John Morton, a California social worker, recently told The Republic that children who are in foster care are often greatly affected by the actions of their biological parents.
Morton was referencing 18-year-old Katrina Haywood, who was previously removed from her mother's home due to her constant abuse. Although she is now in foster care, Haywood is still suffering from the effects of her mother's actions.
Recently, Haywood's mother opened various lines of credit using her daughter's social security number. Now, the teen owes about $6,000 to companies such as Bank of America and Pacific Gas and Electric, the news outlet states. Haywood also has a poor credit score and may find it difficult to get a loan for college.
Professionals estimate that between 10 and 50 percent of foster care children in the state go through similar situations, as their social security numbers and birthdays are easily accessible to their biological parents.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, child, family or school social workers may intervene in these types of situations.