Foster Kids Face Financial Hurdles
BY CHARLICE BYRD
There is little doubt that children in foster care have more For children who are freed for adoption, the foster parent burdens to bear than we truly can appreciate or understand. or case manager often is approached and asked to become the These children face challenges that make life outside of the signature on file, in order for a foster child to obtain a driver’s care system challenging. Simple, yet life affirming, chapters license or get automobile insurance. Regrettably, many foster that mark the transition into adulthood, like getting a driver’s parents or case managers are hesitant to do this, because of the license, obtaining car insurance or opening a bank account, are inherent legal risk incurred. among the barriers that these kids face. Similarly, finding an adult to sign off on car insurance means Children in traditional home settings have a parent sign a assumption of legal liability, in addition to the large premium form, and they can obtain a driver’s license, be added to their that new drivers face. Clearly, the system needs to do a better parent’s car insurance or open a checking job for these children, and I’m working on a account. But, for foster children, whose legal draft of a bill to help with these issues. ...building a parent is the state of Georgia, it is not as easy. The legal status of becoming a ward of If a foster child’s birth parent still is working the state should afford some flexibility with system that on a case plan to reunify, or has not lost their these complex issues, and compensate for addresses some of the intrinsic hurdles these children face. parental rights, they may consent in order for their children in foster care to achieve these these deficiencies Not all family dynamics are the same, and ends. However, finding these parents often is building a system that addresses some of is a good place to these deficiencies is a good place to start. challenging if children have been in care long term. If they are available and willing to sign Children in the foster care system start. the necessary documents to open an account, have unusual burdens that many do not the next hurdle is safeguarding the money in understand. Learn how to get involved, and the account for the child. help children in the foster care system have a better chance of Parental signatures often allow parents to access cash that survival outside of the system, through North Georgia Angel children have worked to save up on their own. Unfortunately, House at www.angelhousega.com. financial exploitation often morphs into maltreatment for children who just want the benefit of a checking account to safeguard their hard-earned money. As a precaution, children Rep. Charlice Byrd represents District 20 in the in foster care have an annual credit report check to ensure that Georgia House of Representatives. charlice.byrd@house.ga.gov parents, and others who have access to their information, are not using their credentials for credit.
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TOWNELAKER | August 2021
