House Republican Press Release

June 6, 2007

Press Office: 860-240-8700

Rep. Michael Caron Votes to Help Plainfield Resident & Others

Legislature Fixes Law that Would Take Money from Foster Children, Former Foster Children

State Rep. Michael Caron has successfully worked for passage of legislation to stop the state from taking money from children in the state’s foster program who later receive a windfall such as a lawsuit or inheritance.

Caron said the legislation stems from the case of a Plainfield mother, a former foster child who lost her own child in a tragic car accident, then received payment for damages  and then saw the state threaten to take the money.

“It is enough to deal with such a tragic loss of a child no matter what the settlement is,” said Rep. Caron. “It adds insult to injury for the state of Connecticut to attach a so-called windfall to a former foster child who needs care and protection, especially through no fault of her own.

“It would be unconscionable for the state to take away the payment for an auto accident," said Rep. Caron. “It would be improper for the state to confiscate payments for injuries, medical expenses or loss of income. This new law will correct that situation.”

The legislation, SB 761, was overwhelmingly approved by both the state House and Senate in the final days of the regular 2007 legislative session. It now goes to the governor, M. Jodi Rell, for her to sign into law.

State Rep. Michael Caron, R-44, serves the towns of Killingly, Plainfield and Sterling in the state House of Representatives.