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Social Security Benefits Previously Withheld from Foster Children in Massachusetts Returned by DCF

Boston, Massachusetts has recently made significant changes to the way it handles Social Security benefits for foster children, in a move that has been praised by child welfare advocates. The Children’s League of Massachusetts Executive Director, Rachel Gwaltney, expressed relief that the state has ceased withholding survivor benefits from foster children, considering the funds rightly belonged to the beneficiaries. Effective January 1st, the Department of Children and Families (DCF) halted the practice of withholding survivor …

Disability Benefits Scandal: New York City Under Fire for Misuse of Foster Children’s Funds

In New York City, years after promised reforms, advocates continue to voice concerns over the city’s practice of keeping federal disability benefits meant for foster youth to cover the costs of their care. The issue has sparked a national conversation around the fair distribution of funds intended for some of the most vulnerable members of society. One such case involves Julian, a former foster youth who, at 16, found himself back in the system with …

Foster Children Struggle to Access Federal Benefits, Leaving Them Without Support: A Look at Lori Martin’s Story

Ventura, California – Lori Martin, a former foster youth, still grapples with the repercussions of her time in the system nearly three decades after running away from her foster home at 16. She has never received access to the federal benefits she is entitled to, highlighting a larger issue faced by foster children nationwide. A recent study by the Children’s Advocacy Institute at the University of San Diego School of Law revealed that states are …

Foster Children in NYC Missing Out on Personal Savings Due to SSI Policy

New York City foster children with disabilities are being denied individual Social Security payments despite a 2022 policy intended to allow them to use these federal benefits for personal savings. This policy, implemented during the summer of 2022, directed the Administration for Children’s Services to cease using Social Security payments to cover housing and service costs for foster children entitled to these benefits due to qualifying disabilities. Instead, the funds were to be deposited into …

Children’s Security Law Passes in Missouri Senate to Safeguard Foster Youth Social Security Benefits

Jefferson City, Missouri – The Missouri Senate made a significant move on Friday by passing a bill aimed at ending the state’s practice of seizing Social Security benefits from foster children. This legislation, sponsored by Republican state Representative Hannah Kelly and state Senator Holly Thompson Rehder, seeks to redirect these funds to address the specific needs of vulnerable youths in the foster care system. Over the past five years, Missouri has withheld approximately $28.2 million …

Senate Bill Protects Social Security and VA Benefits for Foster Kids in Missouri

Jefferson City, Missouri – The Missouri Senate passed a bill aimed at safeguarding the social security and VA benefits of foster children. This legislative move comes amidst growing public attention on the issue, highlighting a significant step toward protecting vulnerable youth in the state. The bill, once signed into law, will prevent the children’s division of the Social Services Department from diverting the funds allocated for the care of foster children towards other expenses. Exceptions …

Missouri Legislative Momentum Builds to End Seizure of Foster Children’s Benefits

Jefferson City, Missouri – Proponents of bills aiming to end Missouri’s practice of seizing Social Security benefits from foster children are optimistic about regaining momentum in the legislative process after a setback during the spring break. Despite hurdles in both the House and the Senate, advocates for the bill are working to push it forward when lawmakers reconvene. In the Senate, GOP state Sen. Holly Thompson Rehder of Scott City faced challenges with her bill …