Legislative oversight of child welfare reform advanced

Lawmakers adopted a resolution Feb. 7 that would provide legislative oversight of the recent child welfare reform initiative undertaken by the state Department of Health and Human Services.

In July 2009, HHS selected six private entities as lead agencies to implement the reform initiatives, which privatized some services to children and families. Currently, only two lead agencies remain under contract with HHS to assist with implementing reforms.

Lincoln Sen. Kathy Campbell, chairperson of the Health and Human Services Committee, said interim hearings about privatization efforts raised several concerns about the process, including:

• failure to pay providers and foster parents fully and promptly;
• confusion about division of responsibilities;
• lack of quality care and training;
• lack of documentation in records; and
• absence of long-term planning to sustain the child welfare reform initiative and ensure the safety and protection of Nebraska’s children.

LR37 is the result of those concerns, Campbell said, and would grant the Health and Human Services Committee oversight of the reform process. Under the resolution, the committee would be designated to review, investigate and assess the effect of the child welfare reform initiative, and would have the ability to issue subpoenas and depose witnesses.

“What is happening with the child welfare system just isn’t good enough,” Campbell said. “This is a huge program that affects abused and neglected children across the state.”

Omaha Sen. Gwen Howard supported the resolution, citing concern over the diminishing number of resources to serve children. Several group homes have closed in recent months, she said, including the Believe in Me Ranch in Kearney and several Boys and Girls Home facilities.

“These children are state wards,” Howard said. “These children are the responsibility of everybody in this body.”

Sen. Annette Dubas of Fullerton also supported the measure, saying lawmakers need more specific information regarding privatization efforts.

“We are the gatekeepers,” she said. “We write the checks; we balance the checkbook.”

Omaha Sen. Bob Krist echoed frustration over a lack of information about the cost of reform measures.

“How do we make decisions if we don’t know how much a program is costing?” he asked. “When a senator asks a question, a senator needs an answer.”

Campbell said the committee would work with the executive and judicial branches to develop a long-term plan for successful, fiscally sustainable reform.

“We fully intend to include the other two branches,” she said. “Without a doubt, we all have the same goal. We will need their assistance to build that plan for the future.”

LR37 was adopted on a 43-0 vote.