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
The state of Child Welfare in Nebraska Read More »
In This Issue Policy Spotlight: The Foster Youth and Driving Act Court Opinions: In re Interest of Carmelo G., Jill B. and Travis B. v. State Legislative Actions: 2017 Child Welfare Interim Studies Policy Spotlight Advocates and lawmakers across the nation have been working to reduce the barriers faced by youth in foster care when
Foster Care Reform Update – The Foster Youth and Driving Act Read More »
Research has shown the connection between foster care and homelessness – one study found that of more than 800 youth who were homeless in 11 cities — including Omaha — half spent time in foster care. This report also found nearly 30 percent of the homeless youth had identified as lesbian, gay, bisexual and 7 percent
Foster care, homelessness, and the LGBT community – how does it all connect? Read More »
May is National Foster Care Month. In 1988, President Ronald Reagan issued the first Presidential proclamation that established May as National Foster Care Month. This month, Nebraska Appleseed will be publishing a series of blogs on the work we do, alongside young adult advocates, to improve Nebraska’s foster care system. Nebraska Appleseed works with government
Foster Care Month is here! Read More »
Last week was a busy week! The Affordable Care Act was maintained by Congress, thanks to the advocacy of people all over the country. Debates also continued in the Nebraska Legislature on voting rights, mandatory minimums, human trafficking and much more. Something we don’t want you to miss, however, was the advancement of a number
Nebraska Legislature considers child welfare reforms Read More »
This month, the federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program turned 20, which makes now a good time to look at how the program is working to help fight poverty for working families. TANF is the only federal program that provides cash assistance to low-income families with children, and recently, new information has been
TANF funding for poverty and child welfare Read More »
This summer, 12 young adults who were formerly in foster care, as a part of congressional internships though Foster Youth Internship Program, released policy recommendations on how to improve the foster care system. Twenty-two year old Kristopher Wannquist made recommendations surrounding extended foster care, a program that was established in Nebraska in 2014 called Bridge
Extended foster care helps smooth transition to adulthood Read More »