In late fall, a delegation of NAHF members met with George Sheldon, Acting Assistant Secretary of the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), to discuss the agency’s limited service to the Hispanic community. In follow-up dialogue, Mr. Sheldon requested suggestions for improving the agency’s work with Hispanics. The following eight recommendations were made by NAHF:
- Target discretionary funding to Hispanic communities
- Fund Hispanic-focused research
- Build internal awareness of Hispanic service needs
- Increase the number of Hispanics on ACF grant review panels
- Expand the ACF accessibility initiative aimed at leveling the playing field for small grassroots organizations applying for federal grants
- Fill workforce vacancies with experience from Hispanic communities
- Include NAHF recommendations in ACF performance plans
- Appoint Deputy Assistant Secretary for Administration to lead Hispanic efforts
These recommendations would significantly move forward the agency’s service to Hispanic communities. If you have comments, please email lgonzalez(at)hispanicfamily.org