Youth reentry program created

Lawmakers gave final approval April 10 to a measure aimed at easing the transition for Nebraska youth leaving detention, residential placement or probation supervision.

LB962, sponsored by Omaha Sen. Terrell McKinney, creates the Youth Reentry and Transitional Support Act, a multi-agency program focused on continuity of services during a young person’s transition back to their community.

Under the bill, the state department of Health and Human Services, the Office of Juvenile Services, the Office of Probation Administration and the state Department of Education will coordinate to establish the reentry program. Each participating agency is required to integrate transition planning into its existing programs and services.

A written transition plan will be developed for each juvenile upon entry to a facility, admission to a congregate care placement or placement on probation supervision to address the following areas upon their release:
• coordination with family resource centers;
• housing stabilization;
• treatment services, including continuity of behavioral health, medical and Medicaid services;
• enrollment in services and programs offered by the state Department of Education;
• plans and processes to obtain identification documents and public benefits; and
• an individualized employment plan.

A family team meeting will be held at least once every 30 days for the first 90 days following an eligible youth’s reentry.

LB962 passed on a vote of 49-0.