Bill > LB48

This bill establishes a Family Resource and Juvenile Assessment Center Pilot Program to be implemented by the Department of Health and Human Services in metropolitan areas for five years. The program will create centers operating 24/7 that provide comprehensive support and intervention services for youth and families at risk of entering the juvenile justice system. These centers will offer a wide range of free services including counseling, mental health support, substance abuse prevention, conflict resolution, parenting support, and job readiness training, with a focus on culturally relevant and trauma-informed approaches. The centers will be designed to prevent youth from entering the justice system by addressing underlying issues, fostering community trust, and providing holistic support. Two centers will be selected through a rigorous designation process that evaluates their service delivery, staff qualifications, and organizational effectiveness. Each center will be required to establish youth and parent advisory boards, collect data on program outcomes, and provide ongoing support to participants. The program will be funded up to $500,000 annually per center from the Medicaid Managed Care Excess Profit Fund, with strict guidelines on fund usage and administrative costs. The Department of Health and Human Services will conduct annual evaluations to assess the program's impact on youth well-being and juvenile justice system involvement, with the pilot program set to become operational on September 1, 2025.

Health and Social Services

https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=59016