Voices for Children in Nebraska

As Introduced: The bill would have placed the YRTCs under the administration of Nebraska’s Department of Correctional Services rather than the Department of Health and Human Services, breaking apart the responsibilities of DHHS’ Office of Juvenile Services. As Amended: The bill no longer transfers the YRTCs to the Department of Corrections. Instead, it limits the [...]

As Introduced: The bill clarifies the intent of the Legislature to allow all adoptive parents access to case files, even after the adoption has been finalized. This bill builds on LB 94 which was introduced in 2011. Introducing Senator: Howard Committee: Judiciary Committee Hearing Date: January 20, 2012 Final Status:  Signed by Governor, April 10, [...]

As Introduced: The bill required the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to apply for a Title IV- E Waiver by January 1, 2013. DHHS would also have reported on the progress of its application to the Legislature by September 15, 2012. As Amended: The bill does four things: It creates a Title IV-E [...]

As Introduced: The bill created the Nebraska Children’s Commission with voting membership from all three branches of government and a variety of stakeholders. It also required DHHS and the Children’s Commission to prepare legislation that would create a Department of Children’s Services by January 1, 2013. In addition, LB 821 authorized a study and evaluation [...]

As Introduced: The bill requires quarterly reporting to the Legislature on the expenditures of the Division of Children and Family Services (CFS), with any movement of $250,000 or more between programs identified. LB 949 additionally requires CFS to submit a strategic plan with clear performance measures and a report on its ability to meet goals [...]

As Introduced: LB961 required all case management responsibilities to return to DHHS employees by September 1, 2012 including all court-involved and voluntary cases. The bill also required a ten percent reduction in caseloads of employees each year until Nebraska would be compliant with national CWLA standards. The bill also realigns service areas to match district [...]

As Introduced: The bill makes a number of changes and clarifications to statutes relating to child advocacy centers (CACs) and Multidisciplinary Teams (1184 teams): It clarifies the role of Child Advocacy Centers, specifying that their role is both to provide a location for forensic interviews and medical exams of alleged child victims of abuse and [...]

As Introduced: The bill requires DHHS to enter into a written agreement with adoptive parents on the terms of state adoption assistance. The bill also provides that adoption assistance can continue after the death of adoptive parents if the need continues and it’s allowed in the initial terms of agreement or for up to 6 [...]

As Introduced: The bill requires DHHS to report to the Legislature by December 1, 2012 on their plans for implementation and the cost and schematics of a new web-based, statewide automated child welfare data system. The new data system is required to: Improve efficiency for caseworkers and access to key information that correlate with state [...]

As Introduced: The bill would have extended eligibility for foster care services to age 21 in accordance with the Federal Fostering Connections Act of 2008, with the purpose of helping youth successfully transition to adulthood and achieve permanency. Any youth engaged in completing secondary education or an equivalency, postsecondary or vocational education, or a jobs [...]