Nebraska’s youngest citizens are the focus of the recently established Children’s Behavioral Health Task Force. The group was created following the passage of LB 542, introduced by Senator John Synowiecki, in an effort to further examine children’s behavioral health policy in Nebraska and provide the Legislature information necessary to make informed decisions regarding the future of behavioral health care.

The task force is charged with various tasks and responsibilities and has categorized five core areas to be prioritized. These areas include:

1. Identification of necessary and appropriate policy changes for consideration by the legislature.
2. Development of a plan for a data collection and an information system for all children receiving substance abuse and behavioral health services
3. Recognize the strengths and weaknesses of the Youth Rehabilitation Treatment Centers in Kearney and Geneva and the Hastings Regional Center
4. Evaluate the quality of care available
5. Explore opportunities to further involve the private sector of the community Information gathered by the task force will be presented to the Legislature along with recommendations for a statewide behavioral health plan no later than December 4, 2007.

The task force is chaired by Former Senator Jim Jensen of Omaha and includes Behavioral Health Services Director Scot Adams, Region 3 Administrator Beth Baxter, Judge Elizabeth Crnkovich, Senator Lavon Heidemann, Lutheran Family Services CEO Ruth Henrichs, Senator Joel Johnson, Nebraska Federation of Families Executive Director Candy Kennedy, Children and Family Services Director Todd Landry, Epworth Village Executive Director Tom McBride, Voices for Children Executive Director Kathy Moore, and OJS Administrator Terri Nutzman, as appointed members.

The task force meets at the State Capitol in Room 2102 and future meetings will be held September 19th, October 10th, October 31st, and November 14th.

To learn more please visit http://nebraskalegislature.gov/web/public/commissions/childrensbh.