Nebraska agencies will plan reentry support for youth leaving care or probation

The program provides for a transition plan for each covered youth. A covered youth is under 19 and is leaving a congregate care placement or moving from probation supervision. Plans use validated assessments and are developed with the youth, their family or guardian, and the appropriate agency and facility representatives. When possible, planning should include local family resource centers, community providers, or other community resources. The plan is developed when the youth enters a facility, another congregate care placement, or probation supervision.

The program provides for regular plan reviews and supervision after reentry, and requires family team meetings. These program duties cover youth under the act, with the responsible agency depending on the youth's placement or supervision. Youth eligible for the Bridge to Independence program must be referred there, and services under this act must not duplicate its services. The law does not require the Probation Administration to provide services after probation ends, or the Department of Health and Human Services or Office of Juvenile Services to provide services after the youth leaves their care, custody, and control. Reviews happen weekly for detention or other short-term placements and monthly for other placements. Family team meetings take place during the first 90 days after reentry.

Participating agencies carry out the act using existing staff and resources; agencies may adopt rules on shared duties and training. These provisions apply to participating state agencies and community organizations that partner with them. Agencies must use current appropriations or available federal, philanthropic, or reallocated funds; no new state General Fund money is authorized. Community organizations may partner through existing grants, contracts, or volunteer programs without additional state appropriations. The act becomes operative on December 1, 2026.