Policy Agenda
Child Welfare
Voices for Children advocates for policies that empower families, build more resilient communities, and prevent child abuse and neglect. Our efforts focus on creating a more effective child welfare system that strengthens the well-being of Nebraska’s children and their families at every stage.
2026 Policy Agenda
Below is a list of Voices for Children’s priority child welfare legislation for the 109th Legislature, second session. We will provide live updates on these bills throughout the session and you can find links to each bill’s landing page below. You can also watch the Nebraska Legislature Live, where you will have direct access to active committee and legislative hearings, as well as scheduled live streams.
Want to make a difference for Nebraska kids? Get involved by reaching out to us or contacting your state senator.
Other Policy Focus Areas:
2026 Priority Legislation: Child Welfare
Require a study to improve reporting and investigation of missing Black women and children
Introducer: Senator Spivey
Status: Introduced 01/07/2026
Voices for Children Position: Support
Adopt the Youth Early Intervention and Support Act
Introducer: Senator McKinney
Status: Introduced 01/08/2026
Voices for Children Position: Support
Require notifications by the Department of Health and Human Services to fictive kin of a child who has been removed from the home
Introducer: Senator von Gillern
Status: Introduced 01/09/2026
Voices for Children Position: Support
Provide for recognition and enforcement of tribal customary adoptions under the Nebraska Indian Child Welfare Act and related laws
Introducer: DeBoer
Status: Introduced 01/14/2026
Voices for Children Position: Support
Adopt the Child Placement Services Preservation Act
Introducer: Murman
Status: Introduced 01/14/2026
Voices for Children Position: Oppose
Legislative Resources
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