The New Jersey State Bar Association supports A4543 (Haider)/S3153 (Ruiz), which would prohibit the Department of Children and Families from using the property or benefits of any child under the custody of the Division of Child Protection and Permanency to offset the State’s costs for the child’s maintenance, unless necessary to establish or maintain the child’s eligibility for benefits or services, including federal Supplemental Security Income Program benefits. This bill is part of a national effort to ensure youth receive monies owed to them while they are in out of home placement, such as disability, death benefits, or other benefits. It is a necessary bill to ensure that these monies are not utilized by the state agency, but protected for youth while they are in state care.
The NJSBA supports A4543/S3153 and urges you to vote yes for this bill.