For many children and teens, summer means freedom, fun and a welcome break from school routines. But for parents and caregivers, the season can also bring new challenges. Longer days, less structure and increased screen time can impact youth mental health in ways that are easy to overlook — especially for children who have experienced trauma or instability. To help your family navigate the season, here are our practical, therapist-approved strategies to support your children and teens through the unique emotional ups and downs of summer break.

May is Foster Care Month, a time to recognize the vital role foster families play in supporting children and strengthening communities across Nebraska. For Cathi, foster care has been part of her life for decades. From experiencing foster care in her own home as a child to becoming a dedicated foster parent herself, Cathi brings a unique, deeply personal perspective to what it means to care for children and support families. Her journey reflects both the challenges and the profound impact of fostering — and offers an honest look at how one person can make a lasting difference. Hear Cathi’s inspirational story.

Have you ever thought about welcoming a child in need into your home? Are you looking for a meaningful way to give back, open your heart and make a difference in someone’s life? If you’re curious about how to become a foster parent in Nebraska, you’ve come to the right place. The most important trait in a foster parent is openness to love and support. We know you would be so good at this! Don’t believe us? Here are 10 signs you’re ready to take the next step and start providing foster care in Nebraska.

From sports to drama clubs, after-school activities are a great creative outlet for youth, especially those experiencing foster care. Check out the real-life story of Malachi, a teen who found confidence and connection through sports while experiencing foster care. And now he’s changing the game for other kids, working so finances never stand in the way of the creative outlets youth so desperately need.

Our foster families care for children until they can either safely return home or another permanency plan can be determined. The choice to become a foster parent/family is a big deal and life adjustment. And comes with a lot of questions. Here are answers to some of your frequently asked questions about what it means to become a foster parent.

Youth on probation deserve caring, supportive homes to help them grow and overcome challenges in their lives.

See why Nebraska children and teens need more foster parents to temporarily care for them while birth families work toward reunification.

This training is available to foster parents and worth 2 CEUs. You are able to take this training via webcast through the MyLink app on your iPad. This class provides […]

This training is strongly recommended for all foster parents each licensure period and worth 2 CEUs. Placement Stability training teaches the importance of placement stability for foster children, the stages […]

October is National Bullying Prevention Month and we want to educate communities, schools, organizations, and families about the ways every child and adult can help to prevent bullying.