ANTONOVICH TO SAFEGUARD FOSTER YOUTH FROM IDENTITY THEFT

 

 

PRESS RELEASE

Contact:  Tony Bell, Communications Deputy    Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich   Office:  (213) 974-5555   Cell: (213) 215-5176    E-mail:  tbell@bos.lacounty.gov

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

March 17, 2009                                                                                                            For Immediate Release

 

ANTONOVICH TO SAFEGUARD
FOSTER YOUTH FROM IDENTITY THEFT

 

LOS ANGELES COUNTY – To safeguard foster youth from identity theft, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a motion by Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich to ensure whether additional measures are required to strengthen a recently passed state law which safeguards emancipated and foster youth from identity theft.  

 

“Identity theft is a serious crime that affects all segments of society,” said Antonovich.  “However, our County’s emancipated foster youth, striving to establish productive lives, are especially vulnerable.”

Antonovich’s motion directs the County’s Chief Executive Officer, Director of Children and Family Services and the Chief Probation Officer to report back to the Board of Supervisors within 30 days, and quarterly thereafter, on the scope of foster youth identity theft in Los Angeles County and the effectiveness of measures taken to address this problem. 

 

The law, which originated from Assembly Bill 2985 by Assembly Bill Maze (R-Visalia), requires county welfare departments to request credit checks for foster youth who are 16 or older and provide referrals to credit counseling organizations if the credit check discloses any negative information.

 

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