In Nebraska we pride ourselves on having built the good life for our kids and families. Nebraskans can be proud of having made wise investments that have helped our state, children, and families weather recent tough times better than most. Unfortunately, when it comes to juvenile justice, we have a…...
Improving Foster Care and Extending the Nebraska Children’s Commission – Support for LB 530
In February 2013, 3,762 Nebraska children and youth who were state wards were in out-of-home care.[1] While Nebraska should continue to take steps to reduce the removal of children from their homes, we also have a responsibility to ensure that children who are removed from their homes live in quality,…...
Fairer Sentencing Ahead?
Late on Friday afternoon, the Judiciary Committee began considering how Nebraska will sentence children and youth involved in very serious crimes. Nebraska is one of 29 states that have a mandatory sentence of life without parole for certain crimes, even if the person accused is an adolescent. This past…...
End juvenile life without parole – Support LB 44
All children deserve and need society’s protection to grow into healthy, productive adults. Even children who commit serious crimes are still children. We should respond to youth crime in a thoughtful and effective way that preserves community safety, contributes to Nebraska’s future prosperity, and gives children the protection they…...
Neutral Testimony on LB22 & LB212: Modifications to the Parenting Act
Yesterday, Voices for Children testified on LB 22 & LB 212 in a neutral capacity. Supporting equal parenting time in cases of divorce is important, yet we have concerns over some possible unintended consequences these bills may have. Here is the written testimony we presented to the Judiciary committee:...
LB 216: Extending Supports and Services for State Wards to 21
Today, Voices for Children testified in support of LB 216, which voluntarily extends foster care services to age 21 for state wards. Here is our written testimony to the Health and Human Services Committee: January 31, 2013 To: Members of the Health and Human Services Committee From: Sarah Forrest,…...
LB 265: Improving Kinship Care in Nebraska
When children cannot remain safely with their own parents, the best place for them is often with adults whom they know, love, and trust. Research has shown that living with relatives or other close family friends minimizes children’s sense of loss after parental separation, increases stability in children’s lives, often…...
