This Star Tribune article reveals that Minnesota counties are diverting income belonging to approximately 700 foster children into local coffers without even informing them. This includes social security benefits based on a parent’s death or disability, or related to fosters’ own physical or mental disability.
Reporter Chris Serres shares the stories of young people who faced desperate financial struggles because of this practice, which clearly contributes to chronically poor foster care outcomes. It also shows that counties are valuing revenues over the success of children in their care.
Safe Passage and fellow nonprofit Foster Advocates promoted state legislation in 2022 that will place this income into trust funds to support fosters’ transition to adulthood. The bill passed both houses but wasn’t funded due to end-of-session gridlock. It will be reintroduced in 2023. This publicity will enhance its prospects for passage.
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Read the full transcript of the podcast here.