The Imprint Weekly
The Imprint Weekly
How to Stop Stealing from Foster Youth
For decades, child welfare systems have been receiving disability and survivor benefits owed to youth in foster care. Often these dollars are not saved for those children, or used for their unique needs.
Amy Harfeld, national policy director for the Children’s Advocacy Institute, has been among the staunchest advocates working to stop this practice. She joined the podcast to talk about the history of this issue, what states are doing to reform, and why she is optimistic about federal action in the near future.
Harfeld has served as the national policy director for the Children's Advocacy Institute since 2010. During this time, she has also spent time leading the National Coalition to End Child Abuse Deaths, the Children’s Leadership Council, the American Bar Association’s Commission on Youth at Risk, and served as pro-bono government affairs liaison for the National Association of Council for Children.
Thanks to Lyssn for sponsoring this week’s episode.
Reading Room
Foster Care Agencies Take Millions of Dollars Owed to Kids. Most Children Have No Idea.
America First Policy Institute: Protecting Federal Benefits for Foster Children
https://americafirstpolicy.com/issues/protecting-federal-benefits-for-foster-children
Washington Must Step Up to Protect Foster Youths’ Benefits
https://imprintnews.org/opinion/washington-protect-foster-youth-benefits/67187
Minnesota Child Welfare Officials Advise State to Protect Foster Youths’ SSI Benefits
https://imprintnews.org/top-stories/minnesota-child-welfare-report-foster-youth-ssi-benefits/258765
California Counties Siphon Social Security Benefits from Some Foster Kids
https://imprintnews.org/foster-care/california-counties-siphon-social-security-benefits/66688
Are Disabled Kids in NYC Foster Care Receiving the Social Security Benefits They Deserve?