A new report in Nebraska reveals a high prevalence of diagnosed mental health and substance use disorders among youths in state custody, prompting calls for increased community-based support and treatment services.
Nebraska’s child welfare watchdog is urging lawmakers to expand mental health support for children and teenagers in foster care and the juvenile justice system, after a new report found a high rate of diagnosed conditions among young people in state custody.
The Foster Care Review Office said its annual review found 88% of youths at Nebraska’s Youth Rehabilitation and Treatment Centres had a diagnosed mental health condition, while 64% had a diagnosed substance use disorder. Monika Gross, the office’s executive director, said the figures point to a clear need for earlier intervention, stronger treatment options and better prevention work for children involved in the justice system.
The report recommends that Nebraska put more money into community-based mental health care and residential treatment services. Gross said the state does not have enough residential capacity, which can force some children to seek help outside Nebraska. The Foster Care Review Office, an independent state agency that reports to the Legislature each year, said the broader system needs to do more to improve safety, stability and long-term outcomes for children in out-of-home care.
At the Child Saving Institute in Omaha, residential programming director Carolina Valencia said many of the young people who come through the programme have lived through serious trauma. She said some arrive with conditions that have not yet been identified, including anxiety, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. Valencia also said shortages of providers can leave families waiting for treatment, underscoring the strain on Nebraska’s mental health system.
The office is pressing lawmakers to consider using settlement funds to strengthen mental health services for children and adolescents across the state. Its annual reports and related data are intended to guide policy decisions for foster care and juvenile justice, and to give lawmakers a clearer picture of where the biggest gaps remain.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
