Human Services Amendments of 1998

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

Title I: Head Start Programs

Title II: Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Programs

Title III: Community Services Block Grant

Title IV: Effective Dates; Application of Amendments

Human Services Amendments of 1998 - Extends through FY 2002 the authorization of appropriations for programs under the Head Start Act, the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Act of 1981, and the Community Services Block Grant Act.

Title I: Head Start Programs - Amends the Head Start Act to revise the definition of family literacy services.

(Sec. 102) Extends through FY 2002 the authorization of appropriations for Head Start programs.

Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to reserve specified amounts for: (1) transition coordination with schools; and (2) research, demonstrations, evaluation activities, and longitudinal studies.

(Sec. 103) Revises requirements relating to: (1) allotment of funds, and limitations on assistance; (2) designation of Head Start agencies; (3) amendments to quality standards, and monitoring of Head Start agencies and programs; and (4) powers and functions of Head Start agencies.

(Sec. 107) Limits to not more than 25 percent of total program enrollment the participation in Head Start programs of children who do not meet low-income criteria.

(Sec. 108) Includes very young children with disabilities and their families in Head Start programs for families with infants and toddlers. Requires entities receiving such program assistance to ensure formal linkages with certain agencies under the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act Amendments of 1997 and providers of early intervention services for very young children with disabilities under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.

(Sec. 109) Doubles the annual amount authorized to be expended by the Secretary for the Head Start Fellowships program.

(Sec. 110) Directs the Secretary to study and report to the Congress on the use and effects of certain quality improvement funds under the Head Start Act.

Title II: Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Programs - Amends the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Act to extend through FY 2002 the authorization of appropriations.

(Sec. 202) Makes technical amendments to definitions and State allotment requirements.

(Sec. 204) Revises certain requirements relating to State use of funds to emphasize assistance to those low-income households with the lowest incomes that pay a high proportion of household income for home energy.

Title III: Community Services Block Grant - Amends the Community Services Block Grant Act to extend through FY 2002 the authorization of appropriations.

(Sec. 302) Revises definitions and requirements relating to applications, withholding, the discretionary authority of the Secretary, the community food and nutrition program, and an annual report.

(Sec. 307) Extends through FY 2002 the authorization of appropriations for national or regional programs designed to provide instructional activities for low-income youth.

Title IV: Effective Dates; Application of Amendments - Sets forth effective dates for this Act.