LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska lawmakers are moving ahead with a $1.5 million-a-year pilot program to pay private agencies to locate relatives of state wards, keeping more children out of foster care.

Senators voted 26-0 Friday to advance the proposal, despite criticism that finding families is the role of the Department of Health and Human Services. The four-year program is intended to connect children with family members or friends they already know.

Some lawmakers expressed skepticism, saying they support the concept, but they worry the bill sets the wrong precedent by shifting responsibility off of DHHS.

Sponsor Sen. Kate Bolz of Lincoln says the department notifies families when a child is in foster care, but does not currently have resources to seek extended family members for permanent placements.