What does Preamble of CONNECT Act do?

This bill proposes to amend section 477 of the Social Security Act. The proposed amendment 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 input from 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 remove existing language and redesignate subsequent paragraphs within Section 477(a). New language is inserted to emphasize supporting youth aged 14 or older who have experienced foster care in developing supportive relationships with adults, mentors, and peers. The amendments also aim to support youth in exercising their rights to participate in their permanency planning and receive information about available services. The Secretary of Health and Human Services is required to issue guidance to States and Tribal child welfare agencies within one year of the Act's enactment. This guidance must include examples of eligible services, best practices for peer support and mentoring, standards for outreach to eligible youth, and protocols for documenting support activities. The amendments will take effect one year after the date of the Act's enactment.

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CONNECT Act

Last updated: 5/21/2026 · Introduced: 5/21/2026

Author: Jon Husted (R-OH)

TL;DR (AI)

The CONNECT Act amends the Social Security Act to update the purposes of the John H. Chafee Foster Care Program, emphasizing supportive relationships for youth aged 14 and older who have experienced foster care.
The bill requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide guidance to states and tribal agencies on eligible services, best practices, outreach, and documentation for the Chafee Foster Care Program.
The Act supports youth in exercising their rights to participate in permanency planning and receive information about available services.

119th Congressin committeeHR. 7995(In Committee)Official page

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

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