AUGUSTA - The Maine Legislature gave initial approval on Wednesday to a measure sponsored by Rep. Amy Roeder, D-Bangor, which would help ensure that the state reserves survivors benefits for Maine's foster youth, rather than spending those benefits on the cost of their foster care. Additionally, the bill would provide better financial literacy education and support to foster youth, which would help them understand and navigate their benefits when they age out of the system.
"Under Maine's current system, foster youth are made to pay for their own care using the benefits that are due to them as the children of deceased parents," said Roeder. "Many foster children are unaware that they are even receiving benefits and how they might best manage these benefits upon transitioning out of Maine's foster care system."
According to a report published by the Congressional Research Service, youth typically leave foster care at age 18, and those without permanent homes often have difficulty securing safe, reliable housing.
"Maine's 2,500 foster kids deserve better from our state," said Roeder. "Making sure that they have access to their survivors benefits can help them secure housing and other crucial necessities upon leaving the foster care system."
Roeder is serving her second term in the Maine House of Representatives and is House chair of the Legislature's Labor and Housing Committee. She represents House District 23, which includes a portion of Bangor.
Contact:
Brian Lee [Roeder], 305-965-2744