The Administration for Children and Families (ACF) is driven by priorities that support equity, prevention, and whole families. Our work is designed to support families in ways that empower them not only to survive challenging times, but to thrive.
Equity in Action
The Administration for Children and Families has a clear goal to build a more just and equitable nation with systems that treat everyone with fairness. Fairness requires that we meet communities where they are and not where we want them to be. We must level the playing field and we know that we cannot do this critical work without you.
Increase Child and Family Safety and Well-being
ACF prioritizes prevention support services to keep families together and out of the child welfare system. ACF is committed to expanding supports for kinship caregivers, promoting community-based child abuse prevention, working towards racial equity in the child welfare system, and providing resources and support for families dealing with behavioral health and substance use challenges.
Strengthen Early Childhood for Families
ACF is committed to increasing access to affordable, high-quality child care for families. ACF will continue to support the early childhood workforce through technical assistance and support for a fair wage. ACF is strengthening behavioral health programs and resources for young children, caregivers, and the early childhood workforce.
Advance Opportunities for Young Adults
ACF is creating greater opportunities for young adults by strengthening supports for youth exiting foster care and community-based programs to promote self-sufficiency and resiliency.
Build Economic Stability and Mobility
ACF promotes the economic stability of families and individuals. Through energy assistance programs and community services block grants, ACF provides local, community-based services that address employment, education, housing assistance, and poverty reduction.
Fulfill Nation-to-Nation Commitment to Tribes
ACF supports the sovereignty and rights of Native American tribal governments to provide for the care and safety of its citizens, especially children and families. ACF assists tribes in this mission through indigenous language preservation, culturally appropriate programs, and trauma-informed behavioral health resources.
Integrate Mental Health Supports
Along with other federal, state, and local partners, ACF is committed to strengthening the mental health and well-being of children, youth, and families by integrating mental health supports and services into community resources. These social services and early childhood programs will create new resources to support the prevention, treatment, and recovery from mental health challenges.
Addressing Hunger, Nutrition, and Health
As part of its mission to promote economic and social well-being, the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) works to ensure children, families, and communities have the resources they need to thrive, including affordable, healthy food. In alignment with the National Strategy on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health (PDF), we are committed to the whole-of-government approach to end hunger, reduce diet-related diseases by improving healthy eating and physical activity, and eliminating disparities surrounding hunger by 2030.
Support Human Services Workforce
ACF deeply appreciates the herculean effort exerted by the human services workforce to support children, youth, families, caregivers, and communities. ACF will continue to promote workforce well-being through technical assistance and behavioral health programs.
Pursue Operational Excellence
In order to further our mission, ACF will ensure the workforce has the necessary tools for success. Through efficient internal processes, enhanced data and technology, and a diverse and empowered workforce, ACF will increase equitable access to funding opportunities and promote a culture of innovation.