A bill intended to remove obstacles to foster care placement was returned to select file for an amendment May 10.<\/p>\n
Currently, all foster homes in Nebraska must be licensed. LB265, introduced by Lincoln Sen. Colby Coash, would exempt kinship and relative homes from the licensure requirement.<\/p>\n
A kinship home is defined in the bill as one in which a primary caretaker previously has lived with or has a pre-existing, significant relationship with the child being placed. Approval is required prior to placement in a nonlicensed relative or kinship home.<\/p>\n
Under the bill, kinship and relative homes would be subject to criminal background checks of all adult residents and a home visit to ensure adequate housing. In addition, the bill would allow the state Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to issue a waiver for any nonsafety licensing standard for a kinship or relative home seeking licensure.<\/p>\n
Omaha Sen. Tanya Cook filed a motion to suspend the germaneness rule, which prevailed 41-0, to allow consideration of an amendment that would incorporate the provisions of her bill, LB443. Senators then voted 44-0 to return the bill to select file to consider the amendment.<\/p>\n
The amendment would require a residential child care agency or placement agency to obtain licensure from DHHS before opening.<\/p>\n
An applicant could apply for a provisional license, valid for up to one year, if they substantially comply with requirements for licensure.<\/p>\n
The amendment also establishes a process for determining noncompliance and grievance procedures with regard to licensure. The department could impose various types of punishment including fines, probation, restrictions on new admission, suspension or revocation of a license.<\/p>\n
Senators voted 43-0 to adopt the amendment and re-advanced the bill to final reading on a voice vote.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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