Child welfare watchdog investigates near deaths of two foster care youth

Child Welfare Oversight Mechanism in Nebraska Faces Constitutional Challenge

LINCOLN, Neb. (KOLN) – Despite the Attorney General’s opinion calling the legislature’s child welfare oversight mechanism unconstitutional, Jennifer Carter, inspector general for child welfare released her annual report this week, making a number of recommendations to the state.

Recommendations for Improvement

1. Enhance communication and decision-making process regarding the placement of children in foster homes.
2. Revise policies to ensure quality assurance and accountability in the overfill process.
3. Create a method to ensure concerns about foster homes are communicated in a timely manner.
4. Develop a healthcare management plan to address the specific medical needs of children in foster care.
5. Establish external oversight or accountability for cases under the Alternate Response program.

Neglected Issues in Foster Care

• A 2-year-old child was hospitalized after ingesting THC, highlighting the need for improved communication and decision-making processes in foster home placements.
• A 4-month-old infant nearly starved to death due to a failure to thrive diagnosis, emphasizing the importance of a healthcare management plan to address medical needs.

Concerns about the Alternate Response Program

The report revealed an increase in incidents and complaints within the state’s Alternate Response program. External oversight or accountability measures are necessary to ensure the well-being of families involved.

Sexual Assault Allegations and Youth Treatment Centers

The report provided data on sexual assault abuse allegations involving state wards, highlighting the need for attention and proper handling of such cases within the system.

Additionally, incidents at Nebraska’s Youth Treatment and Rehabilitation Centers (YRTC) have risen, indicating the necessity for improved staffing and resources, particularly in mental health services.

Ensuring Transparency and Accountability

The inspector general’s office plays a crucial role in promoting transparency and accountability for Nebraska’s vulnerable population, ultimately ensuring their safety.

Read the full report here.

10/11 will have more on this topic later this week.

Copyright 2023 KOLN. All rights reserved.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 1: No Poverty – The article discusses child welfare issues, including the near-starvation of a 4-month-old infant, which relates to poverty and the need for social protection.
• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – The article mentions the case of a 2-year-old child who ingested THC, highlighting the importance of ensuring child safety and well-being.
• SDG 4: Quality Education – Although not explicitly mentioned in the article, ensuring quality education for children in foster care is crucial for their development and future opportunities.
• SDG 5: Gender Equality – The article mentions incidents and complaints within the Alternate Response program, which may involve issues related to gender-based violence or discrimination.
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities – The article highlights the need for external oversight and accountability for cases in the Alternate Response program, indicating a concern for reducing inequalities in child protection.
• SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions – The article discusses the need for transparency, accountability, and oversight in the child welfare system, aligning with the goal of promoting just and inclusive societies.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• Target 1.3: Implement nationally appropriate social protection systems and measures for all, including floors, and by 2030 achieve substantial coverage of the poor and the vulnerable (related to SDG 1).
• Target 3.2: By 2030, end preventable deaths of newborns and children under 5 years of age, with all countries aiming to reduce neonatal mortality to at least as low as 12 per 1,000 live births and under-5 mortality to at least as low as 25 per 1,000 live births (related to SDG 3).
• Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in the public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual and other types of exploitation (related to SDG 5).
• Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status (related to SDG 10).
• Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels (related to SDG 16).

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Indicator 1.3.1: Proportion of the population covered by social protection floors/systems, by sex, distinguishing children, unemployed persons, older persons, persons with disabilities, pregnant women, newborns, work-injury victims and the poor and vulnerable (related to Target 1.3).
• Indicator 3.2.1: Under-five mortality rate (related to Target 3.2).
• Indicator 5.2.1: Proportion of ever-partnered women and girls aged 15 years and older subjected to physical, sexual or psychological violence by a current or former intimate partner in the previous 12 months, by form of violence and by age group (related to Target 5.2).
• Indicator 10.2.1: Proportion of people living below 50 percent of median income, by age, sex and persons with disabilities (related to Target 10.2).
• Indicator 16.6.1: Primary government expenditures as a proportion of original approved budget, by sector (or by budget codes or similar) (related to Target 16.6).

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Table

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Source: 1011now.com

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