Office of Planning Research and Evaluation (OPRE)

Mission Statement The Office of Planning, Research and Evaluation (OPRE) is responsible for advising the Assistant Secretary for Children and Families on increasing the effectiveness and efficiency of programs to improve the economic and social well-being of children and families. In collaboration with Administration for Children and Families (ACF) program offices and others, OPRE: coordinates performance management for ACF; develops and oversees research and evaluation projects to assess program performance and inform policy and practice; and works to improve ACF data The office provides guidance, analysis, technical assistance and oversight to ACF programs on: strategic planning; performance measurement; research and evaluation methods; statistical, policy and program analysis; the quality, usefulness, sharing, and analysis of data; and synthesis and dissemination of research and evaluation findings OPRE includes the Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary, the Division of Economic Independence, the Division of Child and Family Development, the Division of Family Strengthening, and the Division of Data and Improvement. Brief Description Purpose OPRE studies ACF programs and the populations they serve, through rigorous research and evaluation projects. These include evaluations of existing programs, evaluations of innovative approaches to helping low-income children and families, research syntheses and descriptive and exploratory studies. OPRE also works to improve ACF data and coordinates performance management for ACF. How it is Administered OPRE conducts its work primarily through competitively awarded grants and contracts. Expected Goals OPRE aims to inform and facilitate improvements in services for low-income children and families. Budget for Fiscal Year 2016 OPRE administers funds that Congress provides through a number of separate authorities. Most of these are linked to specific ACF programs, including Head Start, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, child care, Health Profession Opportunity Grants, the Maternal Infant and Early Childhood Home Visiting Program (jointly administered with the Health Resources and Services Administration), pregnancy prevention, and child welfare programs. OPRE was responsible for $123 million in grants and contracts in fiscal year 2016. General information Director: Naomi Goldstein, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Planning, Research, and Evaluation Physical Address: Office of Planning, Research and Evaluation 330 C Street SW 4th Floor Washington, DC 20201 Main Phone Number (202) 401-9220 Fax Number (202) 205-3598 Website Link www.acf.hhs.gov/opre