Bill would bar Philly from keeping Social Security payments meant for foster children

Stoneleigh Fellow Steve Volk and his Resolve Philly colleague Julie Christie published a Philadelphia Inquirer article discussing new legislation that would require the City of Philadelphia to save Social Security payments for children in foster care.

City Councilmember Helen Gym plans to introduce legislation this week in response to a December Inquirer report that found the city has been taking millions of dollars in Social Security benefits belonging to children in foster care and plowing them back into the city’s general fund.

Gym’s legislation would end the practice, requiring the city to save the money for the youths themselves.

“I was deeply upset reading the story,” said Gym. “There was no question we needed to take action, which is why we’re moving toward legislation and worked over the last several months for a complete package that puts young people first.”

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