LB 961 changes provisions relating to case management of child welfare services and designation of service areas. The bill proposes limits on contracts and extensions as prescribed and repeals the original sections. It declares that the State of Nebraska has the legal responsibility for children in its custody and accordingly should maintain the decisionmaking authority inherent in direct case management of child welfare services.

Training and longevity of child welfare services case managers and caseworkers directly impact the safety, permanency, and well-being of children receiving child welfare services. Meaningful reform of the system can occur only when competent, skilled case managers and caseworkers educated in evidence-based child welfare best practices are making determinations for the care of, and services to, children and families and providing first-hand, direct nformation for decisionmaking and high-quality evidence to the courts relating to the best interests of the children.

• Health and Human Services

• No amendments of concern

• No additional documents

• No action alerts are associated with this legislation.

Bill History