Husted introduces bill to support youth aging out of foster care

“As someone who started my life in foster care, I will always advocate for children in the system to have the care and support they need to develop into stable young adults.” WASHINGTON – Sen. Jon Husted (R-Ohio) introduced the Chafee Opportunities for New Networks and Existing Connection Trust (CONNECT) Act. This bipartisan bill would deliver necessary updates to the John H. Chafee Foster Care Program for Successful Transition to Adulthood (Chafee) program to focus on helping youth in foster care from ages 14 to 21 develop meaningful connections with lifelong support networks and plan for independence. This includes housing, education and employment assistance. Reps. Gwen Moore (D-Wis.) and Mike Carey (R-Ohio) are leading the companion bill to the CONNECT Act in the House of Representatives. This bill passed the House of Representatives on May 19, 2026. “Children aging out of foster care shouldn’t have to navigate adulthood alone. This bill would strengthen the Chafee program by helping young people build lasting connections and access the support they need to achieve stability and independence. As someone who started my life in foster care, I will always advocate for children in the system to have the care and support they need to develop into stable young adults ,” said Husted. “The bipartisan CONNECT Act gives older foster youth more options and increased participation in setting and pursuing their own goals, whether that’s family reunification, permanent placement, adult independence, or other milestones as they transition into adulthood. This legislation opens up new paths for adult mentors and peer support and requires the Department of Health and Human Services to issue guidance on these changes to state agencies. I’m proud to support Senator Husted on this companion legislation to update the Chafee program, allowing foster youth to have a greater role in shaping and achieving their individual permanency goals,” said Carey. Statements of support for the CONNECT Act: “All young people deserve the stability and encouragement that comes from having caring adults in their corner as they navigate the transition to adulthood and beyond. We are deeply appreciative that Senator Jon Husted recognizes the critical importance of connection and belonging for older youth in foster care, and is leading the way through the CONNECT Act to help ensure more young people have the supportive relationships they need to thrive,” said Celeste Bodner, Executive Director, FosterClub. The CONNECT Act would: Update the purposes section of the Chafee program to reflect the importance of establishing meaningful connections with adults and other lifelong support networks. Add a new purpose to clarify that Chafee funds may be used to help foster youth engage in their own permanency process and planning for independence. Require HHS to issue guidance, in consultation with youth with foster care lived experience, regarding implementation of the new purposes including best practices, outreach and protocols for documenting supports for youth. This bill continues Husted’s advocacy for adoption and foster care families. The Senate passed Husted’s resolution to recognize May as National Foster Care Month. He is also leading two bills to safeguard adoptions and support families. Husted’s bill, the ADOPT Act, would combat exploitation by unlicensed adoption intermediaries and protect both adoptees and expectant mothers. Husted is also leading the Hospital Adoption Education Act, which would require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to develop training for certain health care professionals to provide accurate, ethical and unbiased information to expectant mothers when considering adoption. The full text of the bill is available here .