LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A new report says Nebraska’s child welfare system is still struggling to serve the needs of its clients because of large caseloads and a lack of cooperation among agencies.

The problems noted in a report released Wednesday are persisting despite an increase in state funding and recent changes in state law intended to reduce caseloads.

The Office of the Inspector General of Nebraska Child Welfare says it completed investigations in the last fiscal year of 22 cases involving children who died or were seriously injured.

In addition, the agency reported an increase in cases involving medical problems and injuries, suicide attempts, self-harming behavior and children exposed to drugs.

Julie Rogers, the state’s inspector general for child welfare, says too many children involved in the system are experiencing tragic outcomes.