Neb. Court to Decide on Foster Care Inspections

Associated Press

Feb 1, 2009 / KOLNKGIN.com

An Omaha-based foster-care provider wants Nebraska's highest court to restrict the state review board from conducting unannounced inspections of foster-care homes and facilities.

The Nebraska Supreme Court is expected to hear arguments tomorrow in a case brought by Omni Behavioral Health, a state-licensed agency that cares for children with severe behavior problems.

Omni is appealing a decision by a Lancaster County district judge, who said the unannounced searches are authorized by Nebraska law and that Omni was aware of that when it was contracted by the state.

Omni argues that such visits are dangerous for the children it cares for.

But the Nebraska Foster Care Review Board maintains that it has a legal responsibility to ensure the safety of state wards and that their needs are being met.