Foster care agencies in Pa. took millions owed to kids in their care, often keeping them in the dark. • Spotlight PA

For the Child

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Pennsylvania child advocates are calling out counties for using Social Security funds to offset care costs for foster youth, often without their knowledge.

April 3, 2025

Sometimes people who spent time in foster care discover their Social Security benefits were taken only after they apply for benefits later as adults.

Foster care agencies in Pa. took millions owed to kids in their care, often keeping them in the dark

by Julie Christie and Steve Volk / Resolve Philly for Spotlight PA

A Spotlight PA and Resolve Philly investigation found hundreds of kids each year are made to pay for their own foster care, a practice advocates describe as an unfair “tax”.

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