Lawmakers, Shapiro Admin Target Counties’ Seizure of Foster Kids’ Social Security Funds
Lawmakers are renewing efforts to prevent Pennsylvania counties from diverting Social Security benefits owed to children in foster care into their own budgets. This push, spurred by new federal directives, follows an investigation revealing that at least 1,300 children have lost $15.7 million in these benefits. State representatives, alongside advocates and former foster youth, are championing HB 151, a bipartisan bill designed to stop child-serving agencies from intercepting these funds and instead conserve them for youth upon their exit from care. The legislation aims to ensure a standardized statewide process for preserving these critical funds, acknowledging the increased risks of instability faced by youth transitioning out of foster care.
John Q. Hosedrinker