When does a kid become an adult? Does it magically happen on their 18th birthday? When they graduate from high school? When they get their first job? When they’re financially independent of their parents? Here in Nebraska, and throughout the United States, our laws often struggle to answer that…...
Treating Kids Differently
Kids are different than adults. On its surface that’s a fairly simple, obvious statement. If you’ve spent any time around children of any age whether they’re cute, tiny babies, precocious preschoolers, or teenagers giving you attitude, you know it’s true. Not only do kids look different than adults, they act…...
A System of Care for Nebraska
Last week, the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services held an initial stakeholder meeting on planning for a “System of Care” for Nebraska kids with behavioral health issues. Several challenges over the past few years have brought to light the need to better serve Nebraska youth and families facing…...
The First 8 Years Policy Report
Yesterday, the Annie E. Casey Foundation released a new policy report “The First Eight Years: giving kids a foundation for lifetime success.” This report highlights the importance of investing in young children during crucial brain development stages to set them up for success later in life. It has been shown…...
Hearing Looks at Nebraska Spending on Low-Income Families
On Friday, the Health and Human Services Committee held a hearing to look at how Nebraska is spending funds under the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, or TANF, program. TANF is a federal block grant program to provide short-term help to families in need. The four federally-established goals of TANF…...
SNAP Benefits to be Cut November 1st
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also known as SNAP or food stamps, serves as an important buffer against the increasing prevalence of child hunger. Under the SNAP program, funds are provided to purchase food and the benefit amount is determined by a number of variables including income, family size and…...
