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Our Vision
All children in Nebraska will have protection from physical, emotional and sexual abuse, neglect, and exploitation. When a home situation is unsuitable for a child, that child will be cared for adequately and effectively with the well-being of the child as the top priority.
The Issue
Children in Nebraska can be placed in out-of-home care as a result of abusive or neglectful parental behavior or their own delinquent behavior. Most of these children become wards of the state, but a small number are placed in private residential facilities.
Wards of the state may be placed in foster homes, group homes, treatment facilities or juvenile correction facilities.
Foster Care
Foster care providers are desperately needed. Individual homes are the most ideal environment for children in out-of-home care.
Licensed foster homes are required to pass background checks, interviews, and training. Oftentimes, approved providers are relatives or friends of the child or family and are not required to pass the same process. Learn More
The Foster Care Review Board monitors and reviews cases of children who have been in out-of-home care for six months or longer. It also issues reports on the status of children in Nebraska’s system.
Permanency and Adoption
Adoption is the best permanency plan for children who cannot be safely returned to their biological family.
Recent legislation improved the process for families to adopt children who are state wards, which has increased the number of adoptions dramatically. Learn More
What We Are Doing
 Promoting Positive Legislation
- In 2000, Voices for Children in Nebraska helped to pass a bill that provides financial assistance to families adopting children who are state wards.
- In 1998, Voices for Children helped to pass legislation which allows adoptive parents a leave of absence from work upon commencement of the parent-child relationship.
- Voices for Children continues working to make the foster care system more efficient and effective.
What You Can Do
- If appropriate, consider adoption or becoming a foster parent.
- Report suspicions of children in unsafe homes. The Child Abuse Hotline is 800-652-1999.
- Know where your political candidates stand on foster care and adoption and make informed voting decisions.
- Write to your legislator regarding important issues. See our Legislative Agenda.
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9,235
children in out-of-home care
Source: Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, 2008
55.22%
of children in foster care have experienced four or more placements
Source: State Foster Care Review Board, 2008
572
adoptions of state wards
Source: Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, 2008
Issue Brief: Child Welfare
Kids Count 2007 Report
Related Links
Nebraska Foster Care Review Board http://www.fcrb.state.ne.us
Foster Care Licensing (DHHS)
Adoption (DHHS)
Child Welfare League
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