The Fostering Connections Act requires states "within 30 days after the removal of a child from the custody of the parent" to "exercise due diligence to identify and provide notice to all adult grandparents and other adult relatives of the child."   In addition, the state must inform relatives of their options "to participate in the care and placement of the child" and is required to provide information on the requirements "to become a foster family home and the additional services and supports that are available for children placed in such a home."  The Act also allows child welfare agencies to obtain state and federal child support data to help locate children's parents and other relatives.

The Fostering Connections Act codifies existing federal regulations that states may waive non-safety-related foster care licensing standards on a case-by-case basis for kin seeking to become foster parents, and may seek Title IV-E reimbursement for eligible children placed with these kin. The Act specifically states that the "non-safety standards" are "as determined by the state."

The Fostering Connections Act requires states to make "reasonable efforts...to place siblings removed from their home in the same foster care, kinship guardianship, or adoptive placement...and in the case of siblings removed from their home who are not jointly placed, to provide frequent visitation or other ongoing interaction between the siblings."

The Act authorizes grants to states, Tribes, and nonprofit organizations to implement programs designed to help children who are in, or at risk of entering foster care to reconnect with family members.  The Act authorizes $75 million over 5 years for the implementation of four specific program models: kinship navigator programs, intensive family finding, family group decision making, and residential family treatment.  Three percent of the funds authorized are set aside for conducting a rigorous evaluation of the programs funded.