Foster care changes approved

Senators gave final approval April 28 to a bill that makes several changes to the Nebraska foster care system.

LB177, introduced by Lincoln Sen. Kathy Campbell, requires the state Department of Health and Human Services to notify adult relatives within 30 days of a child’s removal from his or her home. An exception is provided if an adult relative’s history of domestic or family violence would make notification inappropriate.

The bill also requires that HHS and the court make reasonable efforts to place siblings together and provide visitation or ongoing interaction when siblings are not placed together. An exception is provided if joint placement or visitation would be contrary to the safety and well-being of any sibling.

Finally, the bill requires the department to develop an individual proposal for each child transitioning out of foster care into adulthood. Such a proposal will include assessment of a foster child’s educational, employment, housing, health care and other support needs.

The bill passed on a 47-0 vote.