Children’s Behavioral Health Task Force

Nebraska’s youngest citizens are the focus of the Children’s Behavioral Health Task Force. The group was created following the passage of Legislative Bill 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 was 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 was compiled and presented to the Legislature along with recommendations for a statewide behavioral health plan. The Department of Health and Human Services responded to the recommendations with an implementation plan entitled, Creating Change and Providing Hope for Nebraska’s Children, Adolescents and Their Families.

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.