2016 Nebraska Revised Statutes
Chapter 43 - INFANTS AND JUVENILES
43-4513 Bridge to Independence Advisory Committee; members; terms; duties; meetings; report; contents.

43-4513. Bridge to Independence Advisory Committee; members; terms; duties; meetings; report; contents.

(1) On or before July 1, 2013, the Nebraska Children's Commission shall appoint a Bridge to Independence Advisory Committee to make recommendations to the department and the Nebraska Children's Commission regarding the bridge to independence program, extended guardianship assistance described in section 43-4511, and extended adoption assistance described in section 43-4512. The Bridge to Independence Advisory Committee shall meet on a biannual basis to advise the department and the Nebraska Children's Commission regarding ongoing implementation of the bridge to independence program, extended guardianship assistance described in section 43-4511, and extended adoption assistance described in section 43-4512 and shall provide a written report regarding ongoing implementation, including participation in the bridge to independence program, extended guardianship assistance described in section 43-4511, and extended adoption assistance described in section 43-4512 and early discharge rates and reasons obtained from the department, to the Nebraska Children's Commission, the Health and Human Services Committee of the Legislature, the department, and the Governor by December 15th of each year. By December 15, 2015, the committee shall develop specific recommendations for expanding to or improving outcomes for similar groups of at-risk young adults. The report to the Health and Human Services Committee of the Legislature shall be submitted electronically.

(2) The members of the Bridge to Independence Advisory Committee shall include, but not be limited to, (a) representatives from all three branches of government, and the representatives from the legislative and judicial branches of government shall be nonvoting, ex officio members, (b) no less than three young adults currently or previously in foster care, which may be filled on a rotating basis by members of Project Everlast or a similar youth support or advocacy group, (c) one or more representatives from a child welfare advocacy organization, (d) one or more representatives from a child welfare service agency, and (e) one or more representatives from an agency providing independent living services.

(3) Members of the committee shall be appointed for terms of two years. The Nebraska Children's Commission shall appoint the chairperson of the committee and may fill vacancies on the committee as they occur.

Source

• Laws 2013, LB216, § 13;
• Laws 2014, LB853, § 43;
• Laws 2015, LB243, § 23.