After months of negotiations, Congress has passed an emergency COVID-19 relief package that will provide urgently needed support to Nebraskans. While the passage of this long-awaited relief will provide direct payments, housing assistance, increased support for many families, and more, this bill still falls short of meeting the level of need in our Nebraska communities. […]
Emergency COVID-19 Relief is Only a Start Read More »
Many of the essential protections in the CARES Act, passed in March, have now expired, yet Nebraskans continue to be impacted by the COVID-19 public health crisis. While the U.S. House of Representatives passed the HEROES Act, the Senate has yet to act to provide critical and inclusive relief to thousands of Nebraskans, including Black
TAKE ACTION: Support Crucial COVID-19 Relief Read More »
Over two months ago, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the HEROES Act, which closed gaps in previous relief measures to further support families and communities as they continue to confront the COVID-19 public health crisis. It is far past time for the Senate to act to provide critical and inclusive relief to thousands of
TAKE ACTION: Tell Nebraska’s U.S. Senators to Pass Crucial COVID-19 Relief Read More »
In the midst of a pandemic, our communities have been hit hard by COVID-19, particularly for young people with foster care experience. Many of them are struggling to stay housed, afford food, and are worried about their futures. In Nebraska, we are fortunate to have a program like Bridge to Independence (B2I), which supports young
Take Action: Urge Congress to Support Foster Youth Read More »
Nebraska is currently one of the top states in the nation for census self-response, and we need your help to keep that up, especially in counting communities that often go under-reported, including youth in foster care. Counting children in the 2020 census is so important – these statistics will be used to determine how billions
We Count! How foster families can complete the census together Read More »
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 »