What does Preamble of CONNECT Act do?

This bill aims to update the purposes of the John H. Chafee Foster Care Program for Successful Transition to Adulthood. The update is intended to reflect research and the input of youth with lived experience. The bill emphasizes the importance of long-term relationships for future success.

What does SHORT TITLE. of CONNECT Act do?

This bill is formally titled the Chafee Opportunities for New Networks and Existing Connection Trust Act.

What does UPDATING THE PURPOSES OF THE JOHN H. CHAFEE FOSTER CARE PROGRAM of CONNECT Act do?

This section amends section 477(a) of the Social Security Act, which pertains to the John H. Chafee Foster Care Program for Successful Transition to Adulthood. The amendments strike existing paragraph (2) and redesignate subsequent paragraphs. New paragraphs are inserted to emphasize supporting youth aged 14 or older in developing supportive relationships and exercising their rights in permanency planning. The amendments aim to reduce isolation among youth who have experienced foster care by promoting connections with adults, mentors, and peers. The changes also support youth in foster care in participating in their permanency plan development and accessing available services. The amendments specify an effective date of one year after the Act's enactment. The Secretary of Health and Human Services is directed to issue guidance to States and Tribal child welfare agencies within one year of enactment. This guidance must include examples of eligible services, best practices for peer support and mentoring, standards for outreach, and protocols for documentation of support activities.

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CONNECT Act

Last updated: 4/29/2026 · Introduced: 3/19/2026

Author: Gwen Moore (D-WI)

TL;DR (AI)

The CONNECT Act updates the purposes of the John H. Chafee Foster Care Program to prioritize supportive relationships for youth aged 14 and older.
The bill directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide guidance to states and tribes on eligible services, best practices, and outreach for the program.
Amendments aim to reduce isolation among youth in foster care by promoting connections with adults, mentors, and peers, and supporting their participation in permanency planning.

119th Congressin committeeOfficial page

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Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 1 more.

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