Administration on Children, Youth and Families

The Administration on Children, Youth & Families (ACYF) sets priorities, vision, and oversight for the Children’s Bureau (CB) and the Family and Youth Services Bureau (FYSB), including work to: - Strengthen Families such that they have the opportunities, resources, and supports to raise their children in their own homes and communities and prevent entry into ACYF systems and programs. - Enhance Engagement and Collaboration for Prevention across health and human services delivery in communities. - Promote the sustained Well-Being of children within families and communities. - Use Evidence and Data to drive innovation and policymaking to improve the lives of children, youth, and families. - Promote Excellence in all aspects of ACYF’s operations and foster a positive workplace and engaged workforce. ACYF is led by a Presidentially-appointed and Senate-confirmed Commissioner and a career Senior Executive Service Deputy Commissioner. A career team of Senior Advisors and other staff support the Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner in executing the vision and mission of ACYF, ensuring that the goals of the agency are efficiently achieved. ACYF oversees communications, administrative and budget functions, and strategic planning for all programs. These programs provide policy guidance and financial assistance to tribes, territories, and states, as well as grant recipient community-based organizations and academic institutions, to provide services to children, youth, and families. These resources carry out research and demonstration activities; manage learning opportunities and training; provide technical assistance, data, analytics and compliance review; peer to peer learning; and disseminate information. The Bureaus of ACYF work to achieve their mission through the following major activities: - Providing program guidance on federal law, policy, and regulations - Funding essential services, helping states and tribes operate every aspect of their service delivery systems - Supporting social service innovation through peer-reviewed research and program development grants - Providing training and technical assistance to improve service delivery - Collaborating with states, territories, and tribes to improve service and achieve optimal outcomes for children, youth, and families - Sharing research with children, youth, and family professionals to assist in the improvement of services.