HARRISBURG, PA — On Tuesday, the Pennsylvania House Children & Youth Committee convened an informational meeting to deliberate on House Bill 2617. Introduced by state Representatives Rick Krajewski and Sheryl Delozier, this legislation seeks to amend the Children in Foster Care Act, ensuring foster children rightfully receive federal public benefits designated for them.
Currently, many foster children are eligible for substantial federal benefits such as Social Security, veterans, and disability benefits. However, due to existing state protocols, counties often intercept these funds, redirecting them without the knowledge or consent of the child or their representative. This practice leaves orphaned and disabled foster children without essential financial support that could critically aid their transition into adulthood.
House Bill 2617 proposes a paradigm shift where counties would screen and conserve these benefits in savings accounts for foster youth, accessible once they exit the system. Such a measure promises to provide foster youth with financial resources to cover vital needs like housing, education, and healthcare as they enter the workforce.
Representative Krajewski highlighted the urgency of the reform, stating, “Orphaned and disabled foster youth are some of the most vulnerable children in the state and have extremely limited resources. Just like other foster youth, children who receive public benefits should not be charged for their own care.” He emphasized the necessity for counties to advocate adequately for youth under their care.
Representative Delozier echoed these sentiments, stressing the state’s responsibility towards foster children, “The children in the foster care system deserve for their government to do everything they can to help them. The testimony we heard at our informational meeting will help us craft a bill to make sure the youth in our foster system get the benefits they’re entitled to.”
The committee’s session featured compelling testimonies from various experts and advocates. Amy Harfeld, national policy director of the Child Advocacy Institute, and Laurie Ayler, social work supervisor for the Support Center for Child Advocates, were among the panelists. Ayler explained, “For foster youth who age out of the system without family support, access to conserved benefits could be life-changing, helping them afford essentials like groceries, child care, rent, and utilities.”
Vaughn Jackson, a Philadelphia father, shared a personal account, stating, “No one should take money from orphans. Most foster kids don’t have a clue why they’re in the system… They deserve a fair chance in life.”
Additionally, Aqilah David, Stoneleigh Youth Advocacy Fellow, pointed out, “Many young people exit the Pennsylvania child welfare system just to become homeless and less fortunate. Why take away their safety net of the benefits that could prevent these unforeseen circumstances?”
The bill has garnered support from more than 30 children’s advocacy, disability rights, and social service organizations across Pennsylvania. Advocates believe that securing these funds for foster children not only provides immediate relief but also sets a foundation for long-term success. As discussions continue, this legislation represents a pivotal opportunity for Pennsylvania to lead in ensuring a fair start for all foster youth.
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