For decades, states have taken foster children’s federal benefits. That’s starting to change

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — By the time Jesse Fernandez turned 18, the federal government had paid out thousands of dollars in Social Security survivor’s benefits because of the death of his mother. But Jesse’s bank account was empty. The money had all been used by Missouri’s foster care system or relatives responsible for his care. … Read more

Texas fined $100,000 per day for failing to act on foster care abuse allegations

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — A federal judge is fining Texas $100,000 per day for routinely neglecting to adequately investigate allegations of abuse and neglect raised by children in the state’s struggling foster care system. U.S. District Judge Janis Graham Jack in Corpus Christi ruled Monday that the Texas Health and Human Services agency has shown … Read more

Christian Bale breaks ground on foster homes he’s fought for 16 years to see built

PALMDALE, Calif. — PALMDALE, Calif. (AP) — Christian Bale broke ground Wednesday on a project he’s been pursuing for 16 years — the building of a dozen homes and a community center in Los Angeles County intended to keep siblings in foster care together. The Oscar winner stood with a grin and a shovel full … Read more