About Us

The Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act (Fostering Connections) became Public Law 110-351 on October 7, 2008.  The new law represents the most significant federal reforms to foster care in more than a decade. The actual impact of the legislation on children, however, will depend largely upon how it is implemented.  Implementation of the Act involves the process of promulgating and issuing federal regulations, decisions by state policymakers as to how or if to respond to new federal funding opportunities, and efforts made by the larger child welfare community to provide input into program and policy development. The Fostering Connections Resource Center was established October 7, 2009 to aid states and Tribes in implementation of this bill.

What is the Fostering Connections Resource Center? A gathering place of information, training and tools related to furthering the implementation of the Fostering Connections law.  Specifically, the Resource Center aims to connect implementers with the latest information and the best experts and advocates working on these issues.

What does the Resource Center provide?

• Nonpartisan data and resources on each section of the bill, including information tools and assistance for state policymakers and leaders. The Resource Center provides customized tools and information including policy and budget analyses, notices and summaries regarding federal guidance, implementation toolkits, research briefs on special topics, and examples of best practices and legislative approaches.  

• Individualized technical assistance.  Resource staff are available respond to questions from state leaders by providing information or facilitating answers by connecting state policymakers with other experts and technical assistance providers.  Resource Center staff work closely with national organizations serving as Resource Center collaborators to coordinate support.

• Tracking of implementation activity. Visitors can stay up-to-date on federal regulatory activity and congressional hearings on implementation; learn about best practices and other state and tribal approaches to implementation,

• Opportunities to communicate with experts and peers.  Subscribe to mailing lists, join webinars and other online discussion forums; and stay informed about major events and conferences hosted by the Resource Center and its many collaborating organizations. (hyperlink to list of collaborating partners)

• Stakeholder Networks.  The Resource Center hosts and manages national networks of state-based and local stakeholders to help stay abreast of key questions and concerns in the field, to identify best practices, and to assist in the delivery and dissemination of implementation resources.  The Resource Center's interactive networks are organized according to the six major topic areas of the law - adoption, kinship, older youth, Tribal child welfare, health and education.  The Resource Center works closely with leading national and state-based organizations who serve as network partners to the Resource Center.  

Who does the Resource Center serve?  The Resource Center serves many different stakeholders involved in the implementation of the Act, including governors; state legislators; tribal leaders; state and county administrators of child welfare, health, and education; judicial leaders and state court personnel; case workers and other direct service providers; foster and adoptive families; relatives; children's advocacy organizations; and other professionals who are trusted resources to decision makers and provide input into program and policy development.  

Who is responsible for managing the Resource Center?  Child Trends and The Finance Project have primary responsibility for managing the Resource Center.  The information and materials disseminated by the Resource Center have been assembled from a variety of sources, including state and national experts, leading child welfare organizations and state agencies.  

How is the Resource Center supported?  The Fostering Connections Resource Center is supported through the generous contributions of the Annie E Casey Foundation, Casey Family Programs, Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, Duke Endowment, Eckerd Family Foundation, Jim Casey Youth Opportunities Initiative, Sierra Health Foundation, Stuart Foundation and Walter S. Johnson Foundation. 

The views expressed herein are not necessarily the opinions of Child Trends or The Finance Project.  All of the information featured or linked to from this Resource Center website remains the property of the authors and not Child Trends, The Finance Project or any others affiliated with maintaining the Resource Web site.

Thank you to FosterClub for their generous provision of two photos for this site: 

Metro photo features FosterClub members Lupe of Arizona, Anthony of Georgia, Tyler of Florida, Mercedes of Wisconsin, Nicole of Oregon. Photo by Nate Johnson.

Woman smiling photo features FosterClub member Julia of Florida. Photo by Nate Johnson.