LB 48 — Establish a Family Resource and Juvenile Assessment Center Pilot Program

ER79 ER79 LB48 LB48 MLU2025 -LEGISLATIVE 05/12/2025BILL MLU48 -Approved 05/12/2025by Ethe ANDGovernor RJune AMENDMENTS4, TO2025 LB 48   Introduced by Guereca,McKinney, 7,11. Chairman Enrollment and Review 1.

On  pageA 1,BILL strikeFOR beginningAN withACT "establish"relating into linepublic 1health through line 3 and insertwelfare; "amend section 68-996, Revised Statutes Cumulative Supplement, 2024;

to amend section 68-996, Revised Statutes Cumulative Supplement, 2024;

and to repeal the original section;section.

andBe toit declareenacted anby emergency.".the people of the State of Nebraska, Section 1.

-1-(1)(a) The Department of Health and Human Services shall establish a Family Resource and Juvenile Assessment Center Pilot Program in cities of the metropolitan class areas.

(b) The pilot program shall:

(i) Operate twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, (ii) be developed in partnership with local grassroots organizations, community stakeholders, and advisors representing youth and families impacted by the juvenile justice system, and (iii) terminate five years after the operative date of this act.

(2) A Family Resource and Juvenile Assessment Center means a facility designed to provide support, assessment, and intervention services for youth and families involved in, or at risk of, entering the juvenile justice system.

The goal of the centers is to offer comprehensive, community-based solutions that address underlying issues contributing to juvenile delinquency, including family dynamics, mental health, substance abuse, and educational challenges.

Sec.

2.

The pilot program established pursuant to section 1 of this act shall:

(1) Provide comprehensive support resources to prevent youth from entering or escalating within the juvenile justice system;

(2) Minimize individual and community harm by addressing issues before they lead to greater involvement with social services, family services, and adult criminal justice systems;

and (3) Foster community trust and engagement by integrating culturally relevant services delivered by, and for, the communities served.

Sec.

3.

 (1) The Department of Health and Human Services shall designate a designation process for family resource and juvenile assessment centers to ensure adherence to high-quality standards in service delivery, staff qualifications, and organizational effectiveness.

(2) A center seeking designation shall complete a comprehensive self- assessment based on the national Standards of Quality for Family Strengthening and Support or a similar benchmark framework and shall submit an application and the self-assessment to the department for review.

(3) The department shall conduct site visits and staff interviews as part of the review process to verify self-assessment findings and confirm compliance with designation standards.

(4) A center that meets the designation criteria will receive official designation.

A center that does not meet the designation criteria shall receive feedback and technical assistance so that such center may improve and reapply for designation.

(5) Two centers shall be selected for the pilot program established pursuant to section 1 of this act.

Sec.

4.

To receive designation as a family resource and juvenile assessment center under section 3 of this act, an applicant shall meet the following criteria:

(1) Offer a range of core services, including parenting support, youth counseling, economic success initiatives, early childhood programs, conflict resolution, mental health services, and substance abuse prevention;

(2) employ professionals trained in family support principles, cultural competency, trauma-informed care, and the strengthening families framework;

(3) develop partnerships with local grassroots organizations to provide culturally relevant services, outreach, and trust-building within the community;

(4) demonstrate a clear, effective organizational framework that supports service delivery, continuous quality improvement, and sustainable operations;

and (5) implement data collection processes to assess service impact and outcomes for youth and families, ensuring program adjustments based on feedback.

Sec.

5.

(1) Each family resource and juvenile assessment center shall host multiple community providers, grassroots organizations, and embedded community navigators to assess and serve the immediate and ongoing needs of youth and families.

(2) Each center shall provide assessments and services free of charge to families and maintain active membership in the National Assessment Center Association.

(3) The purpose of the assessment shall be to (a) enable youth and families to discuss a family's unique dynamic, challenges, and goals in a safe, culturally respectful environment, (b) identify the origin of presenting issues and provide comprehensive service referrals in partnership with local -1- LB48 LB48 2025 organizations and businesses, and (c) engage youth and families in creating tailored action plans for long-term success.

Sec.

6.

(1) Each family resource and juvenile assessment center shall integrate culturally relevant and trauma-informed services, including (a) tutoring, (b) mentoring from community leaders, including those with lived experience in the justice system, (c) conflict resolution and anger management training, (d) mental health and wellness services provided by culturally sensitive professionals, (e) social skills and job-readiness training, (f) financial literacy programs, (g) youth and family counseling, (h) cognitive behavioral therapy, (i) drug and substance abuse prevention and intervention, and (j) food and clothing assistance and resource navigation.