Here you will find state and national tools, analyses and research related specifically to the Kinship/Guardianship provisions of the new Fostering Connections law. If you know of any resources that do not appear in our library, please send us an email at with the suggested resource, author and website URL for consideration.
National Resources
Tools
- Comprehensive overview of ACF-PI-10-11
This powerpoint presentation is a comprehensive overview of PI-10-11. ACF-PI-10-11 provides title IV-E agencies comprehensive information on the provisions of titles IV-B and IV-E as a result of the amendments made by the Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act of 2008, P.L. 110-351. In addition to providing new guidance on the option for a title IV-E agency to extend assistance for the foster care maintenance, adoption assistance, and/or kinship guardianship programs to an eligible youth age 18 and older up to age 21, this instruction provides additional guidance on the other provisions of P.L. 110-351 and the flexibilities afforded to a title IV-E agency in complying with the law. This instruction also provides instruction on changes to the titles IV-B/IV-E plan requirements as a result of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (P.L. 111-148).
- National Resource Center for Permanency and Family Connections
This National Child Welfare Resource Center is funded by the Children's Bureau and is part of the Training and Technical Assistance Network administered by the Children's Bureau.
- List of States with Approved Kinship Guardianship Assistance Plans
See this list for states with approved IV-E state plan amendments authorizing Kinship Guardianship Assistance Programs. Related state policy information is also available.
- WEBINAR: Fostering Connections through Kinship / Guardianship
The powerpoint presentation from the June 17th webinar on Fostering Connections through Kinship / Guardianship hosted by the Fostering Connections Resource Center in conjunction with the Children's Defense Fund and ChildFocus.
- 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
- 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
- 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
Research & Reports
Analysis
- Summary and Section-by-Section Description of the Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act of 2008 (H.R. 6893)
This memorandum provides a section-by-section overview of major provisions included in the Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act of 2008.
- Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoption Act of 2008: New Opportunities for Children in Foster Care and Beyond.
This Powerpoint presentation provides an introduction to the new law, background on key provisions, the potential impact on children and families, and an information to guide implementation.
- Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act: Implementation Issues and a Look Ahead at Additional Child Welfare Reforms
This brief summarizes the Fostering Connections Act and examines implementation issues.
- Summary by ACF/DHHS of the Title IV-E Child Welfare Waiver Demonstrations
An overview of the Title IV-E Child Welfare Waiver Demonstrations submitted to the Administration for Children and Families.
- Subsidized Guardianship: Testing the Generalizability of an Idea Whose Time Has Finally Come
This powerpoint presentation provides an overview of the results of Tennessee's subsidized guardianship waiver
- Resources from CLASP on policies and programs related to the Fostering Connections Act
An array of resources by the Center for Law and Social Policy on policies and programs related to the Fostering Connections Act.
- Resources from CWLA on policies and programs related to the Fostering Connections Act
An array of resources by the Child Welfare League of America on policies and programs related to the Fostering Connections Act.
- New guidance from Children's Bureau on Kinship Guardianship Assistance Program
The Program Instruction, ACYF-CB-PI-10-01 issued on February 18, 2010, supersedes earlier instructions (ACYF-CB-PI-08-07 issued on December 24, 2008). This analysis describes the new PI. Under the new Program Instruction, states and tribes electing the KinGAP option and seeking to claim federal funding for children in guardianship arrangements prior to approval of the plan amendment must notify ACF of their plans to do so. They must submit a description to ACF explaining the process it will use to ensure that claims will only be submitted on behalf of children who meet all eligibility criteria for the KinGAP Program.
- Resources from CDF on policies and programs related to Fostering Connections Act
An array of resources by the Children's Defense Fund on policies and programs related to the Fostering Connections Act.
Training
- Comprehensive overview of ACF-PI-10-11
This powerpoint presentation is a comprehensive overview of PI-10-11. ACF-PI-10-11 provides title IV-E agencies comprehensive information on the provisions of titles IV-B and IV-E as a result of the amendments made by the Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act of 2008, P.L. 110-351. In addition to providing new guidance on the option for a title IV-E agency to extend assistance for the foster care maintenance, adoption assistance, and/or kinship guardianship programs to an eligible youth age 18 and older up to age 21, this instruction provides additional guidance on the other provisions of P.L. 110-351 and the flexibilities afforded to a title IV-E agency in complying with the law. This instruction also provides instruction on changes to the titles IV-B/IV-E plan requirements as a result of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (P.L. 111-148).
- WEBINAR: Fostering Connections through Kinship / Guardianship
The powerpoint presentation from the June 17th webinar on Fostering Connections through Kinship / Guardianship hosted by the Fostering Connections Resource Center in conjunction with the Children's Defense Fund and ChildFocus.
- Questions and Answers from the Fostering Connections through Kinship Webinar
National Resources
Tools
- Comprehensive overview of ACF-PI-10-11
This powerpoint presentation is a comprehensive overview of PI-10-11. ACF-PI-10-11 provides title IV-E agencies comprehensive information on the provisions of titles IV-B and IV-E as a result of the amendments made by the Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act of 2008, P.L. 110-351. In addition to providing new guidance on the option for a title IV-E agency to extend assistance for the foster care maintenance, adoption assistance, and/or kinship guardianship programs to an eligible youth age 18 and older up to age 21, this instruction provides additional guidance on the other provisions of P.L. 110-351 and the flexibilities afforded to a title IV-E agency in complying with the law. This instruction also provides instruction on changes to the titles IV-B/IV-E plan requirements as a result of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (P.L. 111-148).
- National Resource Center for Permanency and Family Connections
This National Child Welfare Resource Center is funded by the Children's Bureau and is part of the Training and Technical Assistance Network administered by the Children's Bureau.
- List of States with Approved Kinship Guardianship Assistance Plans
See this list for states with approved IV-E state plan amendments authorizing Kinship Guardianship Assistance Programs. Related state policy information is also available.
- WEBINAR: Fostering Connections through Kinship / Guardianship
The powerpoint presentation from the June 17th webinar on Fostering Connections through Kinship / Guardianship hosted by the Fostering Connections Resource Center in conjunction with the Children's Defense Fund and ChildFocus.
- 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
- 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
- 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
Research & Reports
Analysis
- Summary and Section-by-Section Description of the Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act of 2008 (H.R. 6893)
This memorandum provides a section-by-section overview of major provisions included in the Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act of 2008.
- Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoption Act of 2008: New Opportunities for Children in Foster Care and Beyond.
This Powerpoint presentation provides an introduction to the new law, background on key provisions, the potential impact on children and families, and an information to guide implementation.
- Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act: Implementation Issues and a Look Ahead at Additional Child Welfare Reforms
This brief summarizes the Fostering Connections Act and examines implementation issues.
- Summary by ACF/DHHS of the Title IV-E Child Welfare Waiver Demonstrations
An overview of the Title IV-E Child Welfare Waiver Demonstrations submitted to the Administration for Children and Families.
- Subsidized Guardianship: Testing the Generalizability of an Idea Whose Time Has Finally Come
This powerpoint presentation provides an overview of the results of Tennessee's subsidized guardianship waiver
- Resources from CLASP on policies and programs related to the Fostering Connections Act
An array of resources by the Center for Law and Social Policy on policies and programs related to the Fostering Connections Act.
- Resources from CWLA on policies and programs related to the Fostering Connections Act
An array of resources by the Child Welfare League of America on policies and programs related to the Fostering Connections Act.
- New guidance from Children's Bureau on Kinship Guardianship Assistance Program
The Program Instruction, ACYF-CB-PI-10-01 issued on February 18, 2010, supersedes earlier instructions (ACYF-CB-PI-08-07 issued on December 24, 2008). This analysis describes the new PI. Under the new Program Instruction, states and tribes electing the KinGAP option and seeking to claim federal funding for children in guardianship arrangements prior to approval of the plan amendment must notify ACF of their plans to do so. They must submit a description to ACF explaining the process it will use to ensure that claims will only be submitted on behalf of children who meet all eligibility criteria for the KinGAP Program.
- Resources from CDF on policies and programs related to Fostering Connections Act
An array of resources by the Children's Defense Fund on policies and programs related to the Fostering Connections Act.
Training
- Comprehensive overview of ACF-PI-10-11
This powerpoint presentation is a comprehensive overview of PI-10-11. ACF-PI-10-11 provides title IV-E agencies comprehensive information on the provisions of titles IV-B and IV-E as a result of the amendments made by the Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act of 2008, P.L. 110-351. In addition to providing new guidance on the option for a title IV-E agency to extend assistance for the foster care maintenance, adoption assistance, and/or kinship guardianship programs to an eligible youth age 18 and older up to age 21, this instruction provides additional guidance on the other provisions of P.L. 110-351 and the flexibilities afforded to a title IV-E agency in complying with the law. This instruction also provides instruction on changes to the titles IV-B/IV-E plan requirements as a result of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (P.L. 111-148).
- WEBINAR: Fostering Connections through Kinship / Guardianship
The powerpoint presentation from the June 17th webinar on Fostering Connections through Kinship / Guardianship hosted by the Fostering Connections Resource Center in conjunction with the Children's Defense Fund and ChildFocus.
- Questions and Answers from the Fostering Connections through Kinship Webinar
