S. 4634: Chafee Opportunities for New Networks and Existing Connection Trust Act

This bill, titled the Chafee Opportunities for New Networks and Existing Connection Trust Act or the CONNECT Act, proposes changes to the John H. Chafee Foster Care Program for Successful Transition to Adulthood. The aim is to improve support for young people in the foster care system, particularly those who are 14 years old or older. Here's a summary of its key components:

Updates to Program Purposes

The bill amends Section 477 of the Social Security Act by:

• Removing certain existing purposes of the program.
• Redefining the program's objectives to focus on two main goals:
• Helping youth aged 14 or older who have experienced foster care build and maintain lasting, supportive relationships with adults, mentors, and peers. This aims to reduce isolation and provide various paths to create lifelong connections.
• Supporting these youth in exercising their rights to participate in developing permanency plans and informing them about available services and agency actions related to their plans. This includes facilitating peer support, mentoring, kinship connections, and referrals to relevant programs.

Guidance for Implementation

Within one year of the bill's enactment, the Secretary of Health and Human Services must provide guidance to state and tribal child welfare agencies. This guidance will include:

• Examples of services and supports that can be funded federally, such as individual and family support, and peer support for youth during reunification or adoption.
• Best practices to facilitate peer support and mentoring, and to maintain lifelong connections, including qualifications and training for mentors.
• Standards to ensure eligible youth receive information about available programs and services.
• Protocols for documenting support and relationship-building activities in accordance with the law's requirements for children's case plans.

Effective Date

The revised purposes and related provisions will take effect one year after the bill is enacted.

Relevant Companies

None found