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TANF Participation Declining Despite Rising Poverty Levels

  Enacted as part of the 1996 “welfare reform”, the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Program (TANF), is one of various public assistance programs designed to assist low-income families in meeting their basic needs.  It is also an important tool for keeping families together and keeping kids out of the…...

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2015 Spotlight Gala — Nonprofit Award

  Everyday there are individuals and organizations who find unique ways to reach out, serve and advocate for the best interests of children. Each year, Voices for Children chooses to highlight four such individuals and organizations at our annual Spotlight Gala. We are proud to announce Project Harmony as Voices…...

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Legislative Resolutions 2015

  While most of our work during the legislative session focuses on legislative bills, we also keep an eye on legislative resolutions with the potential to impact the lives of Nebraska children. Legislative resolutions are formal, written motions that can be adopted by the Legislature. Resolutions can create committees and…...

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Increasing Health Care Coverage for Nebraska Children

Health insurance coverage is particularly important for children and can ensure that they receive routine check-ups as well as preventive care and treatment. Nationally, 88.3% of children and youth who are eligible to receive coverage from CHIP or Medicaid are actually enrolled. Nebraska falls just under this average at 88.1%…...

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Proposed Standards for Guardians ad Litem

Child welfare proceedings in Nebraska are titled “In the Interest of X,” where X is the name of the child.  Court jurisdiction is taken not by virtue of a charge against the parent, per se, but because there is a child whose needs are not being met.  The parties all…...

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2015 Spotlight Gala – Honorary Family

  For the past 10 years, Voices for Children in Nebraska has been fortunate to connect with amazing families serving in the role of Spotlight Gala – Honorary Family. We choose these families based on their dedication to improving the lives of children and their commitment to the power of…...

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New Report Examines Longitudinal Data on Participation in Public Programs

Public programs are intended to provide a temporary safety net for struggling families.  A report recently released by the United States Census Bureau takes a look at the characteristics and participation rates of individuals who utilize public programs including Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Housing Assistance, Supplemental Security Income…...

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Legislative Update: Sine Die 2015

Last week, the 2015 Legislative Session officially came to a close.  With 18 new Senators, this year brought a lot of changes and we are pleased to say that it also resulted in progress for Nebraska kids and families.  This year, Voices for Children testified on 47 different bills and…...

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Keeping Nebraska’s Kids in Family Homes

Yesterday, Voices for Children hosted a lunch and learn event at the State Capitol highlighting the Annie E. Casey report “Every Kid Needs a Family.”  Panelists discussed the report and recommendations, and highlighted efforts already underway in Nebraska to keep at-risk children in the environment where they are best supported…...

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Race Matters Update and Next Steps

A big and long overdue thank you to all of those who attended the statewide Race Matters conference held in December 2014 hosted by Voices for Children in Nebraska in conjunction with  the Partners for Race and Equity in Nebraska. The objective of the conference was to utilize data from our 2014…...

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