Children and Families, Administration for, is a part of the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). It works to improve the economic and social conditions of low-income children and families, and conditions of American Indians, refugees, disabled people, and others with special needs.
The administration’s programs include Child Support Enforcement, Head Start, and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families. Other programs work to prevent, identify, and treat child abuse and neglect; provide shelter and other services to runaway and homeless youth; find permanent homes for foster children; help low-income families pay for quality child care; and assist low-income households with home heating and cooling costs. Still other programs promote economic and social development for American Indians and help refugees find jobs.
The Administration for Children and Families was formed in 1991. It was established by the joining of two HHS divisions—the Office of Human Development Services and the Family Support Administration.
