§12312 Functions of Commissioner

Summary

The Commissioner must act as a clear advocate for children, youth, and families inside HHS and with other federal agencies. The Commissioner must gather and share information, help the Secretary when needed, run the grants in this law, plan and do research, and help state and local programs. The Commissioner must also support programs that give many types of services—like health and mental health care, housing, education and job training, protective and foster care, teen parenting help, child care, family support, teen pregnancy prevention, counseling about community violence, recreation and volunteer options, and early childhood development. The Commissioner must give technical help to States, make and share educational materials, collect needed statistics other agencies do not, coordinate federal activities, set basic policies and priorities, hold meetings with officials and groups, evaluate programs, and create training and information-sharing methods. The Commissioner must also work with the Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation for National and Community Service and seek advice from volunteer groups that provide related services.