Sarah Helvey

STATEMENT: Child welfare contract creates concerns for Nebraska families

Child Welfare / By Sarah Helvey / 07/08/2019

***For Immediate Release*** Monday, July 8, 2019 Contact: Magdalena Cazarez Communications Director Office: (402) 438-8853 Ext 119 Cell: (402) 504-0074 mcazarez@neappleseed.org The new child welfare contract creates challenges and concerns for Nebraska Nebraska’s child welfare system should ensure stability for children and families LINCOLN – Last week, the Department of Health and Human Services […]

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Safer families and a healthier future for Nebraska children

Child Welfare / By Sarah Helvey / 11/19/2018

This coming year, Appleseed will continue our fight to strengthen and improve Nebraska’s child welfare system at both the Legislature and through the courts. But one of the biggest priorities in 2019 is to make sure we take advantage of a golden opportunity presented by a new federal law that could improve the prospects of

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Take Action – Stop cuts to Nebraska’s child welfare system

Child Welfare / By Sarah Helvey / 04/04/2017

We’re asking you to Take Action today to stop possible cuts that would weaken the child welfare system. The Nebraska Legislature’s Appropriations Committee is working on their final budget recommendations and may cut funding for programs that have been important for helping Nebraska’s children find permanency and stability in loving homes. Please call or email

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Healthy kids grow into healthier adults

Child Welfare / By Sarah Helvey / 02/15/2017

One of the most-popular parts of our current health insurance system is letting young people be covered by their parents’ insurance until age 26. Having this vital health coverage makes a young person more likely to be financially stable and reduces their chances of facing a large medical cost that can put them in a

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Last chance to pass important Child Welfare bill

Child Welfare / By Sarah Helvey / 12/01/2016

Time is running out to pass the Family First Prevention Services Act (FFPSA) before the U.S. Congress adjourns next week. We’re asking for your help today to make sure this important child welfare bill gets a vote! This is the last chance to pass this Act before the 114th Congress ends. It’s been held up

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Help pass this important Child Welfare bill in Congress

Child Welfare / By Sarah Helvey / 09/20/2016

Research shows the best outcomes for children come when you can keep them together with their parents in their own home. That’s not always possible, but we must make every effort to avoid removing children from their homes – and that includes helping parents during difficult times. An important new bill coming up soon in

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RELEASE – Policy change means more former foster youth eligible for health coverage

Child Welfare / By Sarah Helvey / 03/13/2015

***For Immediate Release*** March 13, 2015 Contact, Sarah Helvey Child Welfare Director, Nebraska Appleseed Office: (402) 438-8853 Mobile: (402) 850-6885 shelvey@neappleseed.org State Clarifies Medicaid Eligibility for Former Foster Youth in Independent Living Approximately 1,000 additional young people now eligible for health coverage LINCOLN — This week, the Nebraska Department of Health and Human

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LB 853 would help young Nebraskans have best chance at success

Child Welfare / By Sarah Helvey / 01/22/2014

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

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Nebraska ICWA Coalition Files Amici Brief

Child Welfare / By Sarah Helvey / 12/18/2013

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

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One step closer to Bridge to Independence for youth aging out of foster care

Child Welfare / By Sarah Helvey / 12/16/2013

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

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