NE LB368

Creates the Nebraska Youth in Care Bill of Rights for children placed in foster family homes or child-care institutions through court proceedings, establishing rights to dignity, respect, religious freedom, protection from discrimination, and freedom from unreasonable search and seizure

Requires the Department of Health and Human Services to facilitate joint-sibling placements and sibling visitation when possible, support family reunification, and ensure children have access to birth certificates, social security cards, medical records, and other essential documents

Mandates that each child receive medical, dental, vision, and mental health services regularly, including a health care provider examination within two weeks after initial removal from the home

Requires caseworkers to provide written copies of rights and discuss them with children age 14 and older within 72 hours of placement, within two weeks after placement, and quarterly thereafter; guardians ad litem must discuss rights within two weeks of appointment and every six months

Establishes a grievance process allowing children to file complaints about rights infringements, with the department required to acknowledge receipt within three business days, and assigns the Nebraska Strengthening Families Act Committee to monitor implementation