COVID-19 Resources for Families and Older Youth in the Child Welfare System While there are many concerns to be addressed during this unprecedented time for families at risk of entering the child welfare system as well as those already system-involved, there are resources available for young people who have aged out of the foster care …
COVID-19 Resources for Older Youth in the Child Welfare System Read More »
In 2013, the Nebraska Legislature passed the Young Adult Voluntary Services and Supports Act to better support young adults who exited foster care in “transitioning to adulthood, becoming self-sufficient, and creating permanent relationships. This created Nebraska’s Bridge to Independence (b2i) program, which was structured through the input of many young advocates with former foster care …
Five years of victories for the Bridge to Independence Program Read More »
Voices for Children Report highlights race equity lens in Nebraska’s child welfare system All children and families deserve an equal opportunity to a brighter future Our friends at Voices for Children in Nebraska recently released their report, Equity Before the Law: Race & Ethnicity in the Front End of Nebraska’s Child Welfare System. This report …
Families of color experience negative outcomes per Nebraska’s Voices for Children report Read More »
As Foster Care Awareness Month wraps up, we want to make sure foster parents, caregivers, and young people in foster care are aware of an opportunity in Nebraska to make your voice heard in court. For foster parents For young person in foster care Are you a foster parent or caregiver to a young …
Foster Care Awareness Month – Making your voice heard in court Read More »
The Nebraska Legislature’s Health and Human Services Committee heard testimony March 7 on two bills introduced by Sen. Kate Bolz that would make a profound difference for Nebraska children and families. LB 332: Closing gaps in support for young people entering adulthood The first child welfare bill discussed, LB 332, would allow more young adults …
How two bills add up to countless opportunities for Nebraska children Read More »
Nebraska is a state where we strive to take care of our young people and want them to have a real opportunity to live productive and healthy lives, supporting them as they transition into adulthood. A new report form the Annie E. Casey Foundation – Future Savings – discusses opportunities to uphold this commitment for …
A pivotal time: Supporting young people as they enter adulthood Read More »
Yesterday the Judiciary Committee of the Nebraska Legislature heard testimony on a bill that would remove barriers that stand in the way of young people in foster care learning to drive and getting their driver’s license. Learning how to drive and obtaining a driver’s license are not only exciting achievements but also necessities for young …
Removing Barriers to Driving for Youth in Foster Care Read More »
Every Nebraska child should have a safe and loving family. Our state’s foster and adoptive parents play this essential role every day to make sure children are cared about and provided for. But right now, Nebraska kids who are in need of these safe, loving homes are being threatened by discrimination that our state has …
Tell Congress to say “NO” to federal foster/adoption discrimination Read More »
Earlier this month we shared a blog about the state of child welfare in Nebraska when reports were released calling for reform after the investigations of the death, serious injury and sexual assault of children in foster care. Nebraska State Senators have continued to take a stand and call for reforms through the introduction of …
State Senators introduce Nebraska child welfare reform package Read More »
At Nebraska Appleseed we advocate for policies and practices that help prevent families from becoming involved with the foster care system. For the times when the support of the system may be needed – when children enter foster care – the state becomes their guardian and takes on the responsibility of ensuring their safety and …