This bill amends the Foster Care Review Act by introducing new provisions regarding local foster care review boards. It establishes that these boards will conduct foster care file audit case reviews for children in foster care and specifies that the executive director of the office will select board members from submitted applications. The bill also stipulates that local boards must consist of four to ten members who represent diverse social, economic, racial, and ethnic groups, and it prohibits individuals employed by certain agencies from serving on these boards. Notably, the bill exempts local boards from the Open Meetings Act, allowing them to operate without the same public meeting requirements as other public bodies.

Additionally, the bill modifies the responsibilities of the designated local boards in conducting case reviews and submitting findings to the court. It emphasizes the importance of stability in foster care placements and encourages the recruitment of foster parents who may also be eligible for adoption. The bill repeals obsolete provisions and outright repeals section 43-1306, which previously contained language about the confidentiality of child-specific information discussed in local board meetings. Overall, the bill aims to enhance the effectiveness and confidentiality of the foster care review process in Nebraska.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 43-1304, 43-1308