The Family Room Blog
![Luz Torres prepares to draw blood from a patient.](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20120928061924im_/http://www.acf.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/styles/acf_blog_list_thumbnail/public/assets/luz_torres.jpg)
Connecting Americans with In Demand Jobs
Authorized by the Affordable Care Act, the Health Profession Opportunity Grants (HPOG) program provides education and training to TANF recipients and other low-income individuals for occupations in the health care field that pay well and are expected to be in high demand.
After Years of Uncertainty, Hope and Brighter Future Provided to Refugee
Each year, the Office of Refugee Resettlement invites former refugees to share their stories at its National Consultation. This year's "Transforming Hope into a Brighter Future" event featured Basma Alawee's journey to America.
Children Get a Head Start on Health
Head Start provides low-income children access to quality education and good health practices.
![Hispanic Heritage Month](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20120928061924im_/http://www.acf.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/styles/acf_blog_list_thumbnail/public/assets/hispanic_heritage_blog.jpg)
Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with a Purpose
National Hispanic Heritage Month takes place Sept. 15 to Oct. 15. ACF joins the nation in recognizing the contributions, heritage and culture of Hispanic and Latino Americans. ACF employees will learn more about the community through educational workshops.
![Young children walking to school with backpacks and lunches.](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20120928061924im_/http://www.acf.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/styles/acf_blog_list_thumbnail/public/assets/back_to_school.jpg)
ACF Prepares Next Generation of Elementary Students
ACF releases interactive map and fact sheets showing resources, grantees and staff dedicated to school readiness in each state
![Mother holding a toddler in one arm and a grocery bag in the other.](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20120928061924im_/http://www.acf.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/styles/acf_blog_list_thumbnail/public/assets/diaper_blog.jpg)
Diaper Bag Parent Preparedness
September is National Preparedness Month. ACF’s Office of Human Services Emergency Preparedness and Response has a special message for families.
![A doctor examines a young girl.](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20120928061924im_/http://www.acf.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/styles/acf_blog_list_thumbnail/public/assets/doctor_exam.jpg)
Managing Psychotropic Medications for Children and Youth in Foster Care
This week, the Administration for Children and Families, along with its partners in the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), brought together child welfare, Medicaid, and mental health leaders from all 50 States and the District of Columbia to work collaboratively to strengthen efforts in managing psychotropic medications for children and youth in foster care.
![Photo of toddler crawling toward a white laptop.](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20120928061924im_/http://www.acf.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/styles/acf_blog_list_thumbnail/public/assets/social_media_blog.jpg)
More ACF programs are using social media to promote services
Every month, more Administration for Children and Families programs are coming online and promoting their services on the Internet with social media tools. Have you subscribed or “friended” these pages yet?
![DOT Sec. Ray LaHood, parent of heatstroke victim Reggie McKinnon, and HHS Sec. Kathleen Sebelius.](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20120928061924im_/http://www.acf.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/styles/acf_blog_list_thumbnail/public/assets/img_0157.jpg)
Agencies unite to reduce heatstroke deaths in the United States
Department of Transportation and Health and Human Services take the "Look Before You Lock" Campaign to Head Start and Child Care providers.
![Refugee woman in a market selling her product.](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20120928061924im_/http://www.acf.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/styles/acf_blog_list_thumbnail/public/assets/refugee.jpg)
Urban Refugees: Living in Cities, Connected to Camps
An ACF employee currently in Nairobi, Kenya, participating in a global health training program shares her experiences from inside refugee communities.