OIG oversight of juvenile justice system amended, advanced

A bill designed to change oversight of the state’s juvenile justice system advanced from general file March 24.

Under LB347, introduced by Sen. Bob Krist of Omaha, the Office of the Inspector General of Nebraska Child Welfare (OIG) also would oversee the juvenile justice system. Currently, the OIG conducts audits, inspections and other reviews of the state’s child welfare system.

Krist said the bill is part of the significant juvenile justice reforms established by the Legislature in 2012. The improved accountability and transparency provided by the OIG would benefit the state, he said, by helping to keep Nebraska’s youth out of correctional facilities.

A Judiciary Committee amendment, adopted 33-0, would authorize the OIG and state Foster Care Review Office to access confidential records and allow the OIG access to video testimony by a child victim or witness describing sexual assault or abuse. The amendment also would permit courts to identify the OIG as an entity permitted to disclose confidential information.

The bill advanced to select file on a 32-0 vote.