The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is calling out child welfare agencies in 39 states, including in Colorado. It says the agencies are intercepting federal benefits meant for foster kids and using the money themselves.

While federal law doesn't require states to protect the benefits for foster kids, Alex Adams, the Assistant Secretary of the Administration for Children and Families at HHS says "Every earned benefit dollar belongs to these foster youth, not the government agencies or bureaucrats."

In Colorado, counties -- not the state -- administer foster care services. Based on guidance from the Social Security administration, the counties have been applying for disability and parental death benefits on behalf of foster kids and using the money -- $1.7 million this year

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