Nebraska’s Bridge to Independence Program
During the 2013 Nebraska Legislative Session, the Young Adult Bridge to Independence Act, introduced as LB 216 by Senator Amanda McGill, became state law. This Act created the Bridge to Independence (B2I) program, which extends services and support to youth aging out of foster care until they turn 21. This Act also provides extended adoption or guardianship subsidies for youth who were adopted or entered into a guardianship at age 16 or older. For more details, check out our youth-friendly fact sheet or some of our other materials.
Important note: The Bridge to Independence program is administered by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (NDHHS). This website was created and is maintained by Nebraska Appleseed to provide resources for young adults and professionals about the Bridge to Independence program, but does not constitute legal advice and does not represent the official positions of NDHHS.
For Youth and Young Adults
I want to learn more! ▼
Bridge to Independence Fact Sheet – For a quick overview of the program. There is also a “Frequently Asked Questions” section on the second page.
Journey Through B2I – Shows the path young people follow in the B2I program.
Know Your Rights Guide – Get to know your rights in the B2I program and learn what to do if something goes wrong in your case.
Under 19 vs. B2I Hearings – Court hearings are in the B2I program are very different from court hearings in the under 19 foster care system. This fact sheet tells you how!
En Espanol – Nuevas Oportunidades Para Los Jovenes Que Estan Saliendo Del Sistema De Hogares De Crianza
I want to sign up! ▼
Great! If you are eligible for the program, you can sign up for the Bridge to Independence program through your local Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) office. The online application and be found here. Contact DHHS at 402-471-3121 with questions about signing up.
I’m already in the program ▼
Know Your Rights Guide – Get to know your rights in the B2I program and learn what to do if something goes wrong in your case.
B2I Court Questionnaire – Use this to let your judge know how your case is going and to let YOUR VOICE be heard! You can fill it out online and send it in automatically. Word | PDF
TO REQUEST AN EXTRA HEARING, AN ATTORNEY, A CASA VOLUNTEER, AND/OR AN ADMINISTRATIVE APPEAL:
Request a Hearing – Use this form if you want to request an additional hearing. (Young adults might want to ask for an additional hearing for a number of reasons, such as if they are not getting the services they need, if they don’t agree with a decision that was made about their case, or if they have other concerns with how their case is being handled.)
Request an Attorney – Use this form if you want to request an attorney to represent you in the B2I program. (Attorneys in the B2I program advocate for what YOU want – not what they think is best for you. You can contact your attorney whenever you have a problem with your services.)
Request a CASA volunteer (if one is available) – Use this form if you want to request a CASA volunteer to help advocate for you.
DHHS Request for Fair Hearing Form – Use this form to request an administrative appeal if you want to challenge a decision made by DHHS. A hearing will be held by a hearing officer from DHHS to review that decision, where you would be able to speak about why you think the decision was incorrect. Instead of filling out this form, you can also request an administrative appeal by sending a written letter asking for a fair hearing to “Legal Services – Hearing Section, P.O. Box 98914, Lincoln, Nebraska 68509-8914.”
Other Resources ▼
The ACA and You! – A new piece of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) provides Medicaid coverage to youth who age out of foster care until they turn 26! Check out this fact sheet to see if you might be eligible.
Youth Inventory – A quick checklist of the important documents you may need as you begin living on your own.
Transition Proposal Checklist – A longer checklist of the many needs you may have as you learn to live on your know. This checklist covers seven areas: education, employment, health, financial assistance, housing, relationship development, and adult services.
Transition Toolkit – You can fill out this toolkit, with the help of other people you trust, to make sure you are ready to live on your own. This toolkit was created by FosterClub, a national network for young people in foster care, and shortened by Nebraska Appleseed.
Permanency Pact – This is a pact you can fill out with supportive adults in your life. It can help you clarify your relationship and develop mutual expectations. Again, this toolkit was created by FosterClub, a national network for young people in foster care, and shortened by Nebraska Appleseed.
Project Everlast Service Directory: Find out more about the resources that may be able to support you in your area. You can also learn more about Project Everlast Councils at this website!
Powerpoint Presentations ▼
Advocacy 101 – Get the 101 on how to advocate for yourself and others!
Legislative 101 – A step up from Advocacy 101, this presentation covers the basics of the Nebraska Legislature and how a bill becomes a law.
Know Your Rights Jeopardy – This “Special Edition” asks and answers questions about the rights of young adults in the Bridge to Independence Program and under the Affordable Care Act
For Judges, Attorneys, and Professionals
Sample Court Forms ▼
Sample Order and Findings Regarding Voluntary Services and Support Agreement – This sample Order and Findings was created by Nebraska Appleseed for courts to use in making a best interests determination upon a young adult’s entrance into the B2I program. Courts are required to make this determination within 180 days of the young adult and the department entering into a voluntary services and support agreement. Word | PDF
Sample Order and Findings after B2I Permanency Review Hearing – This sample Order and Findings was created by Nebraska Appleseed for courts to use for permanency review hearings in the B2I program. Courts are required to conduct a permanency review hearing at least once per year and at additional times at the request of the young adult, the department, and any other party to the proceeding (within reason). Word | PDF
B2I Court Questionnaire – This link allows young adults in the B2I program to let their judge know how the case is progressing from their point of view (similar to the Youth Court Questionnaire) and directly submit it to the court online. Word | PDF
Other Resources ▼
Medicaid Coverage for Youth Aging Out – This fact sheet about the ACA was created for young adults to provide an overview of the Medicaid category
Policy Brief on Transition Planning – This Policy Brief covers the history of law around transition planning, clearly describes Nebraska’s current law, and addresses best practices in developing a written transition proposal. Several useful resources are included in the appendix. (Visit neappleseed.org/children#transition for more transition planning resources.)
Bridging the Gap: Supporting Youth in the Transition from Foster Care to Adulthood – this 2012 report summarizes data provided as part of Legislative Resolution 537 in an effort to identify gaps in the system of care for youth who age out of foster care in Nebraska. The report also summarizes input from 104 young people and 256 stakeholders about a potential program of extended services and support to age 21 in Nebraska (this was before B2I was created and helped inform the program).
Powerpoint Presentations ▼
This Prezi video shows the history of the passage of LB 216 in Nebraska:
Click here to view the Prezi at your own pace without the voiceover. To learn more about advocacy efforts for LB 216, visit neappleseed.org/children#LB216
