Senators have 17 days to bring COVID-19 relief to Nebraska families

As the Nebraska Legislature reconvenes to finish the last 17 days of its 2020 legislative session, policymakers must meet this unprecedented moment of uncertainty and devastation with immediate relief for families that are struggling to make ends meet.

Coronavirus Resources and Updates

We’re committed to working on policy changes that will bring about the systemic changes that we need to support Nebraska kids. The crisis is a fast-changing situation, and we’ll do our best to update this page with new resources and ways to get involved.

Advocates Urge Action to Protect Youth in Custody

On March 19, Nebraska advocacy organizations and individuals sent a cosigned letter to Nebraska Supreme Court Chief Justice Michael Heavican and Court Administrator Corey Steele, urging planning and action to protect youth who are incarcerated and youth in congregate care group homes from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Stand up for Kids in 2020!

The 2020 legislative session is well underway, and the Voices for Children team has been busy reviewing bills and working to ensure that state lawmakers have what they need to make decisions that best support all Nebraska kids. Check out some bills that would improve the lives of children and families across Nebraska.

The Focus Is on Nebraska Children in New COVID-19 Data Hub

Recognizing the clear need for information about how the coronavirus has affected the lives of Nebraskans, Voices for Children in Nebraska is unveiling a new project, the Nebraska COVID-19 Data Hub to share insights about how children and families have been impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.

The 2019 Kids Count in Nebraska Report is Here!

What does the data tell us about discipline in Nebraska schools? Find out by reading the 2019 Kids Count in Nebraska Report! Order yours today.

For thirty-three years and counting, Voices for Children in Nebraska has used data and research to help policy makers and communities make informed decisions on issues impacting our next generation in the areas of health, child welfare, economic stability, and juvenile justice.

Mission

Voices for Children in Nebraska is the independent voice building pathways to opportunity for all children and families through research, policy, and community engagement.

Vision

We will engage the public and state leaders to build systems removing obstacles and promoting opportunities for all children to lead healthy, secure, and fulfilling lives.

Values

Informed research drives our direction. When a policy is good, we support it; when it is harmful, we fight it; when it is missing, we can create it. Community engagement is how we promote systems change.

Data and Research

The 2019 Kids Count in Nebraska Report provides pertinent information on the well-being of all children in areas of health, education, economic stability, and juvenile justice. This year’s report contains a special commentary on school discipline in Nebraska.

The 2019 Kids Count in Nebraska Report is also available on the Kids Count NEteractive, a searchable, easy-to-navigate resource optimized for use on the go.

Policy

Children are our state’s greatest resource, and the decisions our leaders make about them impact our collective future. Our policy priorities are guided by research, data, and proven best practices that improve child well-being. We pay close attention to the impact of race, socioeconomic status, and geography, and seek to remove barriers to opportunity within these areas: