Tools

• ABA Legal Center on Foster Care and Education: Publications on Fostering Connections
• A Guide to Using the Guardianship Assistance Agreement
  A guide to using the Guardianship Assistance Agreement created by Children's Defense Fund and ChildFocus.
• Five Key Questions to Assess the Fiscal Impact of the Guardianship Assistance Program
  States are obligated to achieve permanence for children in foster care who cannot return home or be adopted. The new federal Guardianship Assistance Program (GAP) can help states achieve permanence, particularly for those children living with relatives.
• Guardianship Assistance Program Checklist
  A checklist for implementing a Guardian Assistance Program.
• Identification of and Notice to Relatives Checklist
  A checklist for implementing relative notification.
• Making the Case for the Guardianship Assistance Program
  Information on fiscal and permanency outcomes in regards to implementing Guardianship Assistance Programs.
• Sample Guardianship Assistance Agreement
  A sample guardianship assistance agreement for states to use.
• Myths and Facts Related to the Use of Guardianship Assistance Programs
  Some myths and facts about Guardianship Assistance Programs.
• Sample Notice Letter
  A sample letter of relative notification.
• Key Considerations for Implementing the Notice Requirement of the Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act
  This publication outlines the law's requirements with respect to providing notice of placement to relatives within 30 days of a child's removal from the custody of a parent. It also covers key considerations for states and tribes implementing this provision.
• Sample State Legislation on Federal Kinship Guardianship Assistance Option
  This sample legislation outlines the components that are required by the federal Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act of 2008 in order for a state or tribe to operate a federally supported kinship guardianship assistance program.
• The Grandfamilies State Law and Policy Resource Center Website
  A national legal resource created to educate individuals about state laws and legislation in support of grandfamilies and to assist interested state legislators, advocates, caregivers, attorneys, and other policymakers in exploring policy options to support relatives and the children in their care both within and outside the child welfare system.
• State Child Welfare Policy Database: Kinship Care
  A website with state-by-state policy information about kinship care. Visitors can view individual state policies and compare one state's policies to those of other states.
• FosterClub's Transition Toolkit
  A tool for developing a youth-driven transition plan using a team approach
• Tennessee's Fiscal Analysis of Extending Foster Care to Age 21
  In response to the opportunities presented by the Fostering Connections Act, the Tennessee Department of Children's Services created a taskforce to assess the fiscal implications of extending foster care to 21. This taskforce was staffed by The Finance Project with support from the Jim Casey Youth Opportunities Initiative.
• Iowa's Fiscal Analysis of Extending Foster Care to Age 21
  In response to the opportunities presented by the Fostering Connections Act, the Iowa Children's Justice Initiative created a Taskforce and requested assistance from The Finance Project, with support from the Jim Casey Youth Opportunities Initiative, to assess the fiscal implications of extending foster care to 21.
• State Child Welfare Policy Database: Older Youth
  A website with state-by-state policy information about kinship care. Visitors can view individual state policies and compare one state's policies to those of other states.
• State Child Welfare Policy Database: Older Youth
  A website with state-by-state policy information regarding older youth in foster care. Visitors can view information on individual state policies and compare one state's policies to those of other states.
• Implementing the Adoption Assistance Provisions of the Fostering Connections Act
  This tool provides states with guidelines for implementation planning, including key questions to consider to determine cost-savings and reinvestment amounts from the provision. Also includes state-by-state data from AFCARS (2007) on characteristics of waiting children and adopted children regarding Title IV-E status, length of time in care, and age.
• IV-E Delink Cost Savings Worksheets
  A spreadsheet with embedded formulas designed to help states estimate the cost implications of the Adoption Assistance de-link provision. The tool estimates costs and/or savings for the state resulting from the implementation of the provision for FY 2010 and FY2011 (and, thus, the amount states must reinvest in Titles IV-B or IV-E services).
• In Focus: The Adoption Tax Credit
  This brief provides an overview of the legislative history of the adoption tax credit, and includes a summary of the changes affecting 2010 adoptions from the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010.
• Adoption Assistance by State: What mental health services are provided by your State?
  A description of mental health services by State.
• The Child Welfare Policy Manual Section 9: Tribes/Indian Tribal Organizations
  The Child Welfare Policy Manual conveys mandatory policies that have their basis in Federal law and/or program regulations. It also provides interpretations of Federal statutes and program regulations initiated by inquiries from Child Welfare agencies or ACF Regional Offices.
• Federal and State Recognized Tribes
  A state-by-state listing of Indian tribes or groups that are federally or state recognized.
• Title IV-E: Helping Tribes Meet the Legal Requirements
  Many tribes have tribal codes, regulations and policies but many of these were developed outside the requirements of Title IV-E as tribes did not directly operate Title IV-E programs. When seeking to operate Title IV-E programs, tribes will need to assess their current codes, regulations and policies and make changes as needed. This report by Jack F. Trope provides tribes with detailed information about the Title IV-E issues that tribes must address through codes, regulations or policies and offers strategies that tribes can use to make needed revisions.

National Resources

Tools

• Children's Bureau Child Welfare Policy Manual: Title IV-E Training
  The Child Welfare Policy Manual includes several new Q & A regarding the new training opportunities provided by the Fostering Connections Act.
• ABA Legal Center for Foster Care and Education
  The ABA Legal Center is a national leader and resource in the effective implementation of the education provisions of Fostering Connections. Here you will find the Legal Center's materials for Fostering Connections to aid states working on implementation.
• Fostering Connections Act - Implementation Checklists for Education Provisions
  These checklists produced by the ABA Legal Center for Foster Care and Education are designed to guide conversations and support thoughtful implementation of the important education provisions in Fostering Connections.
• A Guide to Using the Guardianship Assistance Agreement
  A guide to using the Guardianship Assistance Agreement created by Children's Defense Fund and ChildFocus.
• Five Key Questions to Assess the Fiscal Impact of the Guardianship Assistance Program
  States are obligated to achieve permanence for children in foster care who cannot return home or be adopted. The new federal Guardianship Assistance Program (GAP) can help states achieve permanence, particularly for those children living with relatives.
• Guardianship Assistance Program Checklist
  A checklist for implementing a Guardian Assistance Program.
• Identification of and Notice to Relatives Checklist
  A checklist for implementing relative notification.
• Making the Case for the Guardianship Assistance Program
  Information on fiscal and permanency outcomes in regards to implementing Guardianship Assistance Programs.
• Sample Guardianship Assistance Agreement
  A sample guardianship assistance agreement for states to use.
• Myths and Facts Related to the Use of Guardianship Assistance Programs
  Some myths and facts about Guardianship Assistance Programs.
• Sample Notice Letter
  A sample letter of relative notification.
• Key Considerations for Implementing the Notice Requirement of the Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act
  This publication outlines the law's requirements with respect to providing notice of placement to relatives within 30 days of a child's removal from the custody of a parent. It also covers key considerations for states and tribes implementing this provision.
• Sample State Legislation on Federal Kinship Guardianship Assistance Option
  This sample legislation outlines the components that are required by the federal Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act of 2008 in order for a state or tribe to operate a federally supported kinship guardianship assistance program.
• The Grandfamilies State Law and Policy Resource Center Website
  A national legal resource created to educate individuals about state laws and legislation in support of grandfamilies and to assist interested state legislators, advocates, caregivers, attorneys, and other policymakers in exploring policy options to support relatives and the children in their care both within and outside the child welfare system.
• State Child Welfare Policy Database: Kinship Care
  A website with state-by-state policy information about kinship care. Visitors can view individual state policies and compare one state's policies to those of other states.
• Ten Steps Public Child Welfare Agencies Can Take to Support Children in Safe and Stable Kinship Families
  Lists ten steps public Child Welfare agencies can take to support children in safe and stable kinship families.
• Team Decisionmaking Can Support Safe and Stable Kinship Care: A Guide for Using TDM to Identify, Educate, and Engage Kinship Families
  This guide seeks to help agencies understand the provisions of the Fostering Connections Act, understand how TDM teams can support effective implementation, and advocate for kinship systems that can help support quality kinship care.
• Making Relative Search Happen
  This guide by ChildFocus provides useful tips for public agencies seeking to find and involve relatives at every stage of the child welfare process
• Six Steps to Find a Family
  These two practice guides provide practical advice and tools for notifying and involving extended families for children in foster care
• Family Search and Engagement: A Comprehensive Practice Guide
• Family Finding model
  The Seneca Center provides training and technical assistance on Family Finding, the model of relative search and engagement pioneered by Kevin Campbell
• Healthy Foster Care America Website
  This site was developed as a place where professionals and partner organizations can find the latest information, facts, and figures on the health care of children and teens in foster care, including ready-to-use tools and resources. Foster parents or kin may also find these materials helpful in caring for the health needs of children and teens in their care.
• FosterClub's Transition Toolkit
  A tool for developing a youth-driven transition plan using a team approach
• WEBINAR: Designing Foster Care to 21
  A powerpoint presentation from the Feb 8, 2010 webinar on how to design foster care to age 21 hosted by the Fostering Connections Resource Center in conjunction with The Finance Project and the National Foster Care Coalition.
• Tennessee's Fiscal Analysis of Extending Foster Care to Age 21
  In response to the opportunities presented by the Fostering Connections Act, the Tennessee Department of Children's Services created a taskforce to assess the fiscal implications of extending foster care to 21. This taskforce was staffed by The Finance Project with support from the Jim Casey Youth Opportunities Initiative.
• Iowa's Fiscal Analysis of Extending Foster Care to Age 21
  In response to the opportunities presented by the Fostering Connections Act, the Iowa Children's Justice Initiative created a Taskforce and requested assistance from The Finance Project, with support from the Jim Casey Youth Opportunities Initiative, to assess the fiscal implications of extending foster care to 21.
• FAQ: Youth and Young Adults Provisions of the Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act of 2008
  Provides information about, and assists in the implementation of, Fostering Connections in states across the nation. The document answers questions about Fostering Connections' improvements that will impact youth and young adults in foster care and assist in the implementation process.
• State Child Welfare Policy Database: Older Youth
  A website with state-by-state policy information about kinship care. Visitors can view individual state policies and compare one state's policies to those of other states.
• Extending Foster Care to Age 21: Weighing the Costs to Government Against the Benefits to Youth (Issue Brief)
  This issue brief provides preliminary estimates of what the potential costs to government and the benefits to young people would be if states extend foster care to age 21. The analysis focuses on the increase in postsecondary educational attainment associated with allowing foster youth to remain in care until they are 21 years old and the resulting increase in lifetime earnings associated with postsecondary education.
• Extending Foster Care to Age 21: Weighing the Costs to Government Against the Benefits to Youth (Full Report)
• It's My Life: Postsecondary Education and Training
  This guide gives child welfare professionals the information ans tools they need to help youth prepare for and successfully complete postsecondary education or training.
• It's My Life: Housing
  This guide gives child welfare professionals the tools they need to help young people get and keep safe, affordable housing after they leave care.
• It's My Life: Employment
  This guide gives child welfare professionals strategies and resources for coaching young people, from ages 11 to adulthood, through the contiuum of career development and employment.
• CWLA Standard for Transition, Independent Living, and Self-Sufficiency Services
  This document on standards provides the framework for the successful planning, delivery, coordination, and development of family, community, and agency resources toward this goal.
• Implementing the Adoption Assistance Provisions of the Fostering Connections Act
  This tool provides states with guidelines for implementation planning, including key questions to consider to determine cost-savings and reinvestment amounts from the provision. Also includes state-by-state data from AFCARS (2007) on characteristics of waiting children and adopted children regarding Title IV-E status, length of time in care, and age.
• IV-E Delink Cost Savings Worksheets
  A spreadsheet with embedded formulas designed to help states estimate the cost implications of the Adoption Assistance de-link provision. The tool estimates costs and/or savings for the state resulting from the implementation of the provision for FY 2010 and FY2011 (and, thus, the amount states must reinvest in Titles IV-B or IV-E services).
• De-Linking Provision Will Result in New Child Welfare Funds
  A summary of the Adoption Assistance de-linking provision of the Fostering Connections Act; questions for states to consider when projecting their potential cost-savings and the reinvestment of these dollars, per the Fostering Connections' Maintenance of Effort requirement. Data on states with the highest percentage of children impacted by the law in its initial phase: non-IV-E waiting children; non-IV-E waiting children who have been in care for at least 60 months; and non-IV-E waiting children who are at least 16 years old.
• Claiming the Federal Adoption Tax Credit for Special Needs Adoptions
  Summary of the federal adoption tax credit for families who adopt a child with special needs from foster care, including frequently asked questions on eligibility, claiming the credit, and timing of adoption finalization.
• In Focus: The Adoption Tax Credit
  This brief provides an overview of the legislative history of the adoption tax credit, and includes a summary of the changes affecting 2010 adoptions from the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010.
• IRS Topic 607-Adoption Credit
  IRS's summary of the adoption tax credit, which includes links to the relevant tax form, Form 8839 (Qualified Adoption Expenses)
• IRS: Adoption Benefits Increased
  Links to information on the 2008 and 2009 adoption tax credit provisions on the IRS website.
• Overview of Tribal Provisions in P.L. 110-351
  Detailed description of the tribal provisions of Fostering Connection.
• Technical Assistance on American Indian Child Welfare Systems
  National Indian Child Welfare (NICWA) staff and consultants provide technical assistance (TA) in the area of the Indian child welfare service systems development and improvement. The emphasis is on empowering tribal programs and increasing their capacity. TA services are adapted to meet the needs of both Indian and non-Indian organizations who request assistance in developing child welfare systems that impact American Indian children and their families.
• National Indian Child Welfare Association on Mental Health
• Systems of Care Tribal Communities
• Native American Child Health
• Title IV-E: Helping Tribes Meet the Legal Requirements
  Many tribes have tribal codes, regulations and policies but many of these were developed outside the requirements of Title IV-E as tribes did not directly operate Title IV-E programs. When seeking to operate Title IV-E programs, tribes will need to assess their current codes, regulations and policies and make changes as needed. This report by Jack F. Trope provides tribes with detailed information about the Title IV-E issues that tribes must address through codes, regulations or policies and offers strategies that tribes can use to make needed revisions.
• Circles of Care
• Native American Children and Youth Well Being Indicators: A Strengths Perspective
• Native American Kids, 2001. Indian Children's Well Being Indicators: Databook
• Title IV-E Plan Pre-print
  The attached pre-print from the Children's Bureau incorporates the statutory provisions of P.L. 110-351 that are effective through FY 2010
• Designing Foster Care to 21: A Discussion Guide for State Leaders
  State leaders considering the opportunities to extend IV-E eligibility presented by Fostering Connections face a variety of design decisions regarding how best to structure supports and services for older youth in foster care. This brief is intended to support state leaders in that decision making process