COLUMBUS, Neb. (AP) — An organization known for its work with troubled children in Nebraska is seeking to expand community-based services across the state.

Dave Reed, central Nebraska director for Boys Town, says there’s still a need for the quality residential care for participating children with behavioral, emotional and academic issues. The organization opened a Columbus office last November to increase the number of kids served in their own homes and communities.

About 90 percent of the Omaha area children served by Boys Town stay in their communities. He says the goal is to continue that trend across the state so participating kids aren’t forced to stay in group homes during care.

Reed says the organization is expected to help more than 1,000 kids next year.