The most significant federal reforms to child welfare in over 10 years

<a href=About the Law" />

Passed unanimously by Congress and signed into law on October 7, 2008, the Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act of 2008 (Fostering Connections) made critically important changes to improve the lives of children, youth, and families affected by the nation's child welfare system. The new law aims to promote permanency and improved outcomes for children in foster care through policy changes in six key areas: 1) support for kinship care and family connections, 2) support for older youth, 3) coordinated health services, 4) improved educational stability and opportunities, 5) incentives and assistance for adoption, and 6) direct access to federal resources for Indian Tribes. The new law also increases federal reimbursement (up to 75 percent) and expands the allowable costs for Title IV-E training.

This landmark legislation includes new options for states and tribes to consider as well as specific requirements that must be met.