Kinship Care in Nebraska
A panel discussion
featuring new national research from the Annie E. Casey Foundation
When: Wednesday, May 23
6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Where: Nebraska Children’s Home Society
4939 S. 118th Street
Omaha, Nebraska 68137
Panelists include:
- State Senator Kathy Campbell, Chairperson of the Health and Human Services Committee
- Judge Lawrence Gendler, Sarpy County Juvenile Court
- Glendora Patterson, Nebraska Children’s Home Society
- Randie Hardiman, Birth Grandparent
- Sierra Valentine, Project Everlast
- Lisa Lechowicz, Kinship Care Provider
- Release of a new national policy report from the Annie E. Casey Foundation, Stepping up for Kids: What Government and Communities Should Do to Support Kinship Families, along with Nebraska specific data
Refreshments provided
RSVP below or by calling (402) 597-3100.
Over the past decade the number of children living with grandparents, other relatives, and close family friends has significantly increased nationally and in Nebraska. The rise of this long-time practice, known as kinship care, demands immediate attention, according to the new Annie E. Casey Foundation report, Stepping Up for Kids: What Government and Communities Should Do to Support Kinship Families, scheduled to be released on May 23. Many family members and friends who take on parental responsibilities with their often-limited incomes struggle to meet the basic needs of children — a problem that could be alleviated with increased access to and awareness of government and community programs.
Kinship families play a critical role in protecting and nurturing children who experience the trauma of parental separation and other hardships. With 14,000 Nebraska children (a 27% increase from a decade ago), and 22% of the state’s foster children living in kinship care, supporting these families is essential to children’s healthy development and safety.
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Harold Heilig says
October 9, 2015 at 2:54 pmHi, i took in my 2 nephews Michael and Jayden Josoff. I was in search of some financial assistance if possible. Our case worker is Cassandra Fisher with NFC. Mother Tricia Josoff the is in rehab for atleast next 30 days, and father of the boys Michael Josoff has a warrant for domestic assualt. Is there anything that can help us out?
Julia Tse says
October 23, 2015 at 9:33 amHi Harold,
We do not provide any direct service here at Voices, but you can use this searchable database provided by United Way here: http://www4.irissoft.com/IFTWSQL4/uwml/public.aspx or call 211. We hope this helps! It may also be helpful to discuss this with your caseworker to see if she can provide you with additional specific information.