***For Immediate Release***
Tuesday, December 22, 2020
Contact: Magdalena Cazarez
Communications Director, Nebraska Appleseed
O: (402) 438-8853 ext. 119
C: (402) 504-0074
mcazarez@neappleseed.org
Child Welfare Case Management in the Eastern Service Area Causes Concerns for Stability and Equity
All youth and families in Nebraska’s child welfare system deserve stability and equitable access to supportive services and care
Lincoln, NE — In recent weeks, reports alleging significant financial mismanagement at Saint Francis Ministries, the current lead agency with a 5-year contract for child welfare case management services in the Eastern Service Area, have come to light. In the fall of 2019, Nebraska Appleseed, on behalf of our client, filed a lawsuit against state officials and Saint Francis, challenging the constitutionality of the statute authorizing privatization to continue in the Eastern Service Area, and taxpayer dollars being spent in furtherance of it. The case is still in the discovery, or evidence collection, phase.
Nebraska Appleseed Child Welfare Program Director, Sarah Helvey, issued the following statement:
“Our client continues to support and advocate for a child welfare system that is equitable and stable, and one that ensures children and families have equitable access to quality supports and services, statewide. We remain concerned about the stability, continuity of care, and equitable access to supportive services and care for all children and families interacting with Nebraska’s child welfare system, including in the Eastern Service Area.”
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