Nebraska child welfare suicides prompt call for more prevention, awareness in system

Increased Prevention Efforts Needed in Nebraska’s Child Welfare System

Introduction

Three boys who died by suicide in Nebraska have prompted a call for increased prevention efforts in the state’s child welfare system. The deaths occurred at different times and locations, but all three boys had some involvement with the child welfare system before their deaths.

Inspector General’s Investigation

The Inspector General of Nebraska Child Welfare, Jennifer Carter, conducted an investigation into the deaths as required by state law. She determined that the child welfare workers and others involved with the boys’ families were not responsible for their deaths. However, the report highlighted the need for better awareness of warning signs and intervention strategies for suicide risk among children in the system.

Recommendations for Action

The report recommended several actions to address the issue:

1. Develop and implement a comprehensive suicide awareness and prevention plan within the child welfare system.
2. Provide better training for child welfare workers, foster parents, and private providers who care for youth in the system.
3. Encourage child welfare officials to participate in the Nebraska State Suicide Prevention Coalition.

Department’s Response

The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, led by then-CEO Dannette Smith, accepted all of the inspector general’s recommendations. The department aims to complete the necessary changes by the end of 2025.

Higher Suicide Risk for Youth in the Child Welfare System

The report highlighted that adolescents in general are at a higher risk for suicide. However, youth involved in the child welfare system face even greater risks due to their histories of trauma and abuse, as well as higher rates of alcohol and substance misuse, unsafe sexual behaviors, delinquency, and truancy. The experience of being placed in foster care also adds to their trauma and disruptions.

Case Studies

The report provided details of three cases investigated:

Case 1: 14-year-old

• Involved with child welfare due to domestic violence between parents
• Concerns about mother’s mental health and parents’ co-parenting skills
• Remained in parents’ home as wards of the state

Case 2: 16-year-old

• Reported sexual abuse by half-brother
• Depression and anxiety, partly due to sister’s previous suicide
• Father’s depression and verbal/emotional abuse from mother

Case 3: 11-year-old

• Parents deported, older sister caring for him and siblings
• Self-harm reported by older sister
• Handled through alternative response process

These case studies illustrate the complex challenges faced by children in the child welfare system and the need for improved prevention and support.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

   • Target 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one-third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being.
   • Indicator: Suicide rates among adolescents and youth in the child welfare system.

2. SDG 4: Quality Education

   • Target 4.7: By 2030, ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including through education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles.
   • Indicator: Access to comprehensive suicide awareness and prevention education for child welfare workers, foster parents, and private providers.

3. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

   • 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.
   • Indicator: Proportion of children in the child welfare system who receive appropriate support and interventions for mental health and well-being.

4. SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

   • Target 16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking and all forms of violence against and torture of children.
   • Indicator: Number of child welfare cases involving suicide risk and the effectiveness of interventions in addressing the risk.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

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Source: theindependent.com

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