The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps, has been targeted with unprecedented cuts in the 2018 federal budget proposed by President Trump. The cuts would shift 25% of SNAP benefit costs to the states, amounting to an estimated $419 million in Nebraska over 10 years. As…...
Nebraska 11th Best State in the Country to be a Kid
Today, the Annie E. Casey Foundation released the 2017 KIDS COUNT Data Book, an annual snapshot of how America’s children and families are faring in every state and across the nation. The indicators tracked by KIDS COUNT reflect a range of milestone and supportive conditions that young people need to succeed…...
Pro-Kid Progress in the 105th Nebraska Legislature
Last week, the Nebraska Legislature adjourned sine die, four days ahead of schedule. In total, 667 bills were introduced and considered by legislators over the course of the session. Each year, Voices for Children sets legislative priorities that are driven by data and research to move the needle for all…...
Nebraska Legislature faces key pro-kid decisions during Child Abuse Prevention Month
Every April, Voices for Children in Nebraska joins advocates and community members from across the country in promoting child and family well-being through National Child Abuse Prevention Month. We all have a role in ensuring that Nebraska is the best place to be a kid. This year’s theme, “Building Community,…...
Emerging Adults: Transition to Adulthood, Conclusions, and Recommendations
The 2016 Kids Count in Nebraska Report includes an in-depth look at the first steps young people take along their transition away from childhood – emerging adulthood. This is a time of profound growth and development coupled with frequent life changes. The decisions made during these years impacts the next…...
New report: Nebraska’s children can’t afford proposed cuts
Last month, the Nebraska Children’s Commission announced the release of the Nebraska Child Welfare Blueprint Report. The report, authored by ChildFocus, outlines a pathway to continue progress in our state’s child welfare system based on interviews with a diverse group of stakeholders, including Voices for Children. The Blueprint reflects on…...
Left Behind By Justice: Children of Incarcerated Parents in Nebraska
Voices for Children in Nebraska’s recent report, Left Behind by Justice: Children of Incarcerated Parents in Nebraska, highlights the devastating and long-term impact parental incarceration has on children and families. The report considers the existing body of research on parental incarceration and includes findings from a number of “community conversations”…...