Assistant Secretary Monthly Update | August 2022

Dear ACF Partners,

August was a busy month as we continue our work to promote the well-being of children and families across the nation. As part of my continued commitment to keep you informed and engaged, I’d like to share a few reflections from the past month, including announcements and burgeoning partnerships, that I hope you find useful. 

Welcome to ACF’s Office of Family Assistance Director

Please join me in welcoming Ann Flagg as ACF’s Director of the Office of Family Assistance (OFA). Ann brings extensive experience, having most recently served as the Senior Director of Policy and Practice at the American Public Human Services Association. Ann previously served at the Maryland Department of Human Services, providing program leadership to the state’s economic and emergency assistance, child support, and child welfare programs.  

News During Child Support Awareness Month 

This month ACF recognized Child Support Awareness Month. If you haven’t seen the joint Dear Colleague Letter (PDF) sent by the Office of Child Support Enforcement (OCSE) and the Children’s Bureau (CB), please have a look. It’s important guidance that encourages states to avoid creating new financial burdens rather than seeking child support from parents when children enter the foster care system. This collaborative guidance is intended to help families thrive and set children up to succeed. 

Meeting Committed Staff and Partners in Denver

Seeing the work of our partners and engaging on the front lines is always of great value to me. This month, I visited ACF Region 8 in Denver, Colorado, where I met with our ACF regional team; participated in an Early Childhood Development (ECD) roundtable discussion with Executives Partnering to Invest in Children (EPIC) and the Colorado Department of Early Childhood; and visited Urban Peak, a Colorado non-profit that serves youth experiencing homelessness. I also had the chance to join HHS Region 8 Administrator Lily Griego and a multi-generational group of Latina leaders through the Colorado “Cafecito” tradition. Thanks to all who shared insight with me about ACF impact on their communities.

Collaborating with the Department of Interior on ICWA

In August, ACF’s Administration for Native Americans (ANA) and the Children’s Bureau (CB) coordinated a briefing and listening session on the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) for tribal leaders. I had the privilege of conducting this national convening with Assistant Secretary Bryan Newland, from the Department of Interior. This first-of-its-kind convening was a meaningful gathering for the hundreds of participants who joined us. We will keep supporting collaboration between tribes, states, and courts to live out the principles of ICWA to safely prevent family separation, and to keep kids safely connected to family and culture. Please let us know if you have new ideas on how to carry this out.

Celebrating the New Tribal Home Visiting Grant Recipients 

ACF’s ECD team has been excited about the new round of Tribal MIECHV Home Visiting Grants that were awarded this summer. To learn how a tribe is connecting their home visiting program with other children and family centered services, I met with staff and tribal leaders at the Pascua Yaqui Tribe (PYT) this month. I had an energizing visit with preschoolers in one of their Head Start classrooms, where I saw firsthand how cultural traditions and language are weaved into everyday lessons. I also met with leaders from the Pascua Yaqui Attorney General’s Office, Casey Family Programs, and the Pima County Superior Court to learn about their innovative ICWA court. In addition, I witnessed the signing of an MOU between the Tribal Chairman and Council and the Arizona Department of Child Safety Director that institutionalizes many ICWA principles into their child welfare collaboration. Finally, I ended the visit with staff who lead child care, Head Start, family wellness and behavioral health programs, and more. It is encouraging to know that their new tribal home visiting program will build on a strong foundation. 

Hearing from Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Providers

This month, I had the chance to focus on gender-based violence and survivor supports in collaboration with ACF’s Family and Youth Services Bureau (FYSB). In one gathering, we met with leaders from the National Domestic Violence Resource Network. In another, we gathered with the National Alliance to End Sexual Violence, the National Organization of Sisters of Color Ending Sexual Assault, and Ujima, the National Center on Violence Against Women in the Black Community. I appreciated the chance to meet these leaders and to hear how American Rescue Plan funding is helping to strengthen safety, support, and violence prevention for so many survivors and communities.

Building a Culture of Equity

ACF’s work is broad — supporting our nation’s diverse children and families — and we value the need to put equity at the forefront as we carry out our mission. That’s why today, we announced the release of equity statements for each ACF program office, summarizing their strategies to advance equity. These statements can be accessed by the public on the newly launched Equity in Action | The Administration for Children and Families (acf.hhs.gov) webpage and are a step forward as we drive toward our goal of fairness and equal opportunities. We will continue to challenge ourselves to advance equity for all, and we welcome your suggestions as we do.

Operation Allies Welcome

In support of the work of our Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) team, I joined HHS Deputy Secretary Andrea Palm to welcome Afghan humanitarian parolees as part of Operation Allies Welcome (OAW). It’s incredibly rewarding to see families receive support when they need it most, and to meet the many dedicated public servants from throughout the Federal government, non-profit representatives, and contracted professionals who put their heart into OAW. It’s a great moment to say thank you to staff and partners who support refugees and unaccompanied children from all over the world.

Deadline is Fast Approaching to Apply for Temporary Expanded Loan Forgiveness

At ACF, we champion the human services workforce that makes up our world of staff and grantees. In order to support your staff and ours, we created an ACF Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) webpage that includes resources and information on eligibility. Please share this information with staff that work in non-profits or state, local, and tribal governments in your communities. 

Family First Prevention Services Advancements

When Congress passed the Family First Prevention Services Act (FFPSA), they unlocked landmark access to prevention services so more kids can remain safely in their own homes. We’re proud to share that we recently approved another state’s preventive services plan under Family First. Congratulations to the 26 states, DC, and two tribes who are implementing approved plans to better serve families in their communities. We are working hard to grow this list: The FFPSA Title IV-E Prevention Program Data Submission | The Administration for Children and Families (hhs.gov).

I will continue to communicate with you, while also looking for creative ways to share information and receive your feedback. Again, thank you for all that you do strengthen opportunity and stability for children, youth, families, and communities across the country.

Learn the latest on what I have been up to and follow me on Twitter at @ContrerasACF  

Most sincerely,

January Contreras
Assistant Secretary