Challenge: In 2022, Nebraska’s Children and Family Services team took a hard look at how the system was working for kids and families. The reality was difficult. Too many children were still being hurt even after the state had stepped in. Kids who needed safe, stable homes were sometimes waiting nearly two years to find one. The system was built to respond after a crisis, but it was missing chances to support families earlier and prevent deeper problems.
Staff knew they had to rethink how the system worked. The goal was clear: reduce the amount of time kids spend in care, minimize delays, and step in with the right services at the right time. They wanted to keep kids safe, support families before things got worse, and make the process less intrusive and more effective.
Results: This progress reflects a broader cultural shift. Staff are now thinking creatively, asking better questions, and focusing on what kids need to thrive. The system is getting stronger, and this is just the beginning.
- The percentage of kids experiencing harm after entering the system has dropped by 8 percent.
- The average time a child spends in care has decreased from 647 days to 614 days.
- Nebraska saved $15.7 million in state funds, not by cutting services, but by delivering better, more targeted care.
- Real-time assessments help identify the needs of youth with complex behavioral and mental health challenges. Those assessments are updated every 90 days or sooner to keep care aligned with each child’s situation.
- A stronger focus on prevention and early support is helping families avoid deeper involvement with the system when it isn’t necessary.
