Caregiver's information Form:
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has been working with the County Court Judges, County Attorney GAL's, CASA, FCRB, Parents Attorneys, and others as part of, "Through the Eyes of a Child" Initiative meetings with the courts.
In Lancaster County, starting April 1, children will be expected to attend dispositional and review hearings. All ages, as appropriate. It is presumed the child/youth will be at their court hearing unless it is determined by the HHS worker in consultation with the GAL that the child should not attend. HHS has responsibility to get the children to court. Foster parents, providers will be asked to transport youth to the hearings. In cases where that is not possible, HHS staff will be responsible for transporting.
The issue of getting kids to court is one that other judges are also starting to look at as part of the change and improvement. It is hopeful that other courts around the state may sometime in the future also want to have children at court if the children are not already attending.
The fact that children will be required to attend court hearings should facilitate Resource Parents receiving notice of court hearings and hopefully, the opportunity to be heard in court.
NFAPA understands the importance of Nebraska resource parents to understand and have access to helpful information as they care for Nebraska's children in out-of-home placement. Click on the links below to access this information:
Requirements for Background Checks
This is a memo to clarify requirements for National Criminal History Checks and Central Register Checks for licensing and approval.
Clothing Allowance for Foster Children
This article addresses the policy concerning clothing allowances for children in foster care or group home settings. We hope you find the information helpful.
Foster Care Payment Checklist
The maintenance payment for a child in resource family care is determined by the age of the child and the child's needs. The child's needs are recorded on the Foster Care Payment Determination Checklist. The checklist must be completed by the resource parent and case manager. We encourage resource parents and case managers to revisit this Checklist as child behaviors increase or decrease. Each item on the checklist has a point value, ranging from 1-5. The total point value from the Checklist, conjunction with the child’s age determines the amount of the payment. Here is a sample checklist they may use however each agency does have their own pay scale. If you should be adopting a child and will receive a subsidy, please look at this payment checklist as you will follow this versus what you were receiving from your agency. NOTE TO RESOURCE PARENTS: If your case manager is completing this Checklist without your input, please contact NFAPA or a mentor listed on the FOCUS Program page of this website.
Guardianship
What is guardianship and how does it differ from adoption?
Nebraska Foster Care Facts
Who are the children in foster care? What are their ages? Do you know how Nebraska rates for foster parent reimbursement (base reimbursement)?
Sample Resource Parent Bill of Rights
While Nebraska resource parents do have some rights, the Nebraska Foster and Adoptive Parent Association is interested in getting a Resource Parent Bill of Rights passed in this state. Before we can begin to promote this document, we need all resource families to stand beside NFAPA. Together, we will have a united voice. Help us, help you.
Susan T Buffett Scholarship
This scholarship is for graduating high school seniors or undergraduate students who will be/are attending a Nebraska state public school and are in need of financial assistance.