Today, the Georgetown University Center for Children and Families and the North Carolina Rural Health Research Program at the University of North Carolina are releasing a report documenting the impact of Medicaid on small towns and rural communities. The impact is particularly powerful in Nebraska, where 34 percent of the population…...
The AHCA and Medicaid: A Harmful Prescription for Nebraska Students
Children need health care in critical developmental years. Medicaid provides this health care for one-third of Nebraska children. Together, Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) have helped improve health outcomes, reduce child mortality, achieve positive academic gains in the classroom and more. These programs have also helped us…...
Pro-Kid Progress in the 105th Nebraska Legislature
Last week, the Nebraska Legislature adjourned sine die, four days ahead of schedule. In total, 667 bills were introduced and considered by legislators over the course of the session. Each year, Voices for Children sets legislative priorities that are driven by data and research to move the needle for all…...
Geneva and Kearney: Nebraska’s YRTCs
An effective juvenile justice system holds young people accountable for their actions in age-appropriate ways that best promote community safety. Our children and citizens are entitled to a system that will offer the best return on investment, by providing the right package of accountability and supports to change anti-social behaviors.…...
What Senator Sasse’s New Book Gets Wrong About Our Kids
I have to start by admitting that I haven’t read Senator Sasse’s new book, “The Vanishing American Adult”. I’ve only read excerpts and reviews. But from what I understand, his book suggests that what our young people need is better parenting. While I don’t disagree that parents and families have…...
Nebraska Legislature faces key pro-kid decisions during Child Abuse Prevention Month
Every April, Voices for Children in Nebraska joins advocates and community members from across the country in promoting child and family well-being through National Child Abuse Prevention Month. We all have a role in ensuring that Nebraska is the best place to be a kid. This year’s theme, “Building Community,…...
Emerging Adults: Transition to Adulthood, Conclusions, and Recommendations
The 2016 Kids Count in Nebraska Report includes an in-depth look at the first steps young people take along their transition away from childhood – emerging adulthood. This is a time of profound growth and development coupled with frequent life changes. The decisions made during these years impacts the next…...
New report: Nebraska’s children can’t afford proposed cuts
Last month, the Nebraska Children’s Commission announced the release of the Nebraska Child Welfare Blueprint Report. The report, authored by ChildFocus, outlines a pathway to continue progress in our state’s child welfare system based on interviews with a diverse group of stakeholders, including Voices for Children. The Blueprint reflects on…...
