Stronger Families = Stronger Tribes

September - December 2005

Save the Date!

January 23-27, 2006
ACF Region VI
Technical Assistance Institutes
Adam’s Mark Hotel
Dallas, TX 75201
(800)444-2326
Make reservations before 12/23/05

February 28-March 1, 2006
Tribal CCDF Construction
Cluster Training
Sheraton Hotel
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Additional details to follow

March-April 2006
Region VI Tribal Roundtables
Oklahoma & New Mexico
Additional details to follow

May 2006
ACF Bi-Regional Tribal Child Care Conference
Rapid City, South Dakota
Additional details to follow

August 7-9, 2006
National Tribal Child Care
Conference
Washington, DC
Additional details to follow

Message from Our Regional Administrator

Greetings!

As a part of our regional strategy to strengthen programs funded by ACF and to promote the ACF Key Priorities, ACF Region VI will conduct the 2006 Technical Assistance Institutes on January 23-27. The ACF Region VI 2006 Technical Assistance Institutes will bring together the ACF technical assistance resources with human service practitioners from state, tribal, local, community and faith-based agencies to build clarity of purpose to achieve positive outcomes for children, families and communities. Our primary focus for the Institutes is to improve program performance through the provision of targeted technical assistance to entities impacted and funded by the Administration for Children and Families.

The agenda includes a number of workshops and sessions that will provide tribal human service providers the information and guidance to foster quality programs for the children and families in our communities. Sessions include targeted technical assistance and discussion on a number of programs and special initiatives funded through the Administration for Children and Families, such as healthy marriage, fatherhood, and positive youth development. Speakers and presenters provide the best-available standard and research-based information to advance accountability, fiscal responsibility, and results-oriented approaches for improved child safety, health and well-being. A number of opportunities will be available to promote cross-program collaboration and coordination to help direct resources towards positive outcomes for the well-being of tribal children and families and foster strategic planning across all ACF-funded programs.

Please accept this as my personal invitation to you and your staff to join us for this important event. We look forward to your participation. Agenda, conference registration, and hotel reservation information may be found at our website: http://www.r6ta.org. I look forward to seeing you.

Sincerely,
Leon R. McCowan
Regional Administrator

National American Indian Heritage Month, 2005
A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America

National American Indian Heritage Month honors the many contributions and accomplishments of American Indians and Alaska Natives. During November, we remember the legacy of the first Americans and celebrate their vibrant and living traditions.

The American Indian experience is central to the American story, and my Administration is committed to helping Native American cultures across the United States continue to flourish. One of the most important ways to ensure a successful future is through education. Over the past 4 years, my Administration has provided more than $1 billion for the construction and renovation of Bureau of Indian Affairs schools. We also offer direct assistance for educator and counselor training to help make sure every classroom has a qualified teacher and every child has the tools he or she needs to succeed. As we work with tribal leaders to provide students with a superior education that respects the unique culture and traditions of the community, we can help ensure every child has the opportunity to realize their dreams.

To enhance energy opportunities and strengthen tribal economies, my Administration is working to ease the regulatory barriers associated with tribal energy development. In August, I signed the Energy Policy Act of 2005, allocating $2 billion in the form of grants, loans, and loan guarantees for exploration, development, and production of energy. This legislation will help ensure that latest energy technologies are being used throughout our country.

Since the earliest days of our Republic, Native Americans have played a vital role in our country's freedom and security. From the Revolutionary War scouts to the Code Talkers of World War II, Native Americans have served in all branches of America's Armed Forces. Today, that proud tradition continues, with Native Americans bravely defending our country in Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom and helping to spread liberty around the world. America is grateful to all our service men and women who serve and sacrifice in the defense of freedom.

Our young country is home to an ancient, noble, and enduring native culture and my Administration recognizes the defining principles of tribal sovereignty and the right to self-determination. By working together, government to government, on important education, economic, and energy initiatives, we can strengthen America and build a future of hope and promise for all Native Americans. This month, we pay tribute to the American Indians and Alaska Natives who continue to shape our Nation. I encourage all citizens to learn more about the rich heritage of Native Americans.

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 2005 as National American Indian Heritage Month. I call upon all Americans to commemorate this month with appropriate programs and activities.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this second day of November, in the year of our Lord two thousand five, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirtieth.

GEORGE W. BUSH

Source: http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2005/11/20051102-16.html

Supporting Our Families and Communities for the Well-Being of Children
ACF Region VI
2006 Technical Assistance Institutes
January 23-27, 2006
Technical Assistance Institutes

Hurricane Relief Efforts

Administration for Children and Families (ACF) hurricane relief efforts can be found on ACF’s web site located at www.acf.hhs.gov. In addition - more information can be located on the Federal Government web site located at www.USA.gov.

A Healthier You, A New Consumer-Oriented Book on Healthy Living, Based on the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans

A Healthier You: Based on the Dietary Guidelines for Americans gives consumers simple steps for healthy living, drawn from the science-based nutrition and physical activity advice of the 2005 Dietary Guidelines, the latest update of the report.

To make the advice easier to find, the new book will be offered in places where people usually look for diet and exercise books, including retail bookstores. Publication is a collaboration of HHS and the U.S. Government Printing Office (GPO), and A Healthier You also will be available directly from GPO. The book also will be available on the Web at www.healthierus.gov/dietaryguidelines and in bookstores in November.

Adoption Excellence Awards Presented
Awards kick off National Adoption Month in November

The Administration for Children and Families at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) presented 21 Adoption Excellence Awards for effort and commitment to increasing the number of children in foster care who have been adopted nationally.

The awards are given annually to honor individuals, families, local agencies, private organizations, courts, businesses and states for commitment to increasing the adoptions of children in foster care.

Region VI Adoption Excellence Award winners included:

Deborah Goodman
Oklahoma Department of Human Services
In recognition of individual contributions to adoption services

Diane Granito
Protective Services Division of the New Mexico Children, Youth and Families Department
In recognition of individual contributions to adoption services

Waterworks Photography Association
Tulsa, Oklahoma
In recognition of business contributions and initiatives for adoption services

Source: HHS Press Release, November 1, 2005

Child Care Bureau Early Learning Opportunities Act Discretionary Grant Awards

On September 30, 2005, the Administration on Children, Youth and Families awarded the Fiscal Year 2005 Early Learning Opportunity Act (ELOA) discretionary grants to 42 Local Councils in 26 States, including one federally recognized Indian Tribe, the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma. The awards range from $369,450 to $1 million and the project period for all of the grants is September 30, 2005 through February 28, 2007 (17 months).

Each of the grantees (Local Councils) will promote enhancing early childhood literacy as part of their approved project. In addition, each grantee is required to include two or more of the following ELOA activities as part of their project: promoting effective parenting; helping parents, caregivers, child care providers, and educators increase their capacity to facilitate child development and promote learning readiness; developing linkages among early learning programs and health care services for young children; increasing access to early learning opportunities for young children with special needs; increasing access to existing early learning programs by expanding the days or times that young children are served, by expanding the number served, or by improving the affordability of the programs for low-income families; improving the quality of early learning programs through professional development and training activities, increased compensation, and recruitment and retention incentives for providers; and removing ancillary barriers to early learning, including transportation difficulties and absence of programs during nontraditional work times.

National Children’s Study Seeks to Explain Native American Child Health Disparities

The U.S. Census Bureau reports that there are approximately 2.5 million American Indians in the United States, constituting 0.9 percent of the total population, and that they live primarily in the West, Southwest, and Midwest. Modest growth of these communities is predicted in the next few decades (http://www.census.gov/prod/2002pubs/c2kbr01-15.pdf).

Native American children today suffer disproportionately from diabetes, injuries, and other health problems. The planned National Children’s Study (http://www.nationalchildrensstudy.gov) would be the largest research study of the environment’s effects on children’s health and development ever conducted in the United States. It would follow 100,000 children from before birth to age 21. The study would include Native American children in accordance with their proportion of the population.

The Health of Native American Children

Geographic isolation, economic conditions, and inadequate sewage disposal are among the factors that contribute to poorer health outcomes among the nation’s American Indians and Alaska Natives (http://www.cdc.gov/omh/populations/aian/aian.htm). In addition, Native American children bear a disproportionate burden of many health problems. For example:

Through the planned National Children’s Study, researchers hope to uncover the root causes of health disparities that would ultimately reduce the health disparities experienced by all groups. Study findings would help Native American communities––and indeed all communities––prevent health problems and keep families healthy, and might even lead to new treatments and cures for diseases.

Source: September 29, 2005 National Institutes of Health (NIH) News Release

In Remembrance

Nancy Frazier
October 6, 1950—September 9, 2005

Reba Blalock
February 24, 1967— November 6, 2005

DELLA WARRIOR RETIRING AS IAIA PRESIDENT

Della C. Warrior is retiring as president of the Institute of American Indian Arts in New Mexico. Warrior is a member of the Otoe-Missouria Tribe of Oklahoma and has served as president of IAIA since 1998. She steps down on January 1, 2006.

“IAIA represents the very pinnacle of my career and I will never forget the many wonderful people that I have come to now and have worked with during my time here,” her statement read.

IAIA is a two and four year institution in Santa Fe, New Mexico. It is dedicated to the preservation, study, creative application and contemporary expression of American Indian and Alaska Native arts and cultures.

IAIA is one of the three Tribal Colleges and Universities in Region VI. The other colleges are Crownpoint Institute of Technology and Southwest Indian Polytechnic Institute.

CITIZEN POTAWATOMI NATION HONORED

The Citizen Potawatomi FireLodge Children and Family Services was presented the Adoption
Cooperation Spirit Award during the Adoption Celebration held in November at the Oklahoma State Capitol. The Adoption Celebration, held annually during National Adoption Month, is sponsored by Oklahoma Department of Human Services.

The award was in appreciation for the contribution of FireLodge Children and Family Services to the DHS Recruitment and Retention Committee, which meets monthly at the Tribal Complex. This committee focuses on recruitment and retention of resource families and includes Tribal representatives.

ABSENTEE SHAWNEE CHILD WELFARE PROGRAM RECEIVES AWARD

The Absentee Shawnee Tribal Child Welfare Program received the “Making a Difference in Families Award” during the Practical Parent Education Conference held in Dallas, TX. Practical Parent Education is the curriculum used by the Tribe for parenting classes and to provide Parenting Quick Tips, which have appeared in the Tribal newspaper. The Tribal Parenting Program has provided age-specific parenting classes, an annual Back-to-School Bash with a Homework Quick Tips session for parents.

The cash award will be used to develop a Parenting Resource Library for Absentee Shawnee families. The Library will provide books, videos and family games that can be checked out by tribal members.

With This Ring...

On November 17, 2005, the National Fatherhood Initiative released its study “With This Ring… A National Study on Marriage in America.” The study can be found at: http://www.fatherhood.org/research.asp

$37 Million in Abstinence Education

October 11, 2005, the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) announced the award of $37 million to 63 abstinence education grantees. The awards, from the Community-Based Abstinence Education (CBAE) program, are designed to encourage youth to remain abstinent until marriage. The CBAE program is administered by ACF’s Family and Youth Services Bureau, which also administers the Title V Section 510 Abstinence Education Program to enable states to support abstinence education, mentoring, counseling and adult supervision to promote abstinence from sexual activity, with a focus on those groups which are most likely to bear children out of wedlock.

The Region VI awardees are:

Centers for Youth and Families, AR	$279,029
Tree of Life Preventative Mental Maintenance, Inc., AR	$726,164
Operation Turn-Around, LA	$347,844
Mescalero Apache School, NM	$426,983
Socorro General Hospital, NM	$799,883
1st Choice Pregnancy Resource Center, TX	$435,419
Laredo Independent School District, TX	$520,725
Longview Wellness Center, TX	$800,000
University of TX Health Sciences Center at San Antonio, TX	$213,276

Source: HHS News Release, October 12, 2005

IMPORTANT REPORTING REMINDERS! CONTACT THE REGIONAL OFFICE WITH QUESTIONS REGARDING YEAR-END REPORTING.

TITLE IV-B.1 & IV-B.2
Financial Status Reports (269) for the period ended September 30, 2005 are due to the Regional Office by December 31, 2005.

TRIBAL CHILD CARE
FY 2005 ACF-700 & ACF-696T are due to the Regional Office by December 31, 2005.

Administration for Children and Families Awards $1.2 Million in Stamp Proceeds to Assist Victims of Domestic Violence

Stop Family Violence’ Postal Stamp Available Through 2006

The Administration for Children and Families (ACF) at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced awards totaling $1.2 million raised from the “Stop Family Violence” postal stamp. The awards will strengthen programs to assist victims of domestic violence.

The Bush Administration collaborated with the United States Postal Service and issued the stamp on October 11, 2003 during Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The “Stop Family Violence” stamp will remain on sale through Dec. 31, 2006 at a price of 45 cents per stamp. Proceeds go towards ACF-supported services for children, youth and family members who are victims of domestic violence.

Region VI awardees include:

The Oklahoma Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault was awarded $130,000 to identify, design and test a psycho-educational intervention model residents in child domestic violence shelters and their female caregivers. This program will also enhance the quality of children’s services provided by state domestic violence programs.

To view the “Stop Family Violence” postal stamp, go to: http://endabuse.org/programs/publiceducation/images/stamp.jpg.

“The ‘Stop Family Violence’ postage stamp is helping raise awareness and provide safety and shelter for victims of domestic violence,” said Wade F. Horn, Ph.D., HHS’ assistant secretary for children and families. “Everyone who has purchased the stamp is helping to provide services to those in need.

Source: HHS Press Release, Monday, October 17, 2005

Important Announcement about Use of the Federal Register

NOTICE: Beginning with FY 2006, the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) will no longer publish grant announcements in the Federal Register. Beginning October 1, 2005 applicants will be able to find a synopsis of all ACF grant opportunities and apply electronically for opportunities via: www.Grants.gov. Applicants will also be able to find the complete text of all ACF grant announcements on the ACF web site located at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/index.html.

Grants.gov allows organizations to electronically find and apply for competitive grant opportunities from all Federal grant-making agencies. Grants.gov is THE single access point for over 900 grant programs offered by the 26 Federal grant-making agencies. The US Department of Health and Human Services is proud to be the managing partner for Grants.gov, an initiative that will have an unparalleled impact on the grant community.

The Region VI “Stronger Families = Stronger Tribes” Newsletter is issued by the Region VI Administration for Children & Families.
Look for the next Newsletter in February 2005

U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services
Administration for Children & Families
1301 Young Street,
Room 958/ ACF-3
Dallas, Texas 75202-5433

Leon R. McCowan,
Regional Administrator

Tribal Program Specialists
Fax: 214-767-8124

Judy Baggett
Tribal Team Leader
Tribal Child Welfare
(214) 767-8078
jbaggett@acf.hhs.gov

Carl Rich
Tribal Child Support Coordinator
Tribal TANF & NEW
(214)767-8095
crich@acf.hhs.gov

Lisa Blackmon-Hansard
Tribal Program Specialist
Tribal Child Care & Tribal Domestic Violence
(214) 767-8129
lblackmon@acf.hhs.gov

Ken Cook
Financial Operations Specialist
Tribal Child Care
(214)767-8822
(214)767-8890 fax
kcook@acf.hhs.gov

Regional Office VI
Who We Are

Service Area
Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas.

Up-to-date information about Region VI states can be found at http://www.stateline.org/

Profile
5 States
68 Federally Recognized Tribes
176 Head Start Grantees serving 114,647 children
67 Early Head Start Grantees serving 6,033 pregnant women, infants and toddlers
30 Runaway and Homeless Grants

Mission
Region VI will fulfill ACF's mission of meeting the needs of children and families in a positive and productive environment, through visionary leadership, effective program integration, and responsible staffing.