serve as the effective and visible advocate for children, youth, and families within the Department of Health and Human Services and with other departments, agencies, and instrumentalities of the Federal Government by maintaining active review and commenting responsibilities, as appropriate, concerning Federal policies affecting young individuals, and the families of young individuals;

collect and disseminate information related to the problems of young individuals and the families of such individuals;

assist the Secretary in appropriate matters pertaining to young individuals, and the families of such individuals;

administer the grants authorized under this subchapter;

develop plans and conduct research in the field of young individuals, and the families of such individuals;