Dear Child Welfare Colleague Letter from ACF
The Children's Bureau (CB) within the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) is committed to fostering a child welfare system that is focused on supporting families. The Family First Prevention Services Act (FFPSA) and its title IV-E prevention program provides a watershed opportunity to create more equitable outcomes for children, youth, and families before they face the tumult and devastating consequences of maltreatment and separation. The ACF has worked diligently to support jurisdictions as they develop, submit, revise, and implement prevention plans, and we are continuously examining how to streamline processes and improve supports. This letter includes resources to aid jurisdictions as they develop their plans, including links to prevention plans that have been approved, sample program plans, resources for tribes, and responses to policy questions.
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Head Start Under Threat: What the Field is Saying
Research September 8, 2026
Over the past few months, HHS has advanced two related sets of proposed changes to Head Start. National, state, and local partners across the early childhood field have raised serious concerns about both. This document is a summary of what our partners are saying, followed by concrete actions and resources for you and your organization. The content reflects our partners' own statements and comments — we agree with what they've said and are sharing it here with full source attribution. Updated September 8, 2026.
Where We Stand on Head Start
Blog August 18, 2026
For more than 60 years, Head Start has provided high-quality child care, comprehensive services, and a two-generation approach that helps families furthest from opportunity access early learning, development, health, and family well-being supports.
Connecting the Dots: Holistic Help for Women and Children Experiencing Homelessness
Blog July 27, 2026
At a time when marginalized populations are more vulnerable than ever, it’s inspiring to hear from individuals who have prevailed over dire circumstances. Their stories give us hope. The formerly homeless single mothers spotlighted here are resolute and resourceful. But they’d be the first to say that they likely wouldn’t be where they are today without the supports they received along the way.