ACF 2003 Accomplishments
Head Start
In support of the President's plan to "leave no child behind," the Department has upgraded the skills of all 50,000 Head Start teachers. This was accomplished by training more than 3,000 Head Start teachers through an intensive "training of trainers" program called STEP (Summer Teacher Education Program). This group of 3,000 then returned to their respective programs and trained the rest of the teachers.
In addition, for the first time the Department has implemented a national assessment system to measure which Head Start programs are helping children to make significant gains.
Temporary Assistance to Needy Families
Despite a recession, TANF caseloads continued to decline. TANF caseloads are down by 54% from 12.2 million individuals to 4.9 million individuals since August, 1996 when the law was enacted. In addition, the Department authored and sent to Congress proposals for the TANF reauthorization based on the President's principles for the next phase of welfare reform.
Adoption
The President launched www.AdoptUSkids.org, an Internet adoption photolisting service developed by the Department in conjunction with other private and public sector partners. As of December, 2003, 2,000 children have been adopted through this site.
The Adoption Incentive Program was reauthorized with new provisions encouraging states to find permanent homes for children ages nine and older. Since the program's inception in 1997, adoptions of children from foster care have risen from 31,000 per year to some 50,000 per year.
Compassion Capital Fund
More than 3500 faith and community-based organizations received grants under the Compassion Capital Fund, which helps such organizations increase their capacity to deliver a wide range of social services.
Mentoring Children of Prisoners
Fifty-two organizations received $10 million in grants under the Mentoring Children of Prisoners program. Some 6,000 children with an incarcerated parent will be matched with mentors under this program.
Contact: Chris Downing
ACF Press Office (202) 401-9215
