Last week, the Nebraska Legislature adjourned sine die, marking the end of this year’s legislative session. Each year, Voices for Children works to set legislative priorities, driven by data and research, to make Nebraska the best place to be a kid. Here’s a recap of how kids fared this session.…...
Equality Before the Law: Race and Ethnicity in Nebraska’s Juvenile Justice System
All youth involved in the juvenile justice system deserve equal access to appropriate treatment in order to become healthy, law-abiding adults. Responding to problematic behaviors in an age-appropriate way is important to ensure all youth have the best opportunities to succeed. However, both in Nebraska and nationally, the data show…...
Voices for Children Testimony on LB 158
Voices for Children policy coordinator Juliet Summers testified in support of LB 158, a bill to change provisions relating to appointment of counsel to juveniles. Read her full testimony below or go here for a printable version of Voices for Children’s testimony on LB 158. To: Chairwoman Ebke and Members…...
Voices for Children testimony on LB 11
Today, Voices for Children Policy Coordinator Juliet Summers testified on LB 11, a bill to change provisions related to transfer of juvenile cases. You can read our entire LB 11 testimony below. For a printable version of our testimony, click here. To: Members of the Judiciary Committee From: Juliet Summers,…...
Voices for Children Testimony on LB 8
Today, Policy Coordinator Juliet Summers testified on LB 8, legislation that would provide for graduated response incentives and sanctions relating to juvenile probation. You can read our entire LB 8 testimony below. For a printable version of our testimony, click here. To: Members of the Judiciary Committee From: Juliet…...
Voices Releases 2016 Vote Kids Candidate Survey
Child policy issues often receive little discussion within campaigns and elections. This is not because candidates and the public do not care about the issues. They do. But child policy issues often do not lend themselves to simple sound bites. They are not considered “hot button” issues that shape many…...
Voices for Children Releases 2016 Legislative Scorecard
Since 2012, Voices for Children has produced a scorecard at the end of each legislative biennium, tracking every senator’s votes on a broad range of issues related to kids. Nebraska’s 104th Legislature adjourned in April after the second session of its biennium, and over the course of those two years,…...