California News
Welfare Children No Longer Facing Parents' Debts
Reporter: AP
LOS ANGELES (AP) - California counties are no longer seeking refunds from welfare recipients who were minors when their caregivers were overpaid.
The Los Angeles Times reports the much-criticized practice is ending as part of an agreement to settle a lawsuit that accused state officials of essentially holding children responsible for their caregivers' debts.
The California Department of Social Services says refunds will be provided for any such collections made since Jan. 6.
Clarence Ayers, a 73-year-old Fresno County resident, joined the
lawsuit after officials cut back a $334 monthly stipend he used to care for his 14-year-old great-granddaughter. CalWorks officials said the reduction was made because over the years, they had mistakenly sent $10,000 to the girl's mother and grandfather.
Social Services spokesman Michael Weston says officials now will
focus on recovering overpayments from the parents or caregivers who
received overpayments.
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