During the 2013 Legislative session, state senators passed LB 216, a landmark piece of legislation to help remove barriers to health and success for young people who age out of Nebraska’s foster care system. The bill created a voluntary system of services and support for these young people, now known as the Bridge to Independence […]
LB 853 would help young Nebraskans have best chance at success Read More »
On Tuesday, Nebraska Appleseed, together with the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska, the Santee Sioux Nation, the Omaha Tribe of Nebraska and the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska, as members of the Nebraska ICWA Coalition, filed an amici curiae (friends of the court) brief in In re Interest of Shayla H., an Indian Child Welfare Act case
Nebraska ICWA Coalition Files Amici Brief Read More »
With 2014 just around the bend, we are closer than ever to local implementation of a program that has had child welfare advocates buzzing for years. This program, recently titled Bridge to Independence by members of Project Everlast, will voluntarily extend services and support to age 21 for youth aging out of foster care. This
One step closer to Bridge to Independence for youth aging out of foster care Read More »
While Nebraska Appleseed continues to work with state lawmakers and local stakeholders to improve our state’s child welfare system, we also have been following several efforts to address child welfare issues at the federal level. Last week, I attended a gathering of policy advocates in Washington, D.C., hosted by the Annie E. Casey Foundation and
Federal child welfare news Read More »
There has been a lot of talk and excitement recently about the Affordable Care Act (ACA), which will be fully implemented starting January 1, 2014. While the ACA goes a long way in providing Nebraskans with access to affordable and comprehensive coverage, there are a few lesser-known provisions. In particular, youth who age out of
NOTE: Iliana Panameno is a former Nebraska Appleseed intern who is now a graduate student at the Boston University School of Social Work. This summer, I had the opportunity to intern for SCAN of Northern Virginia, through my participation in the Institute of Philanthropy and Voluntary Services. I always knew I wanted to work towards
Appleseed intern learns rewarding lessons in Washington, D.C. Read More »
In the 1970’s the United States had nearly wiped out hunger in our country. So, why are almost 50 million Americans struggling with hunger today? Why are more than 23.5 million kids and teenagers overweight or obese? What triggers and connects these trends? Come to a free showing of “A Place at the Table” and
You’re Invited – Take Your Place at the Table Read More »
As you may recall, the Young Adult Voluntary Services and Support Act was passed by the Nebraska Legislature and signed into law in June. This law creates a young adult-driven, age-appropriate system of services and support to age 21 for young people who age out of foster care. Although the program won’t be officially begin
Update on Services and Support for Young Adults Read More »
Last week, we were pleased to see that two federal courts of appeals — the Fifth and Third Circuit — ruled that discriminatory, anti-immigrant ordinances in Farmers Branch, Texas, and Hazleton, Pennsylvania, were unconstitutional. Both circuit courts found that the ordinance was preempted (overridden) by federal law because they were aimed at excluding immigrants within
Federal courts strike down discriminatory, anti-immigrant laws Read More »
Last Thursday, Nebraska Appleseed’s Child Welfare Team (AKA Sarah, Robbie, and Amy) took to the skies and headed to Washington, D.C., for the American Bar Association’s 15th Bi-Annual National Conference on Children and the Law. The two-day conference focused on emerging policy and systemic reform related to child welfare and offered workshops in the areas
Appleseed CWT takes on D.C. for national children’s conference Read More »