UNL Center on Children, Families, and the Law

Congratulations to CCFL's Jeff M. Chambers, who received the 2026 Making a Difference Award from the Nebraska Investment Finance Authority!

UNL | Accolades, May 2026 | Office of Research and Innovation Accolades are compiled from faculty and staff submissions, R&I's external recognition and awards coordinator, the Achievements column published by University Communication and Marketing, and college, center and departmental websites.

'Crisis level situation': Nebraska oversight finds increase in institutionalized care for kids who need a home

Nebraska oversight finds increase in institutionalized care for kids who need a home The report said the growing number of children in congregate care, or institutionalized, group care.

Through the Summer EBT program, families in Nebraska can get $120 in benefits per eligible school-age child to use for groceries while school is out of session!

Learn more about the program at https://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Summer-EBT.aspx / on the Department of Health and Human Services Nebraska Summer EBT webpage.

Additionally, you can find active summer meal sites for kids by using the USDA’s site finder fns.usda.gov/meals4kids (Spanish: fns.usda.gov/es/meals4kids) or by texting “Food” or “SFSP” to 914-342-7744.

One of the best parts of is connecting with others who are working to support Nebraska’s youngest children.

Our exhibitors represent organizations from across the state and offer valuable resources, ideas, and opportunities to collaborate. Stop by the exhibitor area during breaks to learn more, ask questions, and make new connections.

Adoption competent care transforms lives not just for families today, but for generations to come.

The National Center for Adoption Competent Mental Health Services is raising awareness about the need for mental health care that understands the child welfare experience.

It’s essential that professionals recognize the impact of early trauma, separation, and loss—and are equipped to meet the complex needs of children and families.

Together, we’re helping to build a workforce that supports healing, stability, and lasting change. Learn more on the National Center website: bridges4mentalhealth.org.

CCFL staff are attending Bitfocus' Clarity Connect 2026, a three-day conference offering Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) training.

The Nebraska HMIS is a shared data system that supports a collaborative approach to serving people experiencing or at risk of homelessness and enables ongoing evaluation of the overall homeless services system.

Learn more about CCFL's HMIS project: https://ow.ly/v2Yj50Z7laQ.

📸 Breanne Crow, BOS CoC HMIS Administrator, and Ciara Orr, HMIS Senior Manager

Join us for Mandt Recertification Training covering the core Relational, Conceptual, and Technical areas of focus. CCFL offers Mandt Recertification Training monthly!

▪️Lincoln, July 29, 1:00-3:00 pm at CCFL. Register by July 15.
▪️Omaha, July 30, 1:30-3:30 pm at Central Library, Rm 303. Register by July 16.

Contact Jill Knox or Angie Graham for training and registration details:
[email protected]
[email protected]

The Quality Improvement Center on Engaging Youth in Finding Permanency (QIC-EY) is proud to announce the launch of a new podcast mini-series, Elevating Engagement, hosted by April Dinwoodie and Kyle Ferreira.

The Elevating Engagement mini-series podcast is designed to translate evidence into action. Each episode highlights one QIC-EY Key Message, shares a real-world moment of impact from one of our seven pilot sites, and connects you directly to our Workforce Training and Coaching Guides.

Elevating Engagement podcast: https://ow.ly/oIXp50Z18th

NYCI brings together professionals from every corner of early childhood systems. Use that to your advantage!
Ask:
🔹 “How does your role connect with early childhood?”
🔹 “What’s one thing you wish others understood about your work?”
🔹 “How can our systems work better together?”
The best ideas start when worlds collide. 🌍