The Problem:
Foster youth with disabilities often have Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or other benefits, but many do not receive financial education on how to save or manage those funds. Without accessible financial tools or guidance, youth risk losing opportunities to build savings and plan for adulthood. Governor Kelly’s Executive Order 25-01 and requests from the Kansas House Committee highlighted the need to expand accessible education about ABLE accounts and financial empowerment for youth in foster care.
Action:
The Kansas Council on Developmental Disabilities (KCDD) partnered with the Kansas State Treasurer, the Department for Children and Families (DCF), and the Kansas Council for Economic Education (KCEE) to provide financial empowerment classes for foster youth with disabilities. Classes were offered twice each week and covered practical topics such as saving, investing, protecting benefits, and using ABLE accounts. KCDD helped ensure materials, instruction, and outreach were accessible and tailored to the learning needs of youth with disabilities and their caregivers.
Results:
More than 500 foster youth opened Kansas ABLE accounts, allowing them to safely save money for future needs without losing disability benefits. Dozens of youth and caregivers participated in financial empowerment classes and gained practical skills for managing money and building savings. The initiative expanded access to financial education across Kansas and created a pathway for youth with disabilities in foster care to build long-term financial stability.
Council’s Unique Role:
KCDD brought together state agencies, financial experts, and disability advocates to ensure the program was accessible and responsive to the needs of youth with disabilities. By centering disability inclusion and cross-agency collaboration, the Council helped create a sustainable model for financial empowerment.