For Immediate Release
January 6, 2016
Contact, Jeff Sheldon
Communications Director, Nebraska Appleseed
(402) 438-8853 (office)
(402) 840-7289 (cell)
jsheldon@neappleseed.org
Appleseed Statement on LB 746, the Nebraska Strengthening Families Act
New bill will implement a federal law that clears barriers for foster youth to have important developmental experiences
LINCOLN — Today, Nebraska Appleseed Child Welfare Director Sarah Helvey released the following statement on the introduction of LB 746, the Nebraska Strengthening Families Act, by State Senator Kathy Campbell.
“Children and youth in foster care should have access to the same age-appropriate experience growing up that other kids do,” Helvey said. “LB 746, the Nebraska Strengthening Families Act, introduced today by Senator Campbell, will allow kids in foster care to be kids, which we know is important to their healthy social development.
“This bill will help implement the federal Strengthening Families Act in our state, and among other things, will give foster parents the support and freedom to make day-to-day decisions for the children in their care, with consideration of each individual child and young person’s needs and preferences, so that they can participate in normal childhood activities. We are proud to support this bill, which reflects the input of youth and other stakeholders, and encourage our State Senators to give it their full support as well.”
# # #