Trenton, NJ- The Senate Health, Human Services, and Senior Citizens Committee has advanced a bill aimed at protecting the financial rights of children in foster care. Sponsored by Senate Majority Leader M. Teresa Ruiz and Senator Joseph Cryan, the legislation seeks to prevent the Department of Children and Families (DCF) from using a child’s property or benefits to cover the cost of state care.
Senator Ruiz emphasized the importance of freeing children from financial responsibilities that federal law mandates the government to handle. According to her, saving a child’s benefits could significantly support their future needs for housing, education, and basic necessities. She believes that guaranteeing a financial safety net for youths exiting foster care will prevent the recurrence of family separations.
Bill S-3153 mandates that DCF place a child’s benefits into a federally insured financial institution account reserved for their future use. The department could tap into these benefits only if the child’s unmet needs surpass the state’s obligation, as dictated by federal income and resource guidelines for the applicable benefits program.
Senator Cryan highlighted the challenges faced by those leaving the foster care system, noting that many have limited resources.