Nebraska’s Child Welfare System not claiming federal funds

Nebraska’s Child Welfare System and the Sustainable Development Goals

Nebraska’s child welfare system is not taking advantage of millions in federal dollars to relieve the financial burden on the state when it comes to child welfare, money that could be spent on prevention and making families more resilient. This issue aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions).

Legislative Bill 1173 Work Group Findings

The Legislative Bill 1173 Work Group was tasked with addressing the issues in Nebraska’s child welfare system. Their findings highlight the need for better utilization of federal grants and reducing the state’s financial burden. The work group’s finance report reveals that Nebraska’s use of federal grants in child welfare is significantly lower than the national average over the past decade.

Data from 2012 to 2020 shows that Nebraska spent, on average, 32% more local dollars than other states for child welfare services. In 2018, Nebraska’s portion of state and local funds accounted for a high of 81% in child welfare spending. This financial strain hinders the state’s ability to invest in prevention programs and support families in need.

The work group recommends a comprehensive review of the federal claiming process to ensure that Nebraska can benefit from retroactive claims and maximize available funds. By improving the claiming process, the state can allocate resources more effectively and address the financial challenges in the child welfare system.

Reducing Foster Care Placements

While the overall number of children placed in foster care is lower, the number of children exiting care has not been reduced. The work group’s report emphasizes the cost savings associated with reducing foster care placements. Currently, there are over 4,100 children in out-of-home care, with an average stay of 416 days.

The finance report suggests that reducing out-of-home care could result in a $30 million reduction in state expenditures annually. This reduction would free up resources that could be reinvested into prevention programs, addressing SDG 1 (No Poverty) and SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being).

Untapped Federal Funding

Nebraska has been leaving significant federal money unused each year and returning it to the federal government. Between 2019 and 2023, the state failed to utilize $83 million in federal funds. Additionally, Nebraska’s Children and Family Services has a history of not claiming federal reimbursement for administrative costs.

The work group emphasizes the importance of claiming federal reimbursement for services, training, and administrative costs related to prevention programs. In comparison to other states, Nebraska’s lack of claims is evident. For example, Iowa served an average of 373 children per quarter and received $5 million in federal reimbursement, while Illinois claimed administrative and training costs in excess of $52 million.

Investing in Technology and Improving Data Management

The work group recommends a significant investment in technology to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of child welfare workers. Currently, the N-Focus system used by case workers is outdated and clunky, hindering their ability to input information in real-time during family visits. This delay in data input leads to a lack of real-time data and often requires children in care to repeat their stories to new case workers.

By investing in modern technology and data management systems, Nebraska can improve the quality of services provided to children and families, aligning with SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure).

Path Forward

The work group’s report serves as a recommendation for Nebraska’s child welfare system. State lawmakers will need to determine priorities and implement the necessary changes. It is crucial for the state to address the financial challenges, improve federal claiming processes, reduce foster care placements, and invest in technology and data management systems.

These efforts align with the Sustainable Development Goals and will contribute to the overall well-being and resilience of Nebraska’s children and families.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

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

• SDG 1: No Poverty
• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
• SDG 4: Quality Education
• SDG 5: Gender Equality
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
• SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

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.
• 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.
• Target 4.2: By 2030, ensure that all girls and boys have access to quality early childhood development, care and preprimary education so that they are ready for primary education.
• 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.
• Target 8.5: By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value.
• 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.
• Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels.

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 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.
• Indicator 3.2.1: Under-five mortality rate.
• Indicator 4.2.1: Proportion of children under 5 years of age who are developmentally on track in health, learning and psychosocial well-being, by sex.
• 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.
• Indicator 8.5.1: Average hourly earnings of female and male employees, by occupation, age and persons with disabilities.
• Indicator 10.2.1: Proportion of people living below 50 percent of median income, by age, sex and persons with disabilities.
• Indicator 16.6.2: Proportion of population satisfied with their last experience of public services.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Table