Credit Reporting for Foster Youth
The Children and Family Services Improvement and Innovation law took effect January 1, 2012 requiring that foster youth who have reached the age of 16 (later updated to age 14 October 1, 2015), who are in out-of-home care to receive a free copy of any credit report pertaining to the youth annually until the youth has exited from care (or reached the age of majority), along with assistance in interpreting and resolving any inaccuracies in the report. When a youth reaches age 18 (and remains in Extended Foster Care), the agency must assist the Non-Minor Dependent (NMD) annually in requesting a credit report from each of the three credit reporting companies and aid in resolving any inaccuracies or problems revealed in the report. Counties must request credit reports for foster youth 14 years of age or older and the case plan must be documented.
Effective January 1, 2025, a minor youth in foster care may have a security freeze placed on their credit report upon request by their authorized representative (the county child welfare or probation department). The authorized representative may request the freeze without providing additional proof of authority if they appear on the contact list below. If a foster youth’s authorized representative requests a security freeze, the consumer credit reporting agency shall disclose the process for placing and removing a security freeze.
Credit Reporting for Foster Youth County Contacts
This list is not exhaustive and reflects only the primary county agency contact for each department. Credit Bureaus are encouraged to honor requests from any authorized staff member using the same county agency email domain.
For more information about credit reporting for foster youth speak with your social worker, court appointed special advocate (CASA) or attorney.
Policy and Guidance