Foster Care Review Office

10/22/2026

Did you know? On June 30, 2026, Black or African American youth made up 31.5% of the population at the Youth Rehabilitation and Treatment Centers, an overrepresentation of more than five times given they only make up 6.1% of Nebraska's youth population (per the most recent Census).

💡 We recommend using comprehensive data to identify where disparities emerge and investing in primary prevention, family preservation and community-based organizations led by and embedded within communities of color.

Read the full report to learn more:

10/21/2026

📣 It's ! We often reflect on our collective "why" and invite our volunteer review board members to share what they have learned, what motivates them to serve and why independent oversight matters for Nebraska’s children and families.

Here’s this week's featured response.

👉We're seeking a diverse pool of Nebraskans from all walks of life who have a vested interest in child and family wellbeing to join our volunteer review boards.

Fill out this quick form for more info! https://tinyurl.com/JoinFCROBoard

10/19/2026

Did you know? In FY2025-26, worker-child contact within 60 days of the FCRO review occurred for 99.0% of children reviewed statewide.

💡 Regular face-to-face contact is an important safeguard for children, particularly young children who may not otherwise be visible in the community.

Read the full report to learn more: https://tinyurl.com/FCROAnnualReport26

10/16/2026

Did you know? On June 30, 2026, 16.3% of children involved with DHHS/CFS had experienced five or more caseworkers during their current episode in care. The Eastern Service Area had the highest rate at 24.2%, though this represents a substantial decrease from previous years.

💡 We recommend continued efforts to address turnover through training, supportive supervision, recruitment, employee wellness and a positive work environment.

Read the full report to learn more:

10/15/2026

October is Youth Justice Action Month, and our team is joining fellow members of Nebraska’s delegation at the Youth Justice in Action Conference in Pittsburgh presented by Coalition for Juvenile Justice (CJJ) ! 💙

We’re connecting with advocates and professionals from across the country to share ideas, learn from one another, and explore ways to better support young people involved in the juvenile justice system.

We look forward to bringing these conversations and insights back to our work in Nebraska.

10/14/2026

📣 It's ! We often reflect on our collective "why" and invite our volunteer review board members to share what they have learned, what motivates them to serve and why independent oversight matters for Nebraska’s children and families.

Here’s this week's featured response.

👉We're seeking a diverse pool of Nebraskans from all walks of life who have a vested interest in child and family wellbeing to join our volunteer review boards.

Fill out this quick form for more info!

Thank you for your interest in the Foster Care Review Office! Please submit your contact information and someone will reach out with more information about joining a review board. You will also be added to our quarterly community newsletter.

10/13/2026

In our Annual Report, domestic violence was identified as one of the top 3 common safety concerns for mothers and fathers of children in out-of-home care whose goal was reunification or family preservation.

Domestic violence was also one of the most frequently identified non-adjudicated reasons for removal, appearing in 6.6% of cases reviewed.

The data point to the importance of trauma-informed, survivor-centered services that help families become safer while supporting children's stability and wellbeing.

Read the full report: https://tinyurl.com/FCROAnnualReport26

10/12/2026

On , we recognize the histories, cultures, sovereignty, and continued contributions of Indigenous people and Tribal Nations of Nebraska.

Our team was honored to attend a recent ceremony hosted by the Nebraska Intertribal Coalition celebrating the passage of LB 1032, which recognizes and honors tribal customary adoptions in Nebraska law.

This important step helps respect Tribal traditions and preserve children's connections to family, culture, and community.

10/11/2026

Did you know? In FY2025-26, children were receiving all needed services in 77.0% of cases reviewed and at least some needed services in another 20.5% - a total of 97.5%.

💡 These services help address children's trauma and behavioral concerns related to their experiences of abuse and neglect.

Read the full report to learn more:

10/10/2026

It's , and health goes beyond medical care. Experiences in out-of-home care can affect children's mental and physical health long after childhood.

As we reported in our Annual Report, children who have experienced consistent, stable, and loving caregivers are more likely to have better long-term mental and physical health outcomes.

Every decision about placement, permanency, and services should support the safety, stability, and relationships children need to thrive.