State watchdog report points out concerns, strides in Nebraska child welfare system | Nebraska Examiner
State watchdog report points out concerns, strides in Nebraska child welfare system Nebraska Examiner
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Report on Investigations into Deaths and Serious Injuries of Youths under the State of Nebraska’s Care
The Office of Inspector General of Nebraska Child Welfare has released its annual report, which examines the state’s child welfare and juvenile justice systems. The report includes investigations into the deaths or serious injuries of five youths who were under the state’s care. These incidents highlight the need to prioritize the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Nebraska’s child welfare and juvenile justice systems.
Investigations and Recommendations
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Sustainable Development Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being
A 2-year-old in foster care became severely sick from eating cannabis. The investigation revealed concerns with the Department of Health and Human Services’ (DHHS) management of the foster home and the overfilling of the home. Recommendations include revising policies related to overfill and improving communication about concerns regarding foster homes.
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Sustainable Development Goal 2: Zero Hunger
A 4-month-old state ward was found to be “skeletal and near death” due to malnourishment while in an unlicensed relative foster home. The report highlighted the need for a comprehensive health care management plan for state wards to ensure their nutritional needs are met.
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Sustainable Development Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
Three boys aged 11-16 died by suicide. While the actions of state workers and caseworkers did not contribute to their deaths, the report emphasized the need for better support and consistent training in suicide prevention for service providers and foster families.
Oversight and Challenges
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Sustainable Development Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
The Office of Inspector General (OIG) is required to investigate deaths or serious injuries resulting from abuse and neglect. Based on incident reports and public complaints, the OIG identified the need to open nine new mandatory investigations. The report also highlighted the recent curtailment of the OIG’s oversight powers by the Nebraska Attorney General’s Office.
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Sustainable Development Goal 4: Quality Education
The report discussed challenges faced by the state’s Youth Rehabilitation and Treatment Centers (YRTCs), including high staff turnover and inadequate mental health staff. Despite these challenges, the YRTCs have made efforts to increase community engagement, volunteer opportunities, and educational programming for youth.
Conclusion
The investigations into the deaths and serious injuries of youths under the State of Nebraska’s care highlight the importance of prioritizing the Sustainable Development Goals in child welfare and juvenile justice systems. The report calls for revisions to policies, improved communication, and comprehensive health care management plans to ensure the well-being of state wards. Additionally, it emphasizes the need for better support and training in suicide prevention. The curtailment of the OIG’s oversight powers raises concerns about accountability and transparency. Moving forward, it is crucial for Nebraska to address these challenges and work towards a more comprehensive and visionary approach to child welfare and juvenile justice.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Identified in the Article:
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
- Target 3.2: By 2030, end preventable deaths of newborns and children under 5 years of age
- Indicator: Number of deaths and illnesses caused by preventable diseases and malnutrition among children under 5 years of age
- SDG 4: Quality Education
- Target 4.1: By 2030, ensure that all girls and boys complete free, equitable and quality primary and secondary education leading to relevant and effective learning outcomes
- Indicator: Percentage of children completing primary and secondary education
- 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 people living below the national poverty line, by age group, sex, and disability status
Explanation:
The article discusses issues related to child welfare and juvenile justice systems in Nebraska. Based on the content of the article, the following SDGs, targets, and indicators can be identified:
1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
The article highlights the case of a 2-year-old child who became severely sick from eating cannabis. This incident relates to SDG 3, which aims to ensure good health and well-being for all. Specifically, it relates to Target 3.2, which focuses on ending preventable deaths of newborns and children under 5 years of age. The indicator that can be used to measure progress towards this target is the number of deaths and illnesses caused by preventable diseases and malnutrition among children under 5 years of age.
2. SDG 4: Quality Education
The article mentions the need for comprehensive health care management plans for state wards, including the development of a mandatory document that synthesizes pertinent health information. This issue is related to SDG 4, which focuses on ensuring quality education for all. Specifically, it relates to Target 4.1, which aims to ensure that all girls and boys complete free, equitable, and quality primary and secondary education leading to relevant and effective learning outcomes. The indicator that can be used to measure progress towards this target is the percentage of children completing primary and secondary education.
3. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
The article mentions the need for better support and consistent training in suicide prevention for service providers and foster families. This issue relates to SDG 10, which aims to reduce inequalities and promote social, economic, and political inclusion for all. Specifically, it relates to Target 10.2, which focuses on empowering and promoting the social, economic, and political inclusion of all individuals, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic or other status. The indicator that can be used to measure progress towards this target is the proportion of people living below the national poverty line, by age group, sex, and disability status.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | Target 3.2: By 2030, end preventable deaths of newborns and children under 5 years of age | Number of deaths and illnesses caused by preventable diseases and malnutrition among children under 5 years of age |
| SDG 4: Quality Education | Target 4.1: By 2030, ensure that all girls and boys complete free, equitable and quality primary and secondary education leading to relevant and effective learning outcomes | Percentage of children completing primary and secondary education |
| 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 | Proportion of people living below the national poverty line, by age group, sex, and disability status |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: nebraskaexaminer.com
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