Referral process proposed for home visiting services

The Health and Human Services Committee heard testimony Jan. 28 on a bill that seeks to create a pathway for voluntary home visiting service referrals by case managers.

LB903, introduced by Whitman Sen. Tanya Storer, would allow child welfare case managers to refer at-risk families with children under age two to home visiting services under the Family Home Visitation Act.

Storer said the measure seeks to increase awareness among case managers of available home visiting services while maintaining professional discretion. Many case managers are busy juggling large caseloads and the multifaceted needs of their clients, she said, resulting in a lack of referrals for home visiting services.

“Home visiting programs pair young families with trained professionals who tailor services to meet the family’s specific needs,“ Storer said.

Dezarae Brandt, maternal and child health program manager for Panhandle Public Health, testified in support of the proposal, saying many at-risk families are missing out on services due to limited funding and referrals.

She said the measure would provide agencies with another source of funding for home visiting services through the federal Families First Prevention Services Act.

“LB903 helps enhance and encourage referrals directly from … caseworkers, which is how we can draw down those dollars to ensure home visiting agencies receive funding to serve families involved in the child welfare system,” Brandt said.

Katie Nungesser also testified in support of the proposal on behalf of Voices for Children in Nebraska. Connecting families to voluntary support services at the earliest sign of risk prevents trauma, promotes stability and keeps families safely together, she said.

“This bill aligns with Nebraska’s commitment to prevention, family preservation and the well-being of our youngest children,” Nungesser said.

No one testified in opposition to LB903 and the committee took no immediate action.