As Introduced: The bill requires DHHS to enter into a written agreement with adoptive parents on the terms of state adoption assistance. The bill also provides that adoption assistance can continue after the death of adoptive parents if the need continues and it’s allowed in the initial terms of agreement…...
LB 1160: Reporting and Data Requirements for Child Welfare
As Introduced: The bill requires DHHS to report to the Legislature by December 1, 2012 on their plans for implementation and the cost and schematics of a new web-based, statewide automated child welfare data system. The new data system is required to: Improve efficiency for caseworkers and access to key…...
LB 1150: Extend Optional Foster Care Services to 21
As Introduced: The bill would have extended eligibility for foster care services to age 21 in accordance with the Federal Fostering Connections Act of 2008, with the purpose of helping youth successfully transition to adulthood and achieve permanency. Any youth engaged in completing secondary education or an equivalency, postsecondary or…...
LB 933: Change Provisions Related to Reporting of Absences and Truancy
As Introduced: The bill requires the school district review cases of 20 or more absences with the county attorney and a determination if any additional action is necessary. The bill would also remove the county attorneys’ responsibility to file a motion in court for these absences, instead replacing it with…...
LB 972: Make Changes to Nebraska’s Youth Rehabilitation and Treatment Centers
As Introduced: The bill would have placed the YRTCs under the administration of Nebraska’s Department of Correctional Services rather than the Department of Health and Human Services, breaking apart the responsibilities of DHHS’ Office of Juvenile Services. As Amended: The bill no longer transfers the YRTCs to the Department…...
LB 985: Establish the Nebraska Juvenile Services Pilot Project
As Introduced: The bill establishes a juvenile services pilot project to be carried out by the Office of Probation, and an evaluation of the project to be completed by the University of Nebraska Medical Center’s College of Public Health. The project will aim to serve juveniles in their communities, prevent…...
LB 981: Fund Renovations at YRTC – Kearney
As Introduced: The bill would have provided funding for renovations of the two living units’ dormitories at the YRTC-Kearney, so that youth can have a more private, home-like environment that is conducive to rehabilitation. Introducing Senator: Ashford, Hadley Committee: Appropriations Committee Hearing Date: February 6, 2012...
Legislature sets the stage for juvenile justice reform
A great deal of public attention has been focused on Nebraska’s child welfare system’s flaws over the past few years. Our juvenile justice system, which actually serves just as many vulnerable children and families, has received comparatively little. Yet data show that youth in our juvenile justice system are often…...
One giant leap for child welfare reform?
For over two years Nebraska’s vulnerable children and families, social workers, service providers, and court stakeholders have been stuck. They’ve been stuck in a constantly changing system, enduring sudden transition after sudden transition, newspaper story after newspaper story, contract amendment after contract amendment. Nebraska’s child welfare system was struggling long…...
Child welfare bills advance
For years, Nebraska’s child welfare system has been broken and underfunded. Children and families have been repeatedly let down, and over the past few years of privatization have faced increased instability and turmoil in their already uncertain lives. Yesterday, Nebraska’s Legislature took leadership and advanced a number of bills aimed at…...
