This bill, known as the CONNECT Act, seeks to update the purposes of the John H. Chafee Foster Care Program for Successful Transition to Adulthood. It emphasizes the critical importance of long-term relationships for youth aged 14 and older who have experienced foster care, aiming to reduce isolation and foster lifelong connections with supportive adults, kin, mentors, and peers. The legislation reflects current research and the input of youth with lived experience, recognizing that strong social networks are vital for future success. Specifically, the bill mandates that the program help youth develop and maintain these relationships, and support those still in foster care in exercising their rights to participate in their permanency plans. It also requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to issue guidance within one year, after consulting youth, on implementing these new purposes. This guidance will include examples of federally fundable services, best practices for facilitating peer support and mentoring, and protocols for documenting relationship-building activities within a child's case plan, ensuring comprehensive support for youth transitioning from care.