Assistant Secretary Contreras Reflects on Her First 30 Days at ACF

Dear ACF Partners:

I believe that two-way communication is key to leveraging our partnerships in service to the communities we all live and work in. As I make it a priority to listen to the voices of our partners, stakeholders, staff, and the communities we serve, I also want to share some of my experiences with you. My first 30 days with the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) have been incredibly rewarding. Each day demonstrates to me how committed my colleagues are to our ACF mission, and how important our partners are.

There are a few bits of news that I’d like to share and ask you to please share with your own networks.

• In April, the ACF Office of Community Services (OCS) released a Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Extreme Heat Dashboard to help grant recipients prepare for the impact of climate change and extreme heat in their communities.
• The Office of Head Start (OHS) reduced administrative burden on families by allowing families to use Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits as a criterion for enrollment in Head Start programs. This alignment advances equity, customer experience, and furthers our mission for children and families to receive high-quality services in safe and healthy settings that prepare children for school and life.

I also would like to share some examples of where I’ve been able to plant my feet and be present virtually.

• My very first visit on the job was to the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) Emergency Intake Site at Fort Bliss. I wanted to see the children in our care with my own eyes and to meet staff on the ground. I saw caring staff in action, and all the work that has been done to build in the physical and mental health supports that are so vital. I will continue to support the dedicated ORR leaders and staff who are prioritizing child welfare principles while also working to reunite children swiftly and safely with their family or a vetted sponsor.
• In April, I was able to meet with tribal leaders twice. First, I attended the 2022 U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Virtual Annual Tribal Budget Consultation Session (ATBCS). This was the 24th ATBCS that affords tribal nations an opportunity to provide input on national, regional, and individual tribal priorities before the Department formulates its fiscal year 2024 budget. Second, I participated in the ACF Tribal Advisory Committee, chaired by Tilford P. Denver, Chairman, Bishop Paiute Tribal Council. I appreciated listening to tribal leaders discussed program, policy, and grant administration priorities so we can work together to address them. 

• On April 27, I visited ACF Region 9, San Francisco to meet partners and staff. My visit to BAHIA and their Centro VIDA Children’s Center was heartwarming. Not only did I get to hear about the incredible bilingual and bicultural education mission of BAHIA and the way the American Rescue Plan made a difference for their operations, but I also had the chance to be surrounded by spirited children celebrating “superhero day.” After meeting with the mighty local ACF staff, I completed the day with the Larkin Street Youth Services leadership to hear about the important work they carry out to meet the needs of youth who are homeless in their area. I’m grateful to each of the organizations who hosted my site visits, and to Region 9 Administrator Pete Weldy and my Region 9 colleagues for making it a meaningful visit.

One additional note I would like to share about my first month. It is clear to me that my colleagues at ACF are here for the same reason I am, to strengthen supports that help children, youth, families, and individuals thrive. One colleague, Cindy Huang, announced her departure this past month. As the Director of the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR), Cindy has been instrumental in meeting our humanitarian duty to an unprecedented number of unaccompanied children, while also rebuilding ORR to be ready for new duties such as Operation Allies Welcome to support and resettle vulnerable Afghans. I want to personally thank Cindy for the tremendous level of service and leadership she has provided to our nation and the lives she has touched.

I intend to make it a regular practice to keep you informed of all the exciting work happening at ACF and sharing program successes with our partners is the best way to help us reach the children and families most in need of our services.

Thank you again for the work that you do to support our nation’s children, youth, families, and communities.

Sincerely,

January Contreras
Assistant Secretary

View this message in Spanish. Follow the Assistant Secretary January Contreras @contrerasacf for all things ACF related.