As introduced: Any child may now be adopted by any adult person or by two people jointly, regardless of their marital status.  Any parent of a child may consent to the adoption of that child by the parent’s spouse or by another adult who will share the parental responsibilities for…...

As introduced: When determining the suitability of placement, family participation and/or issuing a foster care license, the Department of Health and Human Services will not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, identity, disability, marital status, or national origin.  Instead, all placement decisions will be based…...

As introduced: All individuals are allowed a credit against the income tax imposed by the NE Revenue Act of 1967 for taxable years beginning January 1, 2013, there shall be a refundable credit for adoption and guardianship costs in the amount equal to 50% of the qualified costs paid or…...

As introduced: Defines alternative response as a comprehensive assessment of the risk of subsequent abuse or neglect, family strengths and needs, and the provision of a referral for necessary services and does not include an investigation or formal determination as to whether child abuse or neglect has occurred. Investigation was…...

As introduced: Eligible former foster youth can voluntarily elect to extend case management and other services (including Medicaid, housing assistance and educational assistance) though DHHS.  Under the federal Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act of 2008, Title IV-E eligibility can be extended until a former foster youth reaches…...

As introduced: Broadens the allowable placement of children involved in the child welfare system by permitting DHHS or another child placing agency by redefining the definition of foster homes. Kinship home are defined as homes where the caretaker has lived with the child(ren) in care or has had a significant…...

As introduced: By July 1, 2013, the Division of Children and Families Services of DHHS shall implement the reimbursement rate recommendations of the Foster Care Reimbursement Rate Committee as reported to the Legislature.  The Division of Children and Families Services shall develop a pilot project to implement the standardized level…...

As introduced: In the case where the accused was younger than age 18 when (s)he allegedly committed a felony or misdemeanor, the county attorney or city attorney shall file the indictment as a juvenile court petition with the juvenile court and:      (a) if the alleged crime is a misdemeanor…...