A federal official from Idaho is working to stop a long-standing practice in which states collect Social Security benefits meant for foster youth to pay for their care.
The Administration for Children and Families (ACF) announced Thursday that it has notified governors in the 39 states that have not yet ended this practice. Many foster youth across the U.S. have had their survivor benefits diverted, sometimes without their knowledge.
ACF Assistant Secretary Alex Adams, who previously led Idaho’s Department of Health and Welfare, first learned that the state was keeping foster children’s Social Security survivor benefits when he assumed his federal role. In May, he directed Idaho officials to end the practice by July 2026. His memo instructed staff to either use the funds for unmet needs not typically covered for other foster youth or to save the money for the child’s future.
The policy change affects former Idaho foster youth Scott Matlock, now an NFL fullback for the Los Angeles Chargers. Matlock entered the state’s child welfare system at age 13 after losing both parents and never received his parents’ Social Security survivor benefits.
In a statement, Matlock praised Adams’ action, saying, “My hope is the next kid coming through foster care gets every penny he or she deserves, no matter what state they live in.”
Following his Senate confirmation in October, Adams told the Idaho Capital Sun that he intended to address this issue nationally. He noted that many state leaders may not even be aware that the practice is occurring in their jurisdictions.
A 2021 report by NPR and the Marshall Project found that all 49 states and Washington, D.C., had at some point diverted foster children’s Social Security benefits. National attorney and advocate Amy Harfeld said Adams’ initiative in Idaho, carried out without outside intervention, was notable. “Most states have not done this by themselves,” Harfeld said.
To date, 11 states have enacted laws prohibiting the seizure of children’s benefits. ACF stated that it and the Social Security Administration will provide resources and technical assistance to help the remaining 39 states end the practice.
In an emailed statement, Adams emphasized, “Every earned benefit dollar belongs to these foster youth, not the government agencies or bureaucrats. Protecting children is the core mission of child welfare, and we will keep the best interests of the child front and center in all our efforts.”
The federal push follows years of criticism from child advocates who argue that keeping these benefits undermines foster youth’s financial stability. Adams’ action in Idaho is being viewed as a model for other states seeking to ensure that foster children retain the funds intended for their care and future security.
Experts note that as federal agencies work with state governments, more policies are likely to change nationwide. By proactively returning these benefits to foster youth, states can improve both financial outcomes and trust in the child welfare system.
The ACF’s outreach aims to provide guidance and ensure states implement changes without disrupting foster care services. Advocates hope this will prevent future generations of foster children from losing access to benefits earned for them through Social Security.
Idaho’s move has sparked national attention, highlighting the importance of safeguarding the rights and financial resources of foster youth while encouraging other states to adopt similar protections.
