Yesterday, the Legislature voted 40-0 to give first round approval to LB 177, a bill that would place key provisions of the federal Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act into state statute. This bill would strengthen the enforcement and local implementation of requirements to prioritize placement of children in foster care with their […]
State Fostering Connections Bill Advances Read More »
Yesterday, the Nebraska Supreme Court heard arguments in an appeal of a juvenile court’s order holding HHS in contempt for failure to provide counseling services as ordered for a child in an out-of-home placement. In this case, HHS also questioned the authority of juvenile courts to hold HHS responsible for payments by HHS’s lead contractor
Enforcing Court Orders in the Best Interests of Children Read More »
There are incredible children in my life. My little friends draw me pictures of reindeer and teach me how to do pirouettes. They remind me about what really matters – things like friends, family, good teachers, and afterschool snacks. The kids in my life don’t know what an appropriation is or what the term revenue
Prioritizing Families in Nebraska’s State Budget Read More »
At Appleseed we have long worked on programs that help people work. Often called “work supports,” these are the things in our lives that make it possible for us to go to work and maintain our jobs. One clear example is child care. Having a safe place for our children to go while we work
Maintaining a Family’s Health and Stability Read More »
Today’s blog post focuses on how young adults benefit from reforms in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA), which was signed into law one year ago this week. As of September 2010, the ACA required all health plans that provide dependent coverage for children to allow parents to keep their adult children who
Health Reform Protects the “Young Invincibles” Read More »
On Tuesday, the HHS Committee voted 7-0 to advance LB 95, a bill to require accreditation of lead contractors, with an amendment calling for a moratorium on returning to privatization in the central, northern and western service areas of the state until June 2012. Essentially, this would prevent the state from contracting with a new
Proposed Legislative Moratorium on Child Welfare Privatization Read More »
Yesterday, the Nebraska Supreme Court heard arguments in a case involving whether to place a child in foster care in Nebraska with her siblings in Minnesota. Appleseed filed an amicus curiae (“friend of the court”) brief in this case because we think it has the potential to set an important precedent regarding the right of
Supreme Court to Decide Rights of Siblings in Foster Care Read More »
In good times and in bad, families and communities remain priorities for Nebraska. The economic downturn has had an impact on state budgets and on family budgets, and our state leaders are facing difficult choices in the 2011 legislative session. In spite of this challenge, several bills that are positive for families are gaining momentum.
Smart Choices, Silver Linings Read More »
Alex Gibilisco is a Junior at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and an intern this semester at Nebraska Appleseed. Alex immigrated with his family to the United States from Guatemala at the age of 10. Alex submitted the following testimony to the Legislature’s Education Committee Monday, February 7 in opposition to LB 657, which would repeal
A Personal Reflection on Nebraska’s In-State Tuition Law Read More »
Last week, Voices for Children in Nebraska released their 2010 Kids Count in Nebraska report. This valuable report tracks the status of children in Nebraska using the best available data across several key indicators including educational, social, economic and physical well-being. This year’s Kids Count report includes a special feature on Children’s Behavioral Health in
Voices for Children’s Kids Count Report Illuminates Children’s Behavioral Health Needs Read More »