) administers the major Federal programs that support: social services that promote the positive growth and development of children and youth and their families; protective services and shelter for children and youth in at-risk situations; and adoption for children with special needs. These programs provide financial assistance to States, community-based organizations, and academic institutions to provide services, carry out research and demonstration activities and undertake training, technical assistance, and information dissemination.