A widely watched news segment on CBS Sunday Morning, “How a loophole deprives foster children of benefits,” investigated widespread practice that deprives children in foster care of vital resources, leaving them penniless as they navigate the transition into adulthood after exiting foster care. To guide lawmakers in eliminating this practice, the Center for the Rights of Abused Children released a Model Executive Order for governors across the nation to take immediate action.
States have been tapping into children’s federal benefits, annually diverting over $160 million meant for those with disabilities or who have lost their parents or caregivers, effectively filling state coffers at the expense of these children in foster care.
The segment highlighted the stories of four young adults eligible for survivor benefits under the administration of the federal Social Security Administration and Department of Veterans Affairs. Despite the state receiving benefit payments on their behalf during their time in foster care, not a single dollar reached these individuals. They represent just a fraction of the tens of thousands of children from whom states are siphoning off millions.
Last year, Arizona became the first state in the country to stop this practice thanks to the relentless advocacy of the Center for the Rights of Abused Children, broad bipartisan support from the Arizona legislature, and support from the Arizona Department of Child Safety and the Office of the Governor.
With this executive order, governors can take action this year, to ensure vulnerable youth in foster care receive the crucial support to which they are entitled. Our comprehensive model legislation is available for advocates and lawmakers: How to Protect Benefits for Children in Foster Care.
We implore legislators, governors, and local leaders to cease the exploitation of children as a revenue source and redirect these funds to directly benefit the children and youth for whom they are rightfully intended.