I recently marked my 3rd anniversary at Voices for Children in Nebraska. During my tenure at Voices for Children, one topic has dominated the child welfare conversation: Nebraska’s habit of making children state wards and relying on out-of-home care. For years, Nebraska has had one of the highest rates…...
Child Welfare’s Changing Front Door
In case you missed it, there’s some very good news coming from Nebraska’s child welfare system: fewer children are becoming state wards and we’re keeping more families together successfully. Last week, we highlighted this good news, but with a promise to dig a little deeper into all of the changes…...
A closer look at Nebraska’s child welfare progress
It wasn’t too long ago that newspapers across our state were full of bad news about Nebraska’s child welfare system and reform efforts. The front pages were full of tales of constant turmoil, transition, fiscal mismanagement, and few improvements in how kids and families were actually faring. If you’ve been…...
Camp Catch Up
Hiking. Fishing. Kayaking. Staying up late. Making s’mores around a campfire and singing camp songs. Unplugging from technology to reconnect with nature. While these activities are the same ones offered at many summer camps across the country, Camp Catch Up is unique. Offered in 3 locations across the state—Fremont…...
“One size fits all” doesn’t work for child welfare
When it comes to keeping children safe and providing the best possible outcomes for youth in care, one size does not fit all. The alternative response model allows child welfare agencies to divert cases to different response paths in order to address the individual needs of the family. Under our…...
New path for crossover youth
Achieving positive outcomes for youth involved in the child welfare system can be challenging, as is achieving positive outcomes for youth who have been involved in delinquent behaviors. The challenges become even greater for youth who have been maltreated AND were convicted of a juvenile crime. This group is commonly…...
A new approach on domestic violence research
Witnessing domestic violence or intimate partner violence (IPV) is harmful to children. The popular belief is that women are the victims of IPV and men are the perpetrators. Yet a comprehensive review of domestic violence research is challenging that notion. The study suggests that “women perpetrate physical and emotional abuse, as well…...
