LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A new report says Nebraska has the nation’s second-highest rate of children who remain in foster care through age 19.
The report released Tuesday includes national data to assess how young people fare when transitioning from foster care to adulthood. Illinois had the nation’s highest rate.
The report says Nebraska youths are benefiting from the increased stability and support. Many child welfare experts see longer placements as desirable because they lead to more successful outcomes for those youths.
The report was released by the Jim Casey Youth Opportunities Initiative, a part of the Annie E. Casey Foundation.
Nebraska has set its age of majority at 19 years old, unlike most states that set it at 18. Lawmakers in 2013 extended benefits for older youths in foster care.