[Federal Register: October 6, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 194)]
[Notices]
[Page 59117-59123]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr06oc06-75]
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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Administration for Children and Families
Statement of Organization, Functions, and Delegations of
Authority
This notice amends Part K of the Statement of Organization,
Functions, and Delegations of Authority of the Department of Health and
Human Services (DHHS), Administration for Children and Families (ACF)
as follows: Chapter KB, the Administration on Children, Youth and
Families (ACYF), as last amended 71 FR 29649, May 23, 2006; Chapter KF,
Office of Child Support Enforcement (OCSE), as last amended 67 FR 8816-
02, February 26, 2002; Chapter KH, the Office of Family Assistance
(OFA), as last amended 71 FR 29649, May 23, 2006; Chapter KP, Office of
the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Administration (ODASA), as last
amended 67 FR 54436-01, August 22, 2002; Chapter KU, Office of Head
Start (OHS), as last amended 71 FR 29649, May 23, 2006; Chapter KJ,
Office of Regional Operations (ORO) as last amended 62 FR 4295-01,
January 29, 1997; and Chapter KD, Regions I-X as last amended 68 FR
65291-01 November 19, 2003. This Notice completes the implementation of
the
[[Page 59118]]
reorganization published in the Federal Register on May 23, 2006.
This Notice establishes the substructure(s) of the Office of Family
Assistance and the Office of Head Start. It also changes the existing
structures and organization of the Regional Offices and realigns some
of the regional staff to make them a part of and reporting to, various
Central Office components. Additionally, the reorganization revises the
functions of the Regional Administrators and places them under the
Office of Regional Operations (KJ).
The changes are as follows:
I. Under Chapter K, Administration for Children and Families, delete
Chapter KDI-X in their entireties.
II. Under Chapter KJ, Office of Regional Operations, delete in its
entirety and replace with the following:
KJ.00 Mission. The Office of Regional Operations (ORO) advises the
Assistant Secretary for Children and Families on all strategic and
operational activities related to implementation of the agency's
national goals and priorities at the regional level. ORO oversees the
performance of the Offices of the Regional Administrators (ORA) on all
coordination of cross-cutting and special emphasis programs and
initiatives, emergency preparedness, tribal government relations,
State, and local ACF-related affairs, and administrative functions in
Regions I-X, Offices of the Regional Administrators (ORA).
The ORAs are located in the ten DHHS Regional Offices: Region I
(Boston), Region II (New York), Region III (Philadelphia), Region IV
(Atlanta), Region V (Chicago), Region VI (Dallas), Region VII (Kansas
City), Region VIII (Denver), Region IX (San Francisco), and Region X
(Seattle). Each ORA, through the Director, ORO, and in coordination
with ACF Program Directors, represents ACF to States, counties, cities,
or towns, Territories, and Tribal governments, grantees, and public and
private local organizations. The ORA coordinates issues that may have
significant regional or national impact. The ORA develops plans in
conjunction with the Program Directors to meet ACF goals and objectives
and initiatives and participates in regional activities to inform the
public about ACF programs at the regional level in coordination with
the ACF Office of Public Affairs. The ORA contributes to the
development of ACF national policy based on knowledge of services in
the region.
KJ.10 Organization. The Office of Regional Operations (ORO) is
headed by a Director who reports to the Assistant Secretary for
Children and Families. The ORO is organized as follows: Office of the
Director (KJA); Regional Operations Staff (KJB); Office of the Regional
Administrators (KJDI-X).
KJ.20 Functions.
A. Office of the Director (KJA): The Office of the Director (OD)
provides executive leadership and assistance on all strategic and
operational activities related to implementation of the agency's
national goals and priorities at the regional level. The Director is
the principal advisor to the Assistant Secretary for Children and
Families on regional matters involving special emphasis programs and
initiatives, emergency preparedness, Tribal government relations,
State, and local ACF partnership activities, and regional
administrative functions. The Director represents the Assistant
Secretary for Children and Families within DHHS and with other Federal
agencies and task forces on regional activities.
The OD: (1) Oversees the Regional Administrators in administering
regional activities and implementing cross-cutting program initiatives;
(2) serves as a focal point for operational and long-range planning;
and (3) coordinates with the ACF Central Office components to ensure
that the Regional Administrators can help coordinate certain national
priorities and initiatives, State, and local partnership activities,
special programs, and emergency preparedness and response operations.
B. Regional Operations Staff (KJB): The Regional Operations Staff
(ROS): (1) Develops and manages liaison processes between ACF Regional
Offices and the Assistant Secretary for Children and Families; (2)
supports the Offices of the Regional Administrators (ORA) of each
region by implementing and overseeing the management systems and
procedures for communication and workload that emanate from ACF
national priorities and initiatives, special emphasis programs,
emergency preparedness, tribal government relations, and State, and
local ACF partnership activities; (3) monitors and evaluates ORA
operations and makes plans for the utilization of regional resources to
accomplish approved objectives; and (4) manages administrative and
human resources functions; and salaries and expenses for the ORA.
C. Offices of the Regional Administrators (KJDI-X): Each of the
Offices of the Regional Administrators (ORA) is headed by a Regional
Administrator who reports to the Assistant Secretary for Children and
Families through the Director, ORO. Each Office: (1) Helps support
ACF's key national goals and priorities; (2) communicates ACF's
regional interests, concerns, and relationships within the Department
and among other Federal agencies and focuses on State agency culture
change, more effective partnerships, and improved customer service; (3)
manages special and sensitive projects; (4) serves as a focal point for
public affairs and contacts with the media, public awareness
activities, information dissemination, and education campaigns in
coordination with the ACF Office of Public Affairs and in conjunction
with the DHHS Regional Director; (5) assists the ACF Regional
Administrator in the management of cross-cutting initiatives and
activities among the regional components; and (6) as appropriate, and
in coordination with the ACF Central Office components, assists with
activities relating to developmental disabilities, refugee
resettlement, economic and community development, tribal and special
initiative activities.
The Regional Administrators: (1) Oversee the management of ACF
regional staff in the ORA; (2) coordinate activities across regional
programs; (3) ensure that goals and objectives are carried out; and (4)
alert the Assistant Secretary for Children and Families through the
Director, ORO, and/or Central Office ACF Program Directors to problems
and issues that may have significant regional or national impact.
As requested by the Director of Regional Operations or Central
Office ACF Program Directors, the ORA represents ACF at the regional
level in executive communications within ACF, with the DHHS Regional
Director, other DHHS Operating Divisions, other Federal agencies, and
public or private local organizations.
Within the ORA, an administrative staff: (1) Develops regional work
plans, in coordination with Central Office Program Directors, related
to the overall ACF strategic plans, and tracks, monitors, and reports
on regional progress in the attainment of ACF national goals and
objectives; (2) coordinates routine budget, administrative, and human
resource functions as required, including Executive Secretariat, ACF-
controlled space, computer and computer peripheral equipment, and
health and safety for the ORA; (3) coordinates ACF programs during
emergencies in the regions, including natural disasters, pandemic flu,
or other disasters; (4) serves as ACF's focal point for COOP planning,
implementation, and coordination; (5) coordinates regional
[[Page 59119]]
ACF deployments of human services assessments and action teams during
State and/or Federally declared emergencies and disasters; and (6)
coordinates resources for regional special emphasis activities with the
DHHS Regional Director's office.
III. Under Chapter KP, Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary for
Administration, make the following changes:
A. Under KP.00 Mission, add the following:
KP.00 Mission. The Deputy Assistant Secretary for Administration
serves as principal advisor to the Assistant Secretary for Children and
Families on all aspects of personnel administration and management;
information resource management; financial management activities;
grants policy and overseeing the issuance of grants; procurement
issues; staff development and training activities; organizational
development and organizational analysis; administrative services;
facilities management; and State systems policy. The Deputy Assistant
Secretary for Administration oversees the ACF Equal Employment
Opportunity and Civil Rights program and all administrative special
initiative activities for ACF.
B. Under KP Organization, insert the following new component after
Office of Grants Management (KPG): Grants Management Regional Units
(KPGDI-X).
C. Under KP.20 Functions, insert the following component, under the
Office of Grants Management (KPG):
Grants Management Regional Units (KPGDI-X): Each Grants Management
Regional Unit (GMRU) is headed by a Regional Grants Management Officer
who supports the Chief Grants Officer (CGO)/Deputy Assistant Secretary
for Administration in fulfilling ACF's CGO responsibilities. The GMRU
serves as the principal office in the region for grant activities and
is responsible for: (1) Ensuring the business and financial
responsibilities of grants administration are carried out; (2)
providing direct administration and management of ACF discretionary,
formula, entitlement, and block grants in the regions; (3) directing
all grants and cooperative agreements awarded; (4) ensuring compliance
with applicable statutes, regulations, and policies and performing
audit resolutions; (5) providing leadership and technical guidance to
ACF programs on grant operations and grants management issues; (6)
interpreting and implementing financial policies, regulations,
legislation, and appropriations law as they relate to grant
administration; (7) securing resolution of legal matters relating to
grants administration and management; (8) reviewing cost-allocation
plans; (9) making recommendations to the appropriate program office (a)
to approve, defer, or disallow claims for Federal financial
participation in ACF formula and entitlement programs and (b) to
approve or disallow costs under ACF discretionary grant programs; and
(10) as applicable, making recommendations on the clearance and closure
of audits of State and grantee programs, paying particular attention to
deficiencies that decrease the efficiency and effectiveness of ACF
programs and taking steps to resolve deficiencies. The Regional Grants
Management Officer assisting the CGO/Deputy Assistant Secretary for
Administration on grants management matters with the ACF Central
Office, States, contractors, and grantees.
IV. Under Chapter KB, Administration on Children, Youth and Families
(ACYF), make the following changes:
A. Under KB.10 Organization, add the following component after the
Children's Bureau (KBD): Children's Bureau Regional Program Units
(KBDDI-X).
B. Under KB.20 Functions, after the Children's Bureau (KBD), add
the following new paragraph:
Children's Bureau Regional Units (KBDDI-X): The Children's Bureau
(CB), Regional Program Unit, is headed by a CB Regional Program Manager
who reports to the Associate Commissioner, Children's Bureau, within
ACYF. The CB Regional Program Manager, through subordinate regional
staff, in collaboration with program components, is responsible for:
(1) Providing program and technical administration of CB formula,
entitlement, block and discretionary programs related to child welfare,
including child abuse and neglect, child protective services, family
preservation and support, adoption, foster care and independent living;
(2) collaborating with the ACF Central Office, States, and grantees on
all program matters for programs or issues that have significant
implications for the programs; (3) providing technical assistance to
entities responsible for administering CB programs to resolve
identified problems; (4) ensuring that appropriate procedures and
practices are adopted; (5) working with appropriate State and local
officials to develop and implement outcome-based performance measures;
and (6) monitoring the programs to ensure their efficiency and
effectiveness, and ensuring that these entities conform to Federal
laws, regulations, policies, and procedures governing the programs.
V. Under Chapter KF, Paragraph A, Office of Child Support Enforcement
(OCSE), make the following changes:
A. Amend KF.10 Organization, by adding the following component:
OCSE Regional Program Units (KFADI-X).
B. Amend KF.20 Functions, Paragraph A, by adding the following new
paragraph at the end of Paragraph A:
OCSE Regional Program Units (KFADI-X): Each OCSE Regional Program
Unit is headed by the OCSE Regional Program Manager who reports to the
Deputy Director (also known as the Commissioner, OCSE). The OCSE
Regional Program Manager, through subordinate regional staff, in
collaboration with program components, is responsible for: (1)
Providing program and technical administration of ACF entitlement and
discretionary programs related to OCSE; (2) collaborating with the ACF
Central Office, States, Tribes, and other grantees on all significant
program and policy matters; (3) providing technical assistance to
entities responsible for administering OCSE programs to resolve
identified problems; (4) ensuring that appropriate procedures and
practices are adopted; (5) working with appropriate State, Tribal, and
local officials to develop and implement outcome-based performance
measures; and (6) monitoring the programs to ensure their efficiency
and effectiveness, and ensuring that these entities conform to Federal
laws, regulations, policies, and procedures governing the programs.
VI. Under Chapter KH, Office of Family Assistance, make the following
changes:
A. Delete KH.10 Organization in its entirety and replace with the
following:
KH.10 Organization. The Office of Family Assistance is headed by a
Director who reports to the Assistant Secretary for Children and
Families. The Office is organized as follows:
Office of the Director (KHA).
TANF Bureau (KHB).
Division of State and Territory TANF Management and Technical
Assistance (KHB2).
Division of Data Collection and Analysis (KHB3).
Division of Tribal TANF Management (KHB4).
TANF Bureau Regional Program Units (KHBDI-X).
Child Care Bureau (KHJ).
Division of Technical Assistance (KHJ1).
Division of Program Operations (KHJ2).
Division of Policy (KHJ3).
Child Care Bureau Regional Program Units (KHJDI-X).
[[Page 59120]]
B. Delete Paragraph, KH.20 functions in its entirety and replace
with the following:
KH.20 Functions.
A. Office of the Director (KHA): The Office of the Director is
directly responsible to the Assistant Secretary for Children and
Families for carrying out OFA's mission and providing direction,
leadership, guidance, and general supervision to the principal
components of OFA. The Deputy director assists the director in carrying
out the responsibilities for the Office. The Associate Director for the
TANF Bureau and the Associate Director for the Child Care Bureau report
to the OFA Director. The Office: (1) provides public information
services by responding to inquiries from the public and private sectors
from both domestic and international entities via written and
electronic communication; (2) coordinates and organizes the printing
and distribution of policy and guidance documents and responds to
Freedom of Information Act requests; (3) manages the formulation and
execution of the budgets for OFA programs and for Federal
administration; (4) serves as the focal point for operational and long-
range planning; (5) functions as Executive Secretariat for OFA,
including managing correspondence, correspondence systems, and
electronic mail requests; and (6) provides management and
administrative services and advice, by coordinating human resources
activities, developing policy and procedures relating to these
activities.
B. TANF Bureau (KHB): The TANF Bureau is headed by the Associate
Director for TANF and reports to the Director on issues regarding
temporary assistance, self-sufficiency, Native Employment Works (NEW),
healthy marriage, and responsible fatherhood. The Associate Director
for TANF serves as the principal advisor to the Director on issues
regarding TANF and related programs. The Bureau has primary
responsibility for the administration of the programs authorized under
titles IV-A and XVI of the Social Security Act: (1) Develops
legislative, regulatory, and budgetary proposals; (2) presents
operational planning objectives and initiatives related to welfare
reform to the Director; (3) oversees the progress of approved
activities; (4) provides leadership and coordination for welfare reform
within ACF; and (5) provides leadership and linkages with other
agencies on welfare reform issues, including agencies within DHHS,
relevant agencies across the Federal, State, local, and Tribal
governments, and non-governmental organizations at the Federal, State,
local, and Tribal governments, ,and non-governmental organizations at
the Federal, State, and local levels.
1. Division of State TANF Policy (KHB1): The Division of State TANF
Policy (DSTP): (1) Provides direction and guidance in the nationwide
administration of the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families programs,
and the Aid to the Aged, Blind, and Disabled program in Guam, Puerto
Rico and the Virgin Islands, under titles IV-A and XVI of the Social
Security Act; (2) ensures compliance with Federal laws and regulations;
(3) proposes and reviews legislation and implements national policy,
develops regulations to implement new laws and prepares policy
interpretations; (4) provides guidance and direction, and analyzes,
tracks, and disseminates information on State progress in achieving
work participation goals; (5) shapes and facilitates communication
between Federal, State, and local entities to coordinate cross-cutting
welfare-to-work-related policies; (6) collaborates with the ACF and
DHHS components on related programs, such as Head Start and programs
related to child welfare; (7) develops State plan procedures and
evaluates State TANF plans with internal and external collaboration to
identify critical issues contained in the plans and amendments; (8)
prepares Congressional materials, testimonies, and speeches; and (9)
collaborates with and provides program guidance to the Office of the
General Counsel on litigation.
2. Division of State and Territory TANF Management and Technical
Assistance (KHB2): The Division of State and Territory TANF Management
and Technical Assistance (DSTMTA): (1) Provides technical assistance to
States, Territories, localities, community groups, and healthy marriage
and responsible fatherhood grantees; (2) assists in the assessment of
State and Territorial performance in administering the TANF program and
the Aid to the Aged, Blind and Disabled program in Guam, Puerto Rico
and the Virgin Islands; (3) recommends and promotes improvements in
outcomes for clients, and oversees and monitors the healthy marriage
and responsible fatherhood grants; (4) develops and implements
strategies to assist grantees in implementing and designing programs to
meet TANF purposes; (5) develops and delivers technical assistance,
focusing on innovative policy and program design approaches, to improve
the well-being of children; (6) facilitates closer working
relationships with State programs and program officials to help States
improve their TANF programs; (7) promotes cross-program policy
initiatives to self-sufficiency and family-focused services; (8)
collaborates with ACF and DHHS components and other Federal agencies to
deliver family-focused services; (9) promotes job development through
agreements with other Federal agencies and corporations; (10)
identifies best practices and shares information through conferences,
publications, and other means; (11) establishes strong working
partnerships with States, Tribes, and Territories to help them build
management capacity and skills to improve the performance of the TANF
programs; (12) compiles, analyzes, evaluates, and disseminates
information on implementation and strategies in the TANF program and
other related welfare programs in the United States, including
information on pertinent statutes, regulations, program instructions,
and guidance; (13) serves as a catalyst to connect other relevant
national, Federal, State, and local organizations to operate more
effectively, and to share resources and information relative to
increasing the economic self-sufficiency of low-income families; and
(14) is responsible for updating contracted web sites to provide easy
access, targeting and focused useful information, and customer-friendly
organization and search capabilities.
3. Division of Data Collection and Analysis (KHB3): The Division of
Data Collection and Analysis (DDCA): (1) Is responsible for all aspects
of the collection, compilation, analysis, and dissemination of
statistical and financial data ont eh TANF program and the Aid to the
Aged, Blind and Disabled programs in Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin
islands; (2) develops regulations to implement data collection
requirements; (3) designs, develops, implements, and maintains systems
for the collection and analysis of data, including participation rate
information, recipient characteristics, financial and administrative
data, State expenditures on families, work activities of non-custodial
parents, transitional services, and data used in the assessment of
State performance; (4) provides leadership and coordinates with other
ACF and DHHS offices and external organizations in the use of these
data for policy and research purposes; and (5) develops and maintains
statistical protocols and manuals for data collection purposes and
provides technical assistance in the use of these materials.
4. Division of Tribal TANF Management (KHB4): The Division of
Tribal TANF Management (DTTM) is responsible for: (1) Assisting in
[[Page 59121]]
implementation and coordination of ongoing consultation with Tribal
governments and, where appropriate, State and Federal agencies
regarding issues relating to the TANF and the NEW program and related
legislation; (2) developing regulations and guidelines for Tribal
employment programs and for providing leadership, policy direction,
technical assistance, and coordination of Tribal services programs; (3)
performing inter- and intra-agency liaison functions to promote family
stability, economic security, responsibility and self-support for
Native Americans; (4) conducting program reviews to ensure compliance
with the Social Security Act, regulations, and policy directives; and
(5) carrying out activities related to Tribal data collection reporting
requirements relating to the programs.
5. TANF Bureau Regional Program Units (KHBDI-X): Each TANF Regional
Program Unit is headed by a TANF Regional Program Manager who reports
to the Associate Director, TANF, within OFA. The Regional Program
Manager, through subordinate regional staff, in collaboration with
program components, is responsible for: (1) Providing program and
technical administration of the TANF block grant; (2) collaborating
with the ACF Central Office, States, and other grantees on all
significant policy matters; (3) providing technical assistance to
entities responsible for administering ACF programs to resolve
identified problems; (4) ensuring that appropriate procedures and
practices are adopted; (5) working with appropriate State, Tribal, and
local officials to develop and implement outcome-based performance
measures; and (6) monitoring the programs to ensure their efficiency
and effectiveness, and ensuring that these entities conform to Federal
laws, regulations, policies, and procedures governing the programs.
C. Child Care Bureau (KHJ): The Child Care Bureau (CCB) is headed
by the Associate Director for CCB who reports to the Director on issues
regarding child care and early education programs, including the twin
goals of improving support for working families and promoting the
healthy development, school readiness, and school success for children
in child care. The Associate Director for Child Care serves as the
principal advisor to the Director on issues regarding child care
programs. The CCB has primary responsibility for: (1) Overseeing the
operation of child care programs authorized under the Child Care and
Development Block Grant (CCDBG) Act and section 418 of the Social
Security Act; (2) developing legislative, regulatory, and budgetary
proposals; (3) presenting operational planning objectives and
initiatives related to child care to the Director, and oversees the
progress of approved activities; (4) providing leadership and
coordination for child care within ACF and linkages with other agencies
on child care issues, including agencies within DHHS, relevant agencies
across the Federal, State, local, and Tribal governments, and non-
governmental organizations at the Federal, State, and local levels; and
(5) overseeing the leadership, planning, and management of the Bureau's
mission and activities. The data gathering, analysis, and
dissemination; preparation of reports; budget projection, planning,
execution, and tracking; research development and communication of
findings; identification and utilization of new technology in managing
CCB's workload and communicating with the Department, Regional Program
Units, States, Territories, Tribes, and the child care field; the
Immediate Office also supports the unique program and planning needs of
Tribal grantees.
1. Division of Technical Assistance (KHJ1): The Division of
Technical Assistance (DTA): (1) Provides technical assistance to
Regional Program Units, States, Territories, and Tribes concerning the
administration of the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF); (2)
provides strategic leadership, coordination, and grant and contract
oversight for technical assistance projects that comprise the Child
Care Technical Assistance Network; (3) oversees technical assistance
events, such as peer learning roundtables, forums, and conferences; (4)
uses publications, multimedia tools, and comprehensive Internet
resources to communicate with CCDF grantees, national, State, and local
child care organizations, and the general public about the latest
developments in the child care field; (5) works closely with State,
Tribal and Territorial CCDF Lead Agencies to assess their technical
assistance needs and tailor responses that reflect State, Tribal, and
Territorial flexibility; (6) supports the ability of grantees to find
innovative solutions and uses its contracts, events, and publications
to recognize and promote replication of effective practices; (7)
supports the use of research in CCDF implementation through links with
the Child Care Bureau's Division of Policy and with State agencies; (8)
forges partnerships with public and private organizations to improve
the ability of child care systems to respond effectively to the needs
of low-income working families; and (9) works in partnerships across
programs to establish effective, diversified systems of care that meets
the unique developmental needs of infants and toddlers, preschool
children, and school age children. Key partners include State early
childhood programs, Head Start, and the U.S. Department of Education,
which work together to coordinate early childhood programs and create a
diversified system that promotes school readiness across all preschool
settings.
2. Division of Program Operations (KHJ2): The Division of Program
Operations (DPO) is responsible for: (1) Regional liaison activities,
including communicating on a regular basis with Regional Program Unit
staff, including oversight of the review and approval process for the
Biennial CCDF Plans of States, Territories, and Tribes, responding to
questions on policy and other issues by consulting or referring to
other staff; (2) tracking progress of grantee programs in coordination
with the regions; (3) collecting and maintaining information related to
grantee program implementation, management and accountability measures,
and technical assistance efforts; (4) tracking program achievements,
problems, and gaps; (5) identifying latest trends and activities of
major significance; (6) preparing background material, fact sheets, and
reports to provide information to the Regional Program Unites,
grantees, and the general public; (7) tracking and supporting special
initiatives; (8) establishing partnerships with public and private
entities to improve access to quality child care; (9) coordinating
program activities with other government and non-government agencies;
and (10) managing and overseeing cooperative ventures with other
entities.
3. Division of Policy (KHJ3): The Division of Policy (DP): (1)
Develops, interprets, and issues national policies and regulations
governing CCDF programs (2) provides clarification of the statutes,
regulations, and policies; (3) issues action transmittals and
information memoranda; (4) recommends and drafts legislative and
budgetary proposals; (5) prepares Congressional reports and briefing
materials for hearings and testimony; (6) works with Division of
Program Operations to update the Biennial Child Care Plan Preprints;
(7) reviews and gives guidance to the Regional Program Units on CCDF
plans and applications; (8) researches child care policy issues; (9)
coordinates policies and procedures with other Federal agencies; (10)
provides policy training, guidance, and
[[Page 59122]]
clarification to the Regional Program Units in carrying out policy
functions; and (11) manages controlled correspondence.
4. Child Care Bureau Regional Program Units (KHJDI-X): Each CCB
Regional Program Units is headed by a CCB Regional Program Manager who
reports to the Associate Director, CCB within OFA. The Regional Program
Manager, through subordinate regional staff, in collaboration with
program components, is responsible for: (1) Providing program and
technical administration of ACF block and discretionary programs
related to CCB; (2) collaborating with the ACF Central Office, States,
and other grantees on all significant policy matters; (3) providing
technical assistance to entities responsible for administering ACF
programs to resolve identified problems; (4) ensuring that appropriate
procedures and practices are adopted; (5) working with appropriate
State, Tribal, and local officials to develop and implement outcome-
based performance measures; and (6) monitoring the programs to ensure
their efficiency and effectiveness, and ensuring that these entities
conform to Federal laws, regulations, policies, and procedures
governing the programs.
VII. Under Chapter, KU, Office of Head Start, Delete in Its Entirety
and Replace With the Following
KU.00 Mission. The Office of Head Start (OHS) advises the Assistant
Secretary for Children and Families on issues regarding the Head Start
program (including Early Heat Start). The Office develops legislative
and budgetary proposals; identifies areas for research, demonstration
and developmental activities; presents operational planning objectives
and initiatives relating to Head Start to the Assistant Secretary for
Children and Families; and oversees the progress of approved
activities. It provides leadership and coordination for the activities
of the Head Start program in the ACF Central Office including the Head
Start Regional Program Units, The Office represents Head Start in
inter-agency activities with other Federal and non-Federal
organizations.
KU.10 Organization. The Office of Head Start is headed by a
Director who reports directly to the Assistant Secretary for Children
and Families and consists of the following components:
Immediate Office of Head Start (KUA).
Program Operations Division (KUB).
Head Start Regional Program Units (KUBDI-X).
Educational Development and Partnership Division (KUC).
Quality Assurance Division (KUE).
Policy and Budget Division (KUF).
KU.20 Functions.
A. Immediate Office of Head Start (KUA): The Immediate Office of
Head Start (KUA) serves as the principal advisor to the Assistant
Secretary for Children and Families, the Secretary, and other officials
within the Department on the administration of discretionary grant
programs providing Head Start Services. The Deputy Director assists the
Director in carrying out the responsibilities of the Office. Within the
Office, the administrative staff supports the Director and Deputy
Director in: (1) Managing the formulation and execution of the budgets
for OHS programs and for Federal administration; (2) serving as the
focal point for operational and long-range planning; (3) functioning as
Executive Secretariat for OHS, including managing correspondence,
correspondence systems, and electronic mail requests; (4) providing
management and administrative services and advice, by coordinating
human resources activities, providing guidance on financial management
activities, including budget, and as appropriate developing policy and
procedures relating to these activities.
B. Program Operations Division (KUB): The Program Operations
Division (POD) advises the Office of Head Start Director on all
strategic and operational activities related to implementation of the
agency's programs in both Central and Regional Offices. POD is
responsible for: (1) The American Indian and Alaska Natives and Migrant
and Seasonal farmworkers Head Start programs administered within
Central Office which serve grantees, including Territories, Tribes, and
public/private non-profit agencies, and is responsible for: (a)
Managing the American Indian and Alaska Native and migrant and seasonal
farm workers Head Start programs; (b) reviewing applications for
programs serving American Indian and Alaska Native children and
children of migratory and seasonal farmworkers; (c) monitoring and
assessing the programs and assuring provision of training and technical
assistance to all Head Start programs funded for the children of
American Indian and Alaska Native and migrants and seasonal
farmworkers; (d) analyzing and ensuring consideration of the needs of
American Indian and Alaska Natives and migrant and seasonal
farmworkers' children; and (e) coordinating with other agencies and
organizations serving American Indian and Alaska Natives and migrant
and seasonal farmworkers' children; and (2) the Head Start regional
programs administered by the Head Start Regional Program Units.
1. Head Start Regional Program Units (KUDBI-X): Each Head Start
Regional Program Unit is headed by a Head Start Regional Program
Manager who reports to the POD, in OHS.
The Regional Program Manager, through subordinate regional staff,
in collaboration with program components, is responsible for: (1)
Providing program and technical administration of ACF discretionary
programs related OHS; (2) collaborating with OHS States Collaboration
Projects on all significant policy matters; (3) providing technical
assistance to entities responsible for administering OHS programs to
resolve identified problems; (4) ensuring that appropriate procedures
and practices are adopted; (5) working with appropriate State and local
officials to develop and implement outcome-based performance measures;
and (6) monitoring the programs to ensure their efficiency and
effectiveness, and ensuring that these entities conform to Federal
laws, regulations, policies, and procedures governing the programs. The
Head Start Regional Program Unit: (1) Guides the day-to-day management
of Head Start programs in its jurisdictions; (2) provides technical
assistance, resources, and information to the various entities
responsible for administering these programs; and (3) represents Head
Start to State, county, city, and Tribal governments, grantees, and
public and private organizations.
C. Educational Development and Partnership Division (KUC); The
Educational Development and Partnership Division (EDPD): (1) Provides
technical expertise in the areas of Head Start education from birth to
age five, health (medical, dental, mental health, and nutrition),
family and community partnerships, parent involvement, and disability
services for Head Start program staff; (2) recommends and establishes
policy in these areas; (3) recommends strategies for achieving quality
services; (4) develops guidance, and other policy materials aimed at
improving grantee performance; (5) develops areas for research and
demonstration activities to improve the quality and levels of services
provided to Head Start children; (6) manages discretionary projects;
and (7) develops training and technical assistance strategies to
improve the Head Start programs' performance in specific component
areas.
D. Quality Assurance Division (KUE): The Quality Assurance Division
(QAD):
[[Page 59123]]
(1) Develops and coordinates program and administrative management
regulations and policy for the Head Start program, provides guidance to
the Head Start Regional Program Units in carrying out these policies
and monitors their implementation; (2) designs and oversees a national
system for program monitoring and quality improvement and manages
discretionary projects that are designed to investigate and improve the
operation and management of the Head Start program; (3) plans and
manages training and technical assistance activities in Head Start; and
(4) manages national data collection and analysis for the Head Start
program.
E. Policy and Budget Division (KUF): The Policy and Budget Division
(PBD): (1) Provides leadership in the development of regulations,
budget, and policy, ensuring consistency in these areas with ACF's and
the Department's vision and goals; (2) is responsible for budget
development and budget execution, policy development and interpretation
of any legislation impacting the Head Start program and for the Office
of Head Start's regulatory agenda; and (3) serves as the primary
contact for ACF on all legislative, budget development and execution,
and regulatory activities related to Head Start.
VIII. Continuation of Policy
Except as inconsistent with this reorganization, all statements of
policy and interpretations with respect to organizational components
affected by this notice within the Administration for Children and
Families, heretofore issued and in effect on this date of this
reorganization are continued in full force and effect.
IX. Delegation of Authority
All delegations and redelegations of authority made to officials
and employees of affected organizational components will continue in
them or their successors pending further redelegations, provided they
are inconsistent with this reorganization.
X. Funds, Personnel, and Equipment
Transfer of organizations and functions affected by this
reorganization shall be accompanied in each instance by direct and
support funds, positions, personnel, records, equipment, supplies, and
other resources.
This reorganization will be effective October 1, 2006.
Dated: September 26, 2006.
Michael O. Leavitt,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. 06-8536 Filed 10-5-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4184-01-M