New LAW! Foster youths MUST get Credit Reports!
If you are 16 years old or older.... READ THIS!
A new law just passed that required every youth in foster care age 16 and older must have a credit report every year while in foster care!
This is a great law because foster youths are at high risk of identity theft! While in foster care, any number of people who have access to your personal information (such as social security number and birthdate) can open accounts and run up debt or stop paying bills using your name without your knowledge. 
This is a BIG problem when it is time for you to transition to the adult world. Businesses and companies will run a credit check on you before you rent an apartment, get cable, buy a car, open a cell phone account and things like that. If you have bad credit, they can deny you services or ask for a large deposit to cover the cost of the service in case you don't pay your bill.
This law went into effect September 30, 2011. In addition to getting an annual credit report, your social worker needs to help you understand what the report says and help you resolve any inconsistencies in the report. Be sure to talk to your social worker about it and get your report cleared up early.
We all want you to have a successful transition into the adult world and one way to start is by having a great credit report... and keep it. 
See "How to get a Credit Report" (A copy of the new law can also be found on this page.)
See "Dear NC County Director Administrative Letter" regarding both Credit Checks for Foster Youths and Educational Stability