When a child loses a parent, Social Security survivor benefits are supposed to help that child. For years, Michigan took those payments from kids in foster care and used them to cover the state’s own costs. Justin Kasieta lost his father at 13 and entered foster care two years later. He told Bridge Michigan that about $18,000 of his benefits went to the state during his three years in care.

A new state law that took effect October 1 is a real step forward. It passed with support from both parties, was signed by Governor Gretchen Whitmer, and bans the state from using these benefits to pay itself back for care. But it only requires Michigan to set aside half the money, and only for teens ages 14 to 17. The rest, and every dollar owed to kids 13 and younger, can still be spent instead of saved.

That money comes from a parent who died. It belongs to the child, not the state budget.

Twelve states and Washington, D.C., already save all of these benefits for foster youth, according to the Children’s Advocacy Institute at the University of San Diego. Alex Adams, who leads the federal Administration for Children and Families, said Michigan is “still stealing from the majority of their orphans,” according to Bridge Michigan.

About 600 kids with these benefits enter Michigan foster care every year. A national survey found that 18% to 32% of former foster youth ages 17 to 21 have experienced homelessness, and Michigan’s rates are above the national average. Kasieta said the money could have helped him get a first apartment or car, calling it “the basic launch pad that allows you to become self-sufficient,” according to Bridge Michigan.

Sign the petition to urge the Michigan Legislature and Governor Whitmer to save 100% of survivor benefits for every foster child, before another young person leaves care without what a parent left behind.