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The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Children and Families (ACF) today announced new quality and safety standards aimed at providing for higher quality care and safer environments for millions of children, including our youngest learners.

ACF's Office of Community Service will award $7.4 million to 11 community-based organizations to address the lack of healthy, nutritious food options in low-income neighborhoods through the Community Economic Development-Healthy Food Financing Initiative (CED-HFFI).

Anna, a single mother of six, is a graduate student earning $17,000 a year.  Even with child care assistance and help from her family, she struggles to pay her bills every month.  But her financial burden lightened considerably when she received a refund of more than a quarter of her income through IRS’ Earned Income Tax Credit .

You can’t always see the effects of child abuse. They go far beyond bruises and broken bones. Children who are beaten, sexually or emotionally abused or neglected suffer the consequences of adversity long after their outward wounds heal. Recent research suggests that children who endure “toxic stress”—sensing persistent threat but no protector—are at risk for a host of developmental, intellectual, emotional and behavioral problems as they grow up.

On March 8, nations around the globe commemorate International Women’s Day with events and ceremonies.

This day spotlights women’s economic, political and social achievements. The United Nations proclaimed this year’s theme, “Empower Rural Women — End Hunger and Poverty,” to focus on the important role rural women play to achieve food and nutrition security, generate income, and improve the livelihoods and well-being of their communities.

ACF’s programs have helped many women in both urban and rural settings lift themselves and their families out of poverty.

This week child welfare advocates from all sectors of society (social work, education and law enforcement) will converge in Washington, D.C., for the 18th National Conference on Child Abuse and Neglect.  This conference is the nation’s leading training event for policy makers, practitioners and researchers involved in promote child safety and well-being.

It’s hard to be a parent. That’s why Father’s Day is so important. It gives us an opportunity to thank dads who are active in their children’s lives—who accept the challenges of raising a family and reap the benefits of their children growing up in a loving environment.

Earlier this month, I had the pleasure of joining Lillian Sparks, Commissioner for the Administration for Native Americans, and Linda Smith, our Deputy Assistant Secretary for Early Childhood, at the ACF Tribal and Native American Grantee conference, co-sponsored by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, another Health and Human Services agency.  This meeting was an opportunity to come together to celebrate the many tribes and native organizations operating ACF programs and providing critical services to families and children in need.

Last week the Supreme Court made a landmark decision that will leave an indelible mark on healthcare history.