ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Michigan lawmakers are proposing a bill to address the issue of redirecting social security funds meant for foster children to cover the cost of foster care services. These funds are currently being used to reimburse the state for expenses incurred on behalf of children in foster care.
Under Senate Bill 872, introduced by State Senator Jeff Irwin, the current practice of diverting these funds would be replaced, ensuring that the money from social security checks goes into ABLE accounts. These specialized trust accounts are designed to safeguard the funds for individuals with disabilities, providing a secure and monitored way to manage the money.
One individual affected by this issue is Justin Kasieta, who entered the foster care system at age 15 after his father’s passing. Due to his father’s death, Kasieta and his siblings were entitled to social security benefits, but Michigan intercepted those funds. As a result, when they aged out of the system, they were left with little financial support.
Kasieta advocates for legislation that would direct these funds to directly benefit foster children, ensuring they have the financial stability needed to transition out of the system. His personal experience highlights the challenges faced by vulnerable children in foster care and the long-term impact of diverting these funds meant for their wellbeing.
On Wednesday, Kasieta will testify in front of the Michigan Senate Committee on Housing and Human Services to support Senate Bill 872 and shed light on the importance of addressing this issue. By sharing his story, he aims to bring attention to the plight of foster children who often lack financial stability as they age out of the system.
The proposed legislation seeks to rectify a longstanding injustice faced by foster children in Michigan, providing them with the support they need to become self-sufficient and avoid potential pitfalls such as homelessness and addiction. By redirecting these funds to benefit the children they were intended for, the state has an opportunity to make a significant impact on the lives of its most vulnerable population.