Youth center reforms passed

A bill to codify guidelines for youth rehabilitation and treatment centers in Nebraska passed final reading July 31.

LB1140, introduced by the Health and Human Services Committee, outlines a series of requirements for the state’s YRTCs, including the provision of:
• health care and medical services;
• a safe and sanitary space for sleeping, hygiene, education, programming, treatment, recreation and visitation for each juvenile;
• appropriate physical separation and segregation of juveniles based on gender;
• training that is specific to the population being served;
• sufficient staffing to comply with state and federal law and protect the safety and security of each juvenile;
• an age-appropriate and developmentally appropriate education program for each juvenile;
• a case management and coordination process, designed to assure appropriate reintegration of the juvenile to his or her family, school and community; and
• research-based or evidence-based programming and treatment services.

The bill also prevents the state Department of Health and Human Services from establishing or moving a YRTC until March 30, 2021.

The bill passed on a 48-0 vote and takes effect immediately.