Stronger Families = Stronger Tribes
September - December 2004
SAVE THE DATE!
Tribal CCDF Administrators Training
December 7-9, 2004
Westin Park Central Hotel
Dallas, Texas
For additional information contact: TriTAC nccic.org/tribal 1-800-388-7670
ACF Region VI 2005 Mid-Winter Leadership Training Conference
"Over A Decade of Excellence"
January 25 - 27, 2005
Adam's Mark Hotel
400 Olive St.
Dallas, TX 75201
214-922-8000
Additional information available @ www.midwin.org
MESSAGE FROM OUR REGIONAL ADMINISTRATOR
In the Administration for Children and Families, we believe that by working together we will continue to improve the lives of children and families through a strong commitment to work with and provide quality services to our Tribal partners.
Region VI is continuing to take action as a leader for improved communication and policies with respect to Native American issues. While concluding a successful year, we continue to strategize to achieve positive outcomes to ensure the well-being of children and families. In addition, we continue to focus on the social and economic development of Native American families and communities.
As we further our efforts toward meeting this challenge in Region VI, the Mid-Winter Leadership Training Conference will be held in January 2005. Each year we strive to plan our Mid-Winter Leadership Conference with the goal of providing valuable insight and opportunities for all of our programs in Region VI. I encourage you to take advantage of this conference to custom design best practices for your programs.
I applaud your unwavering dedication and commitment as we make a difference in the lives of the children and families we serve. It is my sincere hope that you, our Tribal stakeholders, will begin 2005 with a renewed conviction for the indispensable work that you do.
Sincerely,
Leon R. McCowan
Regional Administrator
Update
Additional information including conferences, trainings and funding announcements are listed throughout the newsletter. Please contact the ACF Regional Office if you have any questions or need further details.
2004 National American Indian Heritage Month Presidential Proclamation
As the first people to call our country home, American Indians and Alaska Natives have a noble history in this land and have long shaped our Nation. During National American Indian Heritage Month, we celebrate our commitment to respect and preserve the rich Native American traditions and cultures.
The enduring experiences of tribal communities are a cherished part
of our national story.
In September, I was proud to meet with tribal leaders and celebrate
the opening of the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of the
American Indian on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. This new
facility stands as a powerful symbol of the pride and vitality of
our Native Peoples. The museum showcases masterworks of great cultural,
historical, and spiritual significance. Through exhibits documenting
past and present achievements and hopes for the future, it will introduce
generations of visitors to the strong and living traditions of Native
Americans. As a center for scholarship and learning, the National
Museum of the American Indian will also advance understanding of the
diversity that makes our Nation great.
My Administration is committed to helping Native Americans as they build on their proud legacy. With the funding of my 2005 budget, we will have provided the Bureau of Indian Affairs with more than $1.1 billion for school construction and repairs during the past 4 years. To improve education for American Indian and Alaska Native children, I signed an executive order establishing an Interagency Working Group to help students meet the standards set by the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 in a manner that is consistent with tribal traditions, languages, and cultures. By setting standards for academic achievement and cultural learning, Americans in all communities can help their children realize a brighter future. I also signed an executive memorandum to all Federal agencies affirming the Federal Government's continuing commitment to recognize tribal sovereignty and self-determination. As they have in the past, tribal governments will maintain jurisdiction over their lands, systems of self-governance, and government-to-government relationships with the United States.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim November 2004 as National American Indian Heritage Month. I encourage all Americans to commemorate this month with appropriate programs and activities and to learn more about the rich heritage of American Indians and Alaska Natives.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fourth day of November, in the year of our Lord two thousand four, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-ninth.
GEORGE W. BUSH
Source: http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2004/11/20041104-15.html
Tribal Child Care & Development Fund (CCDF) Administrators Training
The ACF Regional Offices and the Tribal Child Care Technical Assistance Center (TriTAC) are conducting a training activity for Tribal Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) Administrators. The fourth annual training will be held in Dallas, Texas on December 7-9, 2004.
The training will provide Tribal CCDF Administrators with comprehensive information ranging from: background/historical information on CCDF/CCDBG program, regulatory and statutory requirements, and data reporting to more practical items such as learning who your CCDF contacts are at the Federal and State level and how to access child care information resources on the Internet. Contact the Regional Office for additional details.
For additional information, please contact your Regional Tribal CCDF Specialist or Tribal Child Care Technical Assistance Center (TriTAC) @ 1-800-388-7670.
Financial & Program Status Reports
Due December 31, 2004
Financial reports for both Tribal CCDF and Title IV-B.1 and IV-B.2 are due to Central Office and to the Regional Office by December 31, 2004.
The Tribal CCDF 696T Financial Report and ACF-700 Program Reports should be mailed to:
Ken Cook or Lisa Blackmon-Hansard
Region VI ACF; ACF-3, Room 948
1301 Young Street
Dallas, TX 75202-5433
(* ACF 696T - Attn: Ken Cook; ACF-700 - Attn: Lisa Blackmon-Hansard)
The 269 Financial Reports for Title IV-B.1 and IV-B.2 should be mailed to:
Lloyd Peery or Judy Baggett
Region VI ACF; ACF-3, Room 948
1301 Young Street
Dallas, TX 75202-5433
Copies of both Tribal CCDF and Title IV-B.1 and IV-B.2 financial reports should also be mailed to:
Joseph Lonergan, Director
ACF Mandatory Grants
370 L'Enfant Promenade, SW; 4th Floor East
Washington, D.C. 20447
If you would like additional information regarding any announcements or information contained in this newsletter, please contact the ACF Regional Office.
Full copies of the HHS Press Releases used in this newsletter are available at: http://www.hhs.gov/news.
SEPTEMBER 30, 2004 FISCAL YEAR 2004 ENDS!
OCTOBER 1, 2004 FISCAL YEAR 2005 BEGINS!
TRIBAL CHILD CARE
ACF-700 & 696 T reports for the period ended on September 30, 2003 are due to the ACF Regional Office immediately.
ACF Region VI Hotline
A Hot-Line number has been established for State Agencies and Grantees to contact the ACF Region VI Office as a result of a disaster situation. The number is for the officials and representatives of programs funded by ACF to provide status of operations, request guidance, and/or to request emergency program assistance to provide needed services or to restore operations. This number is not for use by the general public. All life-threatening emergencies should be reported through 911 or the local operator.
Program officials can call this number and leave the following information:
1) Name and phone number where you can be reached
2) Program or operation represented
3) Status report, question, and/or request for emergency program assistance.
The message machine will be checked frequently and your message will be returned as soon as it is received.
ACF Region VI Emergency Hotline number is 1-800-742-1237.
Grants.gov Reaches 1000 Applications Mark
Tommy G. Thompson announced that "Grants.gov," the single secure Web site to find and apply for U.S. Government grants, has received its 1,000th electronic grant application, a milestone indicating the shift from a slower, paper-based grant application process is well underway.
Less than one year after launching the Web site, Grants.gov is drawing millions of page viewers, distributing more than 550,000 grant opportunity notices weekly via email, registering thousands of users, and nearing its initial goal for application submissions from grant-applicant organizations. The award-winning, free Web site centralizes grant information and electronic applications for more than 900 grant programs from all 26 federal grant-making agencies, making it easier to find and apply for over $360 billion in annual grant funds available across the federal government.
Grants.gov is preparing to accelerate its grass-roots momentum by launching an integrated marketing campaign to spread the word and build usage. Among the program's goals is the receipt of more than 15,000 electronic applications from across all grant community segments. Along with the marketing campaign to key stakeholders, Grants.gov will continue ramping-up federal grant-making agencies and integrating their grant programs into the Grants.gov system.
Grants.gov is a collaborative effort led by HHS. Collaborative partners include the Departments of Agriculture, Commerce, Defense, Education, Homeland Security, Housing and Urban Development, Justice, Labor and Transportation, Environmental Protection Agency, National Endowment for the Humanities, and the National Science Foundation.
For more information about Grants.gov, please visit www.grants.gov
Source: HHS Press Release, October 27, 2004
With Alaska, Now All 50 States Working on Early Learning Guidelines
ACF's Child Care Bureau delivered on-site training in Anchorage Alaska. Fifteen Alaskan Child Care, Head Start, State Department of Education, and University stakeholders participated in the training. The goal of the training was to develop statewide early learning guidelines to prepare children for Kindergarten.
With the inclusion of Alaska, all 50 states are now actively working on early learning guidelines, a central element of President Bush's Good Start, Grow Smart early childhood learning initiative. The training helped develop high quality, age-appropriate in-depth, research-based early learning guidelines for the early childhood age group.
The Child Care Bureau has now assisted all 50 States with early care and education practices that further the objectives of the No Child Left Behind legislation for children from birth to five years of age.
Source: ACF Messenger, September 17, 2004
A Tribal Guide to the Good Start, Grow Smart Early Learning Initiative
The Child Care Bureau released "A Tribal Guide to the Good Start, Grow Smart Early Learning Initiative", which includes the Child Care Bureau's expectations of Tribes in working with this Initiative, Frequently Asked Questions, and State contact information.
Contents: Early Childhood Education Reform Timeline, Good Start, Grow Smart Summary and Background, Frequently Asked Questions, State Contact Information
Source: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ccbltalgsgs1.htm
National Survey on Drug Use and Health
The NSDUH Report
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has announced the availability of "Risk and Protective Factors for Substance Use Among American Indian or Alaska Native Youth."
The report compares individual, peer, family, and school factors for American Indian and Alaska Native youth ages 12-17 and youth in other racial and ethnic groups, based on 2002-2003 data from SAMHSA's National Survey on Drug Use and Health.
"Risk and Protective Factors for Substance Use Among American Indian or Alaska Native Youth" is available online at http://oas.samhsa.gov/2k4/AmlndianYouthRF/AmlndianYouthRF.cfm
Secretary Thompson Announces TANF Caseload Declined in 2003
Eight Years After Reform, More Americans Achieving Self-Sufficiency
Eight years after the signing of the historic welfare reform law, HHS Secretary Tommy G. Thompson announced that caseloads in the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program dropped 3 percent for individuals and 1.8 percent for families during 2003.
Nearly 149,000 fewer people were relying on TANF benefits at the end of 2003 than at the end of 2002. As of December 2003, 4,864,905 individuals and 2,008,233 families were receiving TANF cash benefits. In December 2002, 5,013,728 individuals and 2,044,734 families were receiving TANF cash benefits.
"American families are improving their lives by leaving public assistance and entering the workforce," Secretary Thompson said. "Thanks to welfare reform, millions more children and families are self-sufficient today than they were 8 years ago."
"By encouraging work, while improving the economy and creating jobs, President Bush is continuing to reduce welfare dependency," said Wade F. Horn, Ph.D., assistant secretary for children and families. "It is vital that Congress complete work on his welfare reform initiative that will improve the lives of many more children and families."
The welfare reform law was enacted on Aug. 22, 1996. During that month, 12,242,125 individuals and 4,408,508 families were receiving welfare assistance. Since then, welfare rolls have dropped 60.3 percent for individuals and 54.4 percent for families.
The 1996 TANF law expired on Oct. 1, 2002, and is operating under an extension. President Bush's proposal to reauthorize TANF takes the next step in welfare reform by strengthening work requirements, providing the assistance families need to advance in their careers and granting states more flexibility to run successful programs.
To view this data, go to: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/TANF_data.htm.
Source: HHS Press Release, August 23, 2004
$1.6 Million to Support Community Programs That Help Children Exposed to Domestic Violence
HHS Secretary Tommy G. Thompson announced the 22 grant awards across the country to support Safe and Bright Futures for Children, which builds on the President's domestic violence prevention program. The Safe and Bright Futures for Children initiative provides communities with an opportunity to diminish the damaging effects of domestic violence on children and adolescents and to stop the cycles of abuse and intentional injury.
The award supports the first of two phases of the program. Phase one which will be conducted over the next two year consists of two years strategic planning. The majority of grantees were funded $75,000 for the first year. It is anticipated and intended that proceeds from the "Stop Family Violence" semi postal stamp, released in 2003, will be used for this initiative in fiscal years 2006-2009.
In order to produce the coordinated system and service enhancement design, grantees will be required to accomplish tasks based on strategic planning that targets specific child/adolescent service outcomes which are community specific and appropriate for the population to be served.
This initiative managed by the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion will encourage communities to plan, develop, implement, and sustain a coordinated system of prevention, intervention, treatment, and follow-through services for children who have witnessed or been exposed to domestic violence and their families.
Source: HHS Press Release, September 28, 2004
ACF Conducts Tribal TANF and Child Care Training
ACF's Administration for Children, Youth and Families and the Office of Family Assistance conducted a joint Tribal Cluster Training, Collaboration and Accountability as Foundations of Success, in Portland, Oregon.
The training focused on budget, administrative and audit requirements for the Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (T ANF) and Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) programs. Workshops highlighted Good Start, Grow Smart, the Bush Administration's early childhood initiative.
ACF videotaped the training to produce future training tools for tribal child care and T ANF programs. Also, the new "Tribal Guide to Financial Management, Grants Administration, and Program Accountability" will be published and disseminated in conjunction with the training.
Source: ACF Messenger, August 24, 2004
ACF Launches Healthy Marriage Initiative Website
The Administration for Children and Families (ACF) announced the launch of the Healthy Marriage Initiative website: http://www.acf.dhhs.gov/healthymarriage/index.html
The Healthy Marriage Initiative (HMI) exists to help couples, who have chosen marriage for themselves, gain greater access to marriage education services, on a voluntary basis, where they can acquire the skills and knowledge necessary to form and sustain a healthy marriage.
As President Bush has pointed out, "Research has shown that, on average, children raised in households headed by married parents fare better than children who, grow up in other family structures. Through education and counseling programs, faith-based, community, and government organizations promote healthy marriages and a better quality of life for children. By supporting responsible child-rearing and strong families, my Administration is seeking to ensure that every child can grow up in a safe and loving home."
Source: ACF Messenger, June 28, 2004
Spirits of Hope
1491 South Sunnylane, Suite 3
Del City, Oklahoma 73115
405-619-9707
405-619-9715 (fax)
onadvc@sbcglobal.net
www.onadvc.com
A coalition addressing domestic violence, sexual assault, & stalking in Oklahoma Indian Country (formerly the Oklahoma Native American Domestic Violence Coalition: ONADVC).
HHS Provides $1.2 Billion to States for Energy Aid Funds Will Help Low-Income Families With Heating Bills
HHS Secretary Tommy G. Thompson announced that $1.2 billion is being sent to states, tribes and territories through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) to help the low income families pay their heating bills. Additional funds will be available should states request extra assistance to help with winter heating costs.
"This aid helps low-income families with their energy bills so they do not have to choose between heat and other necessities at home:' Secretary Thompson said. "President Bush is making sure we provide needed assistance to millions of Americans who otherwise might not be able to pay their heating bills this winter."
LIHEAP helps eligible families pay the costs of heating and insulating their homes in the winter, and cooling their homes in the summer. More than 4.5 million low-income households across the country receive assistance each year.
Individuals interested in applying for LIHEAP assistance should contact their local/state LIHEAP agency or by clicking on the agency directory at www.acf.dhhs.gov/programs/liheap/directry.htm. The directory can help people locate the state or tribal office that administers LIHEAP in communities across America.
"We want this energy assistance for low-income households to arrive in plenty of time to keep children and families safe and warm,” said Dr. Wade F. Horn, HHS assistant secretary for children and families. “We are working closely with states in order to ensure the well-being of seniors, youngsters and families during the cold months ahead."
Source: HHS Press Release. October 8. 2004
National Fatherhood Initiative
Fatherhood Online WWW.FATHERHOOD.ORG
An excellent resource from ACF's National Fatherhood Initiative is an e-mail list serve which provides regular postings regarding improving Father/Child interaction. You may sign up for the Dad's Email Service at www.fatherhood.org. A recent posting provided tips on "How to Help Your Child Do Well In School". The information below was taken from brochures which are available for purchase at $0.29 each. There are often very useful recommendations on the list-serve for improving and strengthening Father/Child interaction. This is an excellent resource for both Tribal CCDF and Child Welfare Programs.
How to Help Your Child Do Well in School
1. "Show and Tell" How Important School Is
2. Help with School Work
3. Make School Fun
4. Spend a Day or Two in Class
5. Don't Let Mom Do All the Work
HHS Awards $35.7 Million to Support Community Programs That Promote Better Health and Prevent Disease
HHS Secretary Tommy G. Thompson announced 22 grants to support communities implementing President George W. Bush's HealthierUS initiative to help Americans live longer, healthier lives. The grants focus on reducing the burden of diabetes, overweight, obesity and asthma and addressing risk factors such as physical inactivity, poor nutrition and tobacco use in 40 communities.
"Through the Steps to a HealthierUS grants, we are heeding President Bush's call to reach Americans in the places where they live, work and go to school in order to encourage healthier choices," Secretary Thompson said. 'We are building a healthier nation by motivating Americans to eat nutritious foods, be physically active and not use tobacco products."
The number of people with diabetes in the United States has nearly doubled in the past decade to 18.2 million. An estimated 1 0 million adults and 5 million children suffer from asthma, and the number of cases of obesity in this nation has increased more than 50 percent over the past two decades.
Steps to a HealthierUS grants total $35.7 million this year. Twelve grantees were awarded grants in 2003 through this program. Each program received increased funding in 2004 and many doubled their funding from the previous year. In addition, there are 10 new programs that were awarded grants this year.
The grants will help implement community action plans in 40 communities nationwide. Examples of programs in schools, health care and workplace settings include organized community interventions such as walking programs, health education trainings and media campaigns; environmental interventions like smoking cessation programs and increasing healthy food choices in schools; and educational interventions like enhancing coordinated school health programs.
Examples of Steps grantee activities include: