Visit coronavirus.govVisit disclaimer page for the latest Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) updates.View ACF COVID-19 Responses and Resources
Visit coronavirus.govVisit disclaimer page for the latest Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) updates.View ACF COVID-19 Responses and Resources
Social sharing
About
CB Fact Sheet
Want to learn more about CB? Check out our Fact Sheet! There, you can read about our mission, purpose, goals and more to get a better sense of how our programs serve children and families.
Learn MoreWhat We Do
The Children’s Bureau (CB) partners with federal, state, tribal and local agencies to improve the overall health and well-being of our nation’s children and families.
Children's Bureau Video Series
In "The Children’s Bureau, 1912–2012: A Passionate Commitment. A Legacy of Leadership," Children’s Bureau leaders and staff—past and present—speak passionately about their commitment to the Bureau’s work and how that passion translates into better outcomes for children, families, and communities. The series also includes seven spotlight videos on key topics. The series is available in English and en Español.
The Children’s Bureau Legacy: Ensuring the Right to Childhood (e-book)
As part of its centennial celebration, the Children’s Bureau researched and produced a history of its first 100 years. The resulting e-book combines compelling text with striking historical images to tell the story of a small Federal agency that took on some of the most devastating social problems of the time, including high infant mortality, child labor, and child abuse and neglect. The e-book puts this history in the context of changing world events and social movements. It also offers a look at some of the determined leaders who helped shape the Bureau to be what it is today—a strong advocate for America’s children and families. Purchase the e-book or download a free PDF.
Our Organization
The Children's Bureau is headed by the Associate Commissioner. The Associate Commissioner advises the Commissioner of the Administration on Children, Youth and Families (ACYF) on matters related to child welfare, including child abuse and neglect, child protective services, family preservation and support, adoption, foster care, and independent living. The Children's Bureau recommends legislative and budgetary proposals, operational planning system objectives and initiatives, and projects and issue areas for evaluation, research, and demonstration activities. It also represents ACYF in interagency activities to initiate and implement projects affecting children and families.
The Children's Bureau is composed of eight divisions and teams. These groups work to support the mission of the Children's Bureau through various activities that promote safe and stable families.
History
The Children’s Bureau is the first federal agency within the U.S. Government—and in fact, the world—to focus exclusively on improving the lives of children and families. Since its creation by President Taft in 1912, the bureau has tackled some of our nation’s most pressing social issues.
Current Initiatives & Issues
The Children's Bureau is involved in initiatives and events that provide for the safety, permanency, and well-being of children and families. The following resources provide up-to-date information on a variety of issues related to child welfare.
Last Reviewed: August 9, 2019