Here you will find tools, analyses and research related both specifically to the new Fostering Connections law, but also to the relevant topics contained in the law, such as kinship/guardianship, adoption, tribal issues, older youth, health and education. If you know of any resources available that do not appear in our library, please send us an email at with the suggested resource, author and website URL for consideration.
Adoption: Tools
- WEBINAR: Fostering Connections Through Adoptions
A powerpoint presentation from the April 15, 2010 webinar on the Adoption Provision of the Act hosted by the Fostering Connections Resource Center in conjunction with the North American Council on Adoptable Children.
- Q&As from Adoption Webinar - April 15
During a webinar on Fostering Connections to Adoptions on April 15, 2010, many participants had questions which were answered during and after the session. They are summarized here.
- 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.
- 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
- Q & A on Adoption Webinar 4.15.2010
