Within federal rules, NYC works for foster kids
Manhattan: The article “City keeps funding by stiffing foster kids” (April 8) blatantly mischaracterizes the efforts the NYC Administration for Children’s Services is making to ensure children in foster care are able to receive and conserve federal Supplemental Security Income (disability) benefits. The Adams administration has prioritized supporting children in foster care, and since taking office, we have increased the amount of funding conserved for this population. In July 2022, the administration increased the money saved on behalf of this group of children in foster care, ending a decades-old practice of withholding certain benefits. New York City ACS became one of the first jurisdictions in the country and the first in the state to conserve survivor (RSDI) and disability (SSI) benefits for children in foster care, so that RSDI and SSI beneficiaries can receive savings up to the federally set maximums, which is limited to $2,000 for SSI benefits.
Last month, ACS released a draft policy for public comment to formalize the process that the Adams administration implemented in July 2022. There has been no change in process, procedure or intent with regard to ensuring that money reaches children. When the city drafts formal child welfare policies, we are required to seek public comment as well as state approval —but that does not preclude us from doing what is right for children in our care by implementing the change while the formal policy-making process ensues.
ACS and the Adams administration remain committed to connecting eligible children in and leaving foster care to benefits, and conserving these resources consistent with federal guidelines.
Jess Dannhauser, commissioner, ACS