About the No FEAR Act
The Notification and Federal Employee Anti-discrimination and Retaliation Act of 2002 (No FEAR Act), improves federal agency accountability for violations of the anti-discrimination and whistleblower protection laws related to employment. It also ensures that that employees, applicants for employment, and former employees know their rights under anti-discrimination laws and the Whistleblower Protection Act.
ACF is committed to complying with the policies, regulations and procedures as outlined in the Act. Learn more about the No FEAR Act on the Office of Personnel Management website.
No FEAR Act Notification
The No FEAR Act requires ACF to notify its employees, former employees and applicants for federal employment about their rights and protections related to federal anti-discrimination, whistleblower protection and retaliation.
As part of this commitment, ACF requires that:
- All employees complete an online No FEAR Act training course within 90 days of their entry on duty with ACF.
- After their first No FEAR Act training, employees must receive refresher training at least every two years.
Other Requirements
The No FEAR Act also requires federal agencies to:
- Post statistical data relating to federal sector equal employment opportunity complaints on its public website
- Ensure that managers have adequate training in the management of a workforce, early and alternative conflict resolution, and essential communications skills
- Conduct studies on the trends and causes of complaints of discrimination
- Implement new measures to improve the complaint process and the work environment
- Initiate timely and appropriate discipline against employees who engage in misconduct related to discrimination or reprisal
- Reimburse the Judgment Fund for any discrimination and whistleblower related settlements or judgments reach in federal court
- Produce annual reports of status and progress to Congress, the Attorney General and the U.S. Equal Employment Commission
Individual Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Complaints
Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) employees are protected by the Civil Rights Act of 1964 as amended, and other federal laws, regulations, directives, and policies prohibiting discrimination and harassment on the basis of:
- race
- color
- religion
- sex (including sexual harassment, pregnancy, sexual orientation, and pay)
- national origin
- age (40 years of age or over)
- disability (physical or mental)
- genetic information or family medical history
- reprisal (retaliation)
Learn more about the EEO complaint process.