Children and Families Services Programs

Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO provided information on congressional and administration actions and other opportunities to consolidate Children and Families Services (CFSP) programs. GAO noted that: (1) when programs overlap or are duplicative, consolidation can lead to reduced administrative costs; (2) program consolidations help agencies, employers, and target populations at the local level by reducing the number of programs with similar application forms, services, and rules and eliminating the barriers for ensuring accountability for program results and the proper use of program funds; (3) proponents of block grants believe that consolidation spurs innovation at the state and local levels, reduces federal reporting requirements, and results in administrative savings; and (4) consolidation efforts should focus on program results and outcomes so that policymakers can assess the efficiency and effectiveness of the grant programs.