New Funding for Family Preservation and Community Based Family Support Services
The Administration on Children, Youth and Families (ACYF), has contracted with CSR, Inc., to develop and conduct a survey of Head Start family self-sufficiency initiatives. The purpose of this study is to obtain current information on how programs are supporting family progress toward self-sufficiency. In working with families, Head Start staff have observed that literacy, employability, and substance abuse are often problems that interfere with Head Start parents' movement toward self-sufficiency.
In January or February 1994, all Head Start grantees will receive a survey in the mail and will be asked to fill in the questionnaire and mail it back to CSR. It will be important for everyone to complete the survey in a timely manner.
The term "family support services" means community-based services to promote the well-being of children and families designed to increase the strength and stability of families (including adoptive, foster, and extended families), to increase parents' confidence in their parenting abilities, to afford children a stable and supportive family environment, and otherwise to enhance child development.
The term "State agency" means the State agency responsible for administering child welfare services, and includes Indian or Tribal Organizations.
Head Start agencies need to be aware of their respective State agencies' plans to develop, establish, expand, and operate these family preservation services and community based family support services, and determine what role Head Start might play in such plans.