At Voices for Children, we have begun a journey to investigate race and equity issues in Nebraska and how we can better tell the story of ALL Nebraska kids. In order to do that, we need to take a look at some data and break it down by race. Doing this breakdown…...
Making sure youth get the right services, close to home – LB 561
Children need our care and protection to grow, thrive, and become productive members of our society. When a young person breaks the law, we must respond in a thoughtful way that gives children their best possible chance at success, while still ensuring the safety of our communities. Unfortunately, Nebraska’s juvenile…...
Searching for Justice
This past June, the United States Supreme Court ruled in Miller v. Alabama that the mandatory sentencing of children and youth to life without parole is cruel and unusual punishment, because it ignores the very fact that children are children. Youth are both less culpable for their actions and more…...
By-the-numbers: Juvenile life without parole
Currently in Nebraska, judges are required to sentence youth who commit murder to life without parole, and cannot consider any relating factors such as the child’s age or life circumstances. LB 44, which advanced to Select File today, would allow judges to consider the child’s circumstances when imposing a sentence.…...
Why juvenile justice reform can’t wait
Today marks the 50th of 90 days in this year’s legislative session, and the start of day-long floor debate. In the midst of furiously reading bills and amendments, analyzing fiscal notes, and making sense of negotiations and compromises, it’s sometimes easy to get caught up in the process and forget…...
Choosing the right path: Diverting youth from the Juvenile Justice System
When a young person breaks the law, we have to respond carefully to ensure that each youth is both held accountable for their actions and put on a path towards a bright, productive adulthood. Unfortunately, involvement in the formal juvenile justice system often unnecessarily puts low-risk youth deeper into the…...
