Senate Passes Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act

The Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act (H.R. 6893) — legislation that would authorize tribal governments to operate programs under Title IV-E of the Social Security Act for children under their jurisdiction — cleared the Senate on Monday by unanimous consent.

H.R. 6893, introduced on Sept. 15, includes many other significant changes to Title IV of the SSA, including a provision for payments to grandparents and other relatives who have assumed legal guardianship of children they are caring for and extending federal support for youth in foster care to age 21.

The bill was passed by the House on Sept. 17. The legislation may now go to a conference committee of senators and representatives to work out differences in its two versions, according to Gov Track. It will then be sent to the president for signing.

Following the House's vote, National Indian Child Welfare Association Executive Director Terry Cross said, "American Indian children have been waiting a long time for the same protections and support afforded to other children in foster care.”