Neb. board opposes plan to privatize foster care

The Associated Press

May 1, 2009 / Nebraskatv.com

The State Foster Care Review Board is voicing its disapproval of plans to privatize Nebraska's foster-care system.

During its Friday meeting, the board passed a resolution outlining its concerns. Among them are quality and availability of foster-care services, accountability and oversight.

The resolution says the state Department of Health and Human Services has been lax in its oversight of foster-care homes and centers. It also says that would likely continue if the department carries out its plans to privatize the system.

In September, the department introduced plans to retool the foster-care system, which included steps toward privatization. The state has said the changes are designed to provide more efficient service.

On the Net:

State Foster Care Review Board: http://www.fcrb.state.ne.us/

Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services: http://www.hhs.state.ne.us/index.htm