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More than $845 million is being released today by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to states to help low-income households with their heating and home energy costs under the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). The continuing resolution currently in place allows HHS to release these funds to states, territories, tribes and the District of Columbia.

The Office of Community Services has awarded 18 Assets for Independence (AFI) grants totaling more than $3.9 million to community-based organizations and government agencies under HHS’ Administration for Children and Families. Funded projects will provide low-income individuals and families with access to Individual Development Accounts (IDAs) as well as training on financial education.

September 12, 2012

HHS delivers more than $474 million in grants for Hurricane Sandy recovery

Head Start providers impacted by Hurricane Sandy can now apply for a total of $95 million in recovery aid to help renovate, repair and rebuild damaged Head Start centers. Funds can also be used to temporarily enhance Head Start program services to address the increased social, health and mental health needs of Head Start families impacted by Hurricane Sandy.

HHS’ Administration for Children and Families (ACF) announced this week 123 funding opportunity announcements for organizations interested in providing Head Start and Early Head Start services. The announcement is part of an ongoing effort to improve the quality and accountability of Head Start grantees nationwide following new regulations announced by President Obama in 2011 to ensure that all Head Start programs are providing the highest-quality education and services to children and families.

A new study from HHS’ Administration for Children and Families suggests children in the child welfare system may be at higher risk for developing heart disease, cancer, chronic lung disease, liver disease and skeletal fractures in adulthood. The study, part of the Office of Planning, Research and Evaluation’s “National Survey of Child and Adolescent Well-Being” (NSCAW), found children in the child welfare system were far more likely to have personal histories that placed them at heightened risk for negative health outcomes as an adult.

New data on adoption and foster care suggests that while the number of children in foster care remains steady, the adoption rate continues to climb. According to statistics released by HHS’ Administration for Children and Families, approximately 13.1 percent of the children in foster care were adopted last year, an increase from 12.6 percent the previous year and 9.5 percent in 2003.

Interim provider will continue to serve local children

Fifteen organizations in five communities — Baltimore, Detroit, Jersey City, N.J., and Sunflower County, Miss., and Washington D.C. — have entered negotiations to receive federal funding as part of a new Birth-to-Five pilot for Head Start and Early Head Start services.