Public Law 102-477: Indian Employment, Training and Related Services
Public Law 102-477, known as the Indian Employment, Training and Related Services Demonstration Act (25 U.S.C. 3401 et seq), was established to enhance the ability of federally recognized tribes and Alaska Native entities to address their employment and training needs. The primary intent of the 477 Program is to streamline and consolidate various federal grant programs related to employment, training, and related services into a single, cohesive plan, budget, and reporting system. This integration is designed to align with tribal priorities, reduce administrative burdens, and enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery within tribal communities.
The integration of services under the 477 Program is highly beneficial for tribes because it allows for greater flexibility in managing and utilizing federal funds. By consolidating multiple funding sources into a single plan, tribes can tailor programs to better meet the specific needs of their communities, avoid duplication of efforts, and maximize the impact of available resources. This holistic approach fosters more effective workforce development, job training, and related services, ultimately supporting tribal economic development and self-sufficiency.
(DOI) serves as the lead federal agency responsible for implementing the 477 Program. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is one of twelve federal departments with grant programs eligible for integration under this legislation. These federal partners collaborate to ensure that tribal plans are reviewed and approved efficiently, providing tribes with the necessary support to implement their integrated services successfully.
ACF 477 Funding — Leading the Way
The Administration for Children and Families (ACF) within HHS administers seven federal grant programs eligible for integration under 477. These programs significantly enhance the scope and scale of social services available to tribes, supporting a broad range of community needs and fostering self-sufficiency.
At the close of fiscal year 2023, 70 tribes have integrated 133 ACF grant awards under 477, totaling nearly $270 million. ACF's commitment to 477 is particularly noteworthy, as ACF funding accounts for 85% of the total integrated funding under 477. This demonstrates the crucial support ACF provides in enhancing tribal self-sufficiency and improving the quality of life within tribal communities.
Program integration not only simplifies administrative processes, but also amplifies the impact of federal funds, leading to more cohesive and comprehensive service delivery for tribal populations.
ACF FY23 grant programs and funds transferred to Tribes under 477
| DEPARTMENT/PROGRAM | FY23 GRANT FUNDING INCLUDED IN 477* |
|---|
| HHS | $268,617,000 |
| Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) | $209,966,000 |
| Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) | $1,331,000 |
| Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) | $266,000 |
| Native Employment Works (NEW) | $3,076,000 |
| Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) | $53,978,000 |
| Other federal departments | $47,048,000 |
| Total | $315,665,000 |
*The grant funding amounts are rounded to the nearest thousand dollars.
ACF 477 Programs— Serving Socio-Economic Needs
Historically, there have been four ACF programs integrated under 477:
- Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF): The CCDF program aims to increase the availability, affordability, and quality of child care services. It helps low-income families access childcare so parents can work or participate in education and training activities.
- Community Services Block Grant (CSBG): CSBG provides funds to alleviate the causes and conditions of poverty in communities. It supports various services and activities to assist low-income individuals and families, such as employment, education, housing, and nutrition.
- Native Employment Works (NEW): The NEW program focuses on providing employment and training opportunities to Native Americans. It aims to support job readiness, skills development, and job placement services to promote economic self-sufficiency.
- Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF): Tribal TANF provides temporary financial assistance and supportive services to needy families with children. The program promotes job preparation, work, and marriage, and aims to reduce the dependency of needy parents on government benefits.
- In 2023 and 2024, ACF expanded its impact by recommending, and DOI approving, the integration of three new programs:
- Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP): LIHEAP helps low-income households meet their home energy needs. It provides financial assistance to cover heating and cooling costs, ensuring that vulnerable populations remain safe and healthy.
- Title IV-B, Subparts 1 and 2 (Child Welfare): Title IV-B supports the welfare of children and families. Subpart 1 focuses on protecting and promoting the welfare of all children, preventing child abuse and neglect, and supporting at-risk families. Subpart 2 aims to improve services for at-risk children and families, promoting family stability and child well-being.
- Family Violence Prevention and Services Act (FVPSA) Program: FVPSA provides funding for programs that prevent family violence and support victims. It focuses on enhancing safety for individuals and families, offering emergency shelter, crisis intervention, and supportive services.
The ACF programs integrated under 477 encompass a diverse array of services tailored to meet the unique needs of tribal communities. Each program contributes significantly to enhancing the quality of life and promoting self-sufficiency among tribal members.
Benefits of 477 — Elevating the Voices of Tribes
The integration of ACF grants under 477 has had a profound impact on tribal communities by streamlining service delivery and addressing a wide range of socio-economic needs. Here are some testimonials from tribes highlighting the benefits of the 477 integration:
- Holistic Approach."The participants tell their story once, and we’re looking at the whole household, so we review the household needs, not just the individual.”
- Uninterrupted Services. “It’s one bank account and the ability for continual services without breaking funding. We don’t wait on a set of dollars to get here and have to suspend services because those dollars have not yet arrived. Continuing resolutions with federal budget is a very good example. While our neighboring tribes to us are in a hold, can’t provide services, or have to decide which services they’re going to cover with tribal funds and which ones they’re going to suspend until dollars come in, we do not have to deal with that.”
- Efficient Service Delivery. “One program has very limited administrative cost allowed under that program. And by being under 477, we are able to integrate it within our services more effectively so that we could provide services to participants faster and easier because they were already receiving 477 services.”
- Support for Cultural Goals. “We can support tribally driven goals and needs. We can help support living language and revitalizing our culture.”
- Program Stability. “We assist in providing stability of programs integrated in a 477 plan. So if that funding disappears in one year, it’s in 477 and we can continue with the action and support those things.”
- Emergency Response. “477 allows us to look at a unified emergency response and we are able to meet those challenges as needed.”
- Crisis Management. "We can step in at any time with 477 without having to maneuver multiple applications in a time of crisis. We can have one application and meet all the needs of the family, and so that can be crucial at times of emergency.”
These testimonials highlight how the integration of ACF programs under 477 enables tribes to deliver more effective, efficient, and comprehensive services to their communities, thereby enhancing the overall quality of life and self-sufficiency of tribal members.
