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
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 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 »
The passage of “The Young Adult Voluntary Services and Support Act” – LB 216 – was a huge victory this year for young people who age out of foster care, as well as child welfare advocates and supporters. This Thursday, you’re invited to join Appleseed and other child welfare advocates at Urban Abbey to learn
Celebrate a child welfare success story Thursday Read More »
As mentioned in our last blog, this week’s premier of the new ABC Family television show “The Fosters” covered a diverse range of topics, including same-sex parenting, multi-ethnic family dynamics, unreported foster home abuse, placement/school instability, the strength of sibling relationships, and an unhealthy meeting with a biological parent. Basically everything but the kitchen sink.
Reviewing “The Fosters” – Playing by the (unwritten) rules Read More »
Yesterday, the Nebraska Legislature passed LB 216 on a vote of 44-2. LB 216 will allow Nebraska to join more than a dozen other states in taking an option under the federal Fostering Connections Act to create a program of voluntary services and support to age 21 for young people who age out of foster
LB 216 will make a difference – thank you Read More »
Today, the Legislature passed LB 216, the bill to extend voluntary services and support to age 21 for young people who age out of foster care. The bill passed 44-2 on Final Reading. This is wonderful news and will impact hundreds of young Nebraskans. Thank you for all you have done to make this happen!
Take Action: Thank senators for passing LB 216 Read More »
Groups of young Nebraskans waiting in the Capitol lobby to speak with senators has become a regular occurrence this legislative session when LB 216, the bill to extend voluntary services and support to age 21 for young people who age out of foster care, is a topic of discussion. Tuesday was no different, with members
One Step Closer to a Bright Future Read More »
Monday, young people with experience in foster care teamed up with legislators and child welfare experts from across the country to head to Washington D.C., and help launch Success Beyond 18, a national campaign of the Jim Casey Youth Opportunities Initiative to create a better path for young people transitioning from foster care to adulthood.
Success Beyond 18 launches to give young people a better path to success Read More »