In 2008, The United Nations designated April 2, as World Autism Awareness Day to raise awareness about the need to support those dealing with autism. Flash forward to today, April 2, 2013, and you will see people across the globe “light it up blue” to raise awareness on how many…...
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…...
Healthy babies are still worth the investment! – Oppose LB 518
Voices for Children is in opposition to LB 518 which would repeal a bill enacted last year to restore prenatal care for all low-income Nebraska babies. Research continues to support the fact that prenatal care is both essential to healthy birth outcomes and cost-effective when compared to the cost of…...
Kids named a policy priority
As the Legislative session reaches its midway point, State Senators and the Standing Committees all have an opportunity to designate their priority bills. Those bills identified as priorities are more likely to make it to the full legislature for debate, and, with any luck, final passage. Most years, we’re lucky…...
An alternative response in child welfare
March 15, 2013 To: Members of the Judiciary Committee From: Sarah Forrest, Policy Coordinator- Child Welfare and Juvenile Justice Re: Support for LB 503 – Implementing an Alternative Response Pilot Project We all want children to grow up protected, safe, and loved. Our child welfare system in Nebraska…...
Individual Development Accounts
All Nebraska families deserve the opportunity to live “the good life,” but for many years, policies that encourage families to build & sustain assets as a means of financial security have left lower income families out. New ways to help families build assets have demonstrated success and are a potential…...
