Normalcy Subcommittee
The Strengthening Families Act (SFA) Committee created the Normalcy Subcommittee to examine and create recommendations surrounding normalcy for children and youth in out of home placements. In 2016, the subcommittee completed their report of recommendations that can be found below. Within the report, the group outlined recommendations in the following areas:
- Enhancing Normalcy for Youth and Children
- Normalcy and Families
- Normalcy and Technology
- Youth and Schools
- Youth Access to Information and Healthcare
- Youth Access to a Sustainable, Durable Routine
After completion of their 2016 report, this subcommittee went into archived status. Recently, the group was reformed to review the Normalcy Plans and Reports submitted to the Department of Health and Human Services by contracted child-caring institutions per NRS §43-4706. Normalcy Plans and Reports for 13 child caring institutions were reviewed. These facilities provided congregate, non-treatment, placement settings (group homes and shelters) for state wards and youth under the supervision of Juvenile Probation. This component of the Act was passed in 2017 and implemented in child caring institution contracts with DHHS-DCFS in 2018. The Subcommittee collaborated with the Department of Health and Human Services in the development of a standardized format to be used in the reporting process. A response letter from the subcommittee to the facilities was also created. The letter provided general guidance and feedback to assist in the creation of their plans and reports for the 2019-2020 submission period.
In addition, the subcommittee worked to complete a survey to be completed by current and former foster youth on their normalcy experiences while in care. Based on the “Letting Kids Be Kids” survey conducted in 2015 by Nebraska Appleseed, this 2019 edition was created with the intent to measure progress and provide further guidance to the NSFA on areas of needed attention in the next biennium. Details on the subcommittee’s projects can be found below as well as in the Strengthening Families Act Committee 2019 Annual Report.
Normalcy Subcommittee Resources
Normalcy Subcommittee Membership
If you would like additional information on the Normalcy Subcommittee or wish to be added to the mailing list for meetings, please contact Commission staff at NECC.Contact@nebraska.gov or 402-890-6510.