ACF News

New federal child abuse and neglect data shows an increase in the number of victims who suffered maltreatment for the first time since 2015. As in past years, rates of abuse and neglect are highest among infants and young children. The Children’s Bureau at HHS' Administration for Children and Families (ACF) published the 29th edition of the Child Maltreatment Report, which analyzes data collected by state child protective services (CPS) agencies. The report is based on fiscal year 2018 data, which is the latest data available.

A new effort to support America’s earliest learners was launched today. The Office of Head Start (OHS) at HHS’ Administration for Children and Families formalized partnerships with the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) and the School Superintendents Association (AASA) to improve the transition of Head Start children as they enter elementary school. These partnerships were formalized with a memorandum of understanding (MOU), which was signed this morning at Higher Horizons Head Start and Early Head Start in Falls Church, Va.

The 2019 class of recipients of adoption excellence awards were announced today at a HHS ceremony as part of National Adoption Month. Vice President Mike Pence, HHS Secretary Alex Azar, Assistant Secretary Lynn Johnson and other leaders addressed adoption advocates, parents and others in the field this morning in the HHS Great Hall.

New public service advertisements (PSAs) launched today by the Children’s Bureau at HHS’ Administration for Children and Families, in partnership with the Ad Council, AdoptUSKids and Barbarian, reminds prospective parents that teens in foster care can also help them grow in new ways.

The Family and Youth Services Bureau within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration on Children, Youth and Families at the Administration for Children and Families, recently awarded $22.8 million to 29 organizations to help educate youth on strategies to avoid non-marital sexual activity and other risky behaviors.

The Administration for Native Americans (ANA) at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Children and Families recently awarded 40 grant projects, totaling $11,237,594 to help strengthen Native communities throughout the United States.

HHS’ Administration for Children and Families’ (ACF) is seeking input from the public and interested stakeholders on strategies to improve access to high-quality, affordable child care in the U.S. A “Request for Information posted today seeks public input identifying emerging and innovative practices to improve access to high-quality child care, as well as identification of any regulatory and other policies that unnecessarily drive up the cost of care or limit the safe, nurturing child care choices available to parents.

Nine child support agencies will soon begin testing how child support programs can improve intergovernmental case processing and collections from parents who live in different states, tribes, or counties from their child.

HHS’ Administration for Children and Families (ACF) announced today the public launch of a new website to assist parents and caregivers in finding child care. ChildCare.gov includes links to state child care search engines and financial assistance available within states to help families find child care, as well as child development and early learning resources.

The Administration for Native Americans (ANA) at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Children and Families awards 18 grant projects, totaling nearly $4.9 million, to help preserve Native languages in various communities throughout the United States.