Every child deserves the opportunity to build a secure future.

Children placed in foster care often enter the child welfare system because they have experienced abuse, neglect, the loss of a parent, or other traumatic circumstances. Some of these children receive Social Security survivor benefits, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or other federal benefits because of their unique situations. These benefits were established to support the child's well-being and future.

Assembly Bill 1053 sought to protect these benefits by ensuring they remain available for the child rather than being used to reimburse the state for foster care expenses. Although the bill did not pass during the 2025–2026 legislative session, the issue remains important for Wisconsin's children.

Youth leaving foster care frequently face significant challenges, including finding stable housing, paying for higher education, securing employment, and achieving financial independence. Preserving benefits intended for these children could provide valuable financial support during this critical transition into adulthood.

As a graduate social work student, I believe Wisconsin should continue exploring policies that protect the financial resources of children in out-of-home care. These benefits should remain dedicated to the children they were designed to serve.

I respectfully urge Wisconsin legislators to introduce and support future legislation that:

Protects Social Security and other federal benefits belonging to children in foster care.
Preserves these funds for the child's future needs.
Promotes financial stability for youth transitioning out of foster care.
Strengthens Wisconsin's commitment to child welfare and social justice.
By protecting these benefits, Wisconsin can help ensure that children leaving foster care have greater opportunities to succeed as independent adults.

Please sign this petition to support policies that protect the financial future of Wisconsin's foster youth.