1 week ago
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There are calls for a change in state law to make sure money meant to be inherited by foster youth isn’t diverted to counties to pay for care.
A bill to require survivor benefits, such as Social Security, to be placed into a trust for foster youth after a parent passes away failed to move forward this legislative session.
“It’s extremely painful,” said Osahon Akpata-Tanious, executive director of Foster Advocates. “Everyone else outside of the child welfare system are able to get the funds from people who pass away in their lives, who have worked hard for that money to set their families up for success, why are we not doing it for the children of the state?”
Akpata-Tanious raised concerns that currently counties can use funds to cover the cost of young people in their care.
A report released by the Minnesota Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) last year shows the tota...
