A bill introduced to create a new state agency responsible for all child welfare programs in Nebraska was amended and advanced by the Legislature Feb. 28.<\/p>\n
LB821, sponsored by the Health and Human Services Committee, originally called for creation of a commission charged with preparing legislation for introduction in 2013 to create a state Department of Children\u2019s Services.<\/p>\n
A committee amendment, adopted 36-0, replaced the bill with provisions that would change the membership and duties of the commission and create an inspector general position to provide legislative oversight to the state\u2019s child welfare system.<\/p>\n
As amended, LB821 would create the 22-member Nebraska Children\u2019s Commission charged with creating a statewide strategic plan to reform child welfare programs and services in the state. Sixteen members would be appointed by the governor and would include a:
\n\u2022 guardian ad litem;
\n\u2022 prosecuting attorney;
\n\u2022 foster parent;
\n\u2022 biological parent;
\n\u2022 children\u2019s services provider;
\n\u2022 foster care review board member;
\n\u2022 child advocacy organization representative;
\n\u2022 court-appointed special advocate volunteer;
\n\u2022 behavioral health authority regional administrator; and
\n\u2022 youth currently or previously in foster care.<\/p>\n
Non-voting ex officio members would include the chairpersons of the Legislature\u2019s Health and Human Services, Appropriations and Judiciary committees and three members appointed by the State Court Administrator.<\/p>\n
Among other issue areas, the commission would be charged with creating committees to examine foster care reimbursement rates and state policy regarding prescription of psychotropic drugs to state wards. The commission would be required to report on the strategic plan to the Legislature and the governor by Dec. 15, 2012.<\/p>\n
Lincoln Sen. Kathy Campbell, chairperson of the Health and Human Services Committee, said the bill\u2019s original requirement to establish a separate department of Children\u2019s Services was removed so that the commission could study a variety of options and find the best path forward.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe found that there had been no strategic plan at the beginning of this process,\u201d Campbell said. \u201cIt is time for the Legislature to fulfill its responsibility and establish a framework for a strategic plan.\u201d<\/p>\n
Omaha Sen. Steve Lathrop supported the proposal, saying a strategic plan would help stop the cycle of restructuring the state Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) with each new administration.<\/p>\n
\u201cHistorically, it seems to be something that happens in this state every five to 10 years,\u201d he said. \u201cToday, we are here with what can only be described as a mess on our hands.\u201d<\/p>\n
Sen. Tony Fulton of Lincoln agreed with the need to address the child welfare reform effort, but expressed concern about expanding government to do so.<\/p>\n
\u201cUnder this bill we\u2019re going to create a new unit of government, give it powers, and hopefully it acts to at least set us on the right course,\u201d he said. \u201cBut what will this body look like 10 years from now? I don\u2019t see that there is a sunset in this bill.\u201d
\nHoldrege Sen. Tom Carlson said lawmakers should reconsider allowing a children\u2019s services provider to be among the voting members of the commission. An individual with a direct interest in how child welfare dollars are spent should not be a voting member, he said.<\/p>\n
The amended bill also would create the Office of Inspector General within the Office of Public Counsel, also known as the Ombudsman\u2019s Office.<\/p>\n
The inspector general would be appointed by the Public Council and approved by the Executive and Health and Human Services committees. The office would be authorized to investigate allegations of possible misconduct, death or serious injury in foster homes, private agencies, child-care facilities and programs.<\/p>\n
The office also would analyze data and report to the Legislature and the governor annually.<\/p>\n
Campbell said the new position would be especially important in the era of legislative term limits.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn the years ahead, we will all leave and someone else will sit in our seats,\u201d she said. \u201cThis position [of inspector general] is a good investment to make sure that someone is watching the system and advising the Legislature.\u201d<\/p>\n
Senators voted 33-0 to advance LB821 to select file.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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