Every day this week, we will provide a in-depth look into the needs of youth in foster care. At the age of 18, Janteice was struggling to support herself, attend school, and work full-time when her case closed without warning. Janteice is now completely on her own and unable to qualify for the Former Ward […]
How the System Fails Youth, Part 3: Too Late to Apply for Former Ward Read More »
Every day this week, we will provide a in-depth look into the needs of youth in foster care. Oscar describes himself as the “average teenager.” He is 19 years old and takes college courses at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. However, Oscar has faced numerous challenges in his life. He was placed in the
How the System Fails Youth, Part 2: Former Ward Denied Services on a Technicality Read More »
Every day this week, we will provide a in-depth look into the needs of youth in foster care. Teens heading out on their own for the first time are bound to make a few blunders along the way, like spending money on something frivolous or prioritizing fun over study time. Most young people have someone
How the System Fails Youth, Part 1: Aging Out of Foster Care Read More »
In October 2010, the Fostering Connections Act made federal funding available to assist states in extending foster care services to youth until age 21. At least 12 states have taken advantage of this unique opportunity to date, and many more are continuing to express interest. Senator Amanda McGill introduced LB 1150 this legislative session in
Extending Foster Care to 21: Next Steps Read More »
Appleseed is a place full of movers and shakers, and over the course of my internship here, I have been moved and shaken. I am constantly shown that people are changing things. Appleseed is uprooting the distressing and unacceptable life conditions that some consider permanent. But here, we know that nothing is permanent except change.
My Experience at Appleseed Read More »
This was a very good week at the Legislature for children in Nebraska and several of the other issues we have prioritized at Nebraska Appleseed. The bill to restore prenatal care, LB 599, passed its final round vote and was presented to the Governor yesterday. And several of Appleseed’s priority bills became law this week.
Legislative Update Read More »
Rebecca L. Gould, Executive Director of the Nebraska Appleseed Center for Law in the Public Interest, issued the following statement today in response to the passage of a package of legislation to reform the state’s child welfare system: “Today, the Nebraska Legislature gave final approval to the remainder of the package of five bills designed
Statement on the Passage of Child Welfare Reform Legislation Read More »
Originally posted by our friends at The Juvenile Law Center The historic legal arguments for and against the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) have concluded. The future of the ACA now rests in the hands of the United States Supreme Court. Tragically, the legal and political wrangling over the Act’s provisions has largely
There has been a good deal of activity at the Legislature on Appleseed’s priority issues since the last update. Here is a quick summary: “Green Lights” In the Capitol’s legislative chamber, there is a large sign listing each Senator’s name. When a Senator votes in favor of a bill, a light next to their name
Legislative Update Read More »
During last week’s first round of debate on the package of child welfare bills, Lincoln Senator Bill Avery noticed the apparent absence of the usual lobbyists in the State Capitol’s rotunda. As noted by Senator Avery, there “are no highly paid lobbyists working on behalf of kids.” While Nebraska Appleseed, Voices for Children, and some
Youth Share Their Experiences and Perspectives with Senators Read More »