Law allows foster children to receive ID theft protection

President Barack Obama recently signed legislation that aims to protect foster children from identity theft, the Boston Globe reports. U.S. Representative Jim Langevin, who co-sponsored the bill, explained that studies show foster children are at greater risk of ID theft because "their personal data passes through so many hands of strangers." "Foster children have all the factors to put them at the highest risk of identity theft," said Identity Theft 911 CEO Matt Cullina, on the ID management and data risk services company's blog. The Globe notes in a separate article that the new law requires states to run consumer credit report checks on foster children over 16 years old before they turn 18 and leave the system. The legislation will also help clear each child's records of any inaccuracies that occurred as a result of thievery. The Rhode Island Foster Parents Association calls the new rule an "important step" in protecting the identities of foster children, who may not even know they've been victimized until they decide to apply for credit.