ICPC State Pages

Compact Administrators

Compact Administrator Nichole Hersh Protection & Safety Administrator I Division of Children & Family Services Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Deputy Compact Administrator Abby Barth Program Specialist Division of Children & Family Services Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services Phone: 402-875-2044 Email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) Mindy Wall Program Specialist Division of Children & Family Services Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services Phone:  402-350-5491 Email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Consultants

ICPC Specialist (A-H) Abby Barth Phone: 402-875-2044 Email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)	Administrative Assistant (A-L) N/A
ICPC Specialist (I-Q) Mindy Wall Phone: 402-350-5491 Email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)	Administrative Assistant (M-Z) N/A
ICPC Specialist (R-Z) Deanna Brakhage Program Specialist Phone: 402-314-8294 Email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Mailing Address

Regular Mailing Address NE DHHS - CFS Attn: Jackie Schmucker 301 Centennial Mall South Lincoln, NE 68509 **Due to being on NEICE, Nebraska accepts emailed packets and other documentation at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) from states not currently on NEICE.  Only need one copy emailed, and if mailing your packet, only need one copy of each document—unstapled, please.**

Federal Express Address NE DHHS - CFS Attn: Jackie Schmucker 301 Centennial Mall South Lincoln, NE 68509 **Due to being on NEICE, Nebraska accepts emailed packets and other documentation at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) from states not currently on NEICE.  Only need one copy emailed, and if mailing your packet, only need one copy of each document—unstapled, please.**

Useful Telephone Numbers

Child Abuse Hotline 800-652-1999	Juvenile Compact Office Jacey Rader, ICJ Compact Administrator Commissioner, Probation 402-471-2855 .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) Abbie Christian, ICJ Deputy Compact Administrator Nebraska Probation Phone:  402-326-6142 .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Mental Health Compact Office N/A

Useful Websites

 

General Iinformation

 

Co-Located Compacts - ICPC, ICAMA, ICJ

Adoption

Independent /Private

Independent/Private Adoptive Placements:

Nebraska permits private attorney, private agency and/or independent adoptions

Adoption Statute-Non-Agency; Independent; Private Adoptions:

Neb. Rev. Stat. 43-104 to 43-105. 

Private Adoption Needed Documentation:

• Form 100A
• Adoptive Family Information:

             - CR Clearances

             - Criminal Clearances

             - Adoptive Home Study - must be current within one year

             - Legal Risk

             - Medical Risk Statement

             - Affidavit of Expenditures

• Child's Medical Information and Hospital Records (discharge papers)
• Mother's Information:
  

             - Relinquishment/Consent

             - Social & Medical Information

             - Non-Consent Form

             - Affidavit on Non-Consent Form

             - Affidavit of Identification of Birth Father

• Father's Information:
  

             - Relinquishment/Consent

             - Social & Medical Information

             - Non-Consent Form

             - Affidavit on Non-Consent Form

             - Denial of Paternity and Waiver of Rights

• If no relinquishment, paternity denial, or no paternity has been established:

             - No Claim of Paternity on Date NE ICPC signed 100A

             - No Claim of Paternity Form After 5 Days After Birth or Notice

             - Proof of Notification to Father or Newspaper Publication

             - Adoptive Family's "At Risk Statement" Regarding Father's Rights

             - Due Diligence

             - Vital Records Father Registry

• Native American Heritage/ICWA Affidavit
• Post Placement Visits - letter indicating what agency will be completing
• Attorney's Letter - confirms that relinquishment/consent was done correctly according to state laws

Public

Public Adoptive Placements-Requirements

Neb. Rev. Stat. 43-101 to 43-154.

INDEPENDENT / PRIVATE / PUBLIC

The following information applies to independent, private and public adoptions

Adoption Assistance

Adoption assistance payments begins

• At the time the child is placed

Sending State Adoption Subsidy Payments (Guidelines)

 390 Nebraska Administrative Code 6-002.

Special Needs

Nebraska definition of "Special Needs"

390 Nebraska Administrative Code 6-003.02A.

Finalization

Adoption may be finalized in another state:

• Yes

Before finalization can occur in Nebraska, child must be in adoptive placement:

• 6 months

Statutory code/cite for Adoption Petition

Neb. Rev. Stat. 43-101 and 43-102.

Court Jurisdiction for Adoption Cases

 County Court or Separate Juvenile Court

Home Study (Adoptions)

Statutory code/cite for the Adoptive Home Studies:

Neb. Rev. Stat. 43-107.

Prospective adoptive parents permitted to pay for a pre-adoptive home study

• Yes

Prospective adoptive parents permitted to pay for a pre-adoptive home study

• Private Adoptions: Yes
• Independent Adoptions: Yes

Age of Majority

State's age of majority

• 19 years

Statutory code/cite and the age of majority:

• Neb. Rev. Stat. 43-2101

Services (after Age of Majority)

As the Receiving State, the following services will be provided/continued at the age of majority:

• Medicaid

Appeals

Appeals permitted:

• Home Study: No
• ICPC Decision: No

Border Agreements

Border Agreements permitted:

• Yes

Current Border Agreements with:

• Iowa

Criminal Background Checks/Abuse and Neglect Registry

Home Studies which Require Criminal / Perpetrator Record Checks

Nebraska requires criminal background checks for the following home studies:

• Foster Care
• Relative Care
• Relative-Foster Care
• Foster-Adopt
• Adoption
• Parent
• Other, specified below

Nebraska conducts home studies on behalf of a Specific Child or Person Known to the Child who is not a relative.  A Parent or members of his/her household are not required to submit to National Criminal History Checks (Finger Printing/FBI).

 

Criminal Background Screening

The following methods are used to capture fingerprints to conduct criminal records checks/and abuse and neglect.

• Live Scan or other computerized technology
• Finger Print cards

 

Criminal background checks/screening via Live Scan or other computerized technology are offered at the following levels:

• National
• State

 

Background Screening

State or Local Criminal Record Checks Requirements/Process:

The Nebraska State Patrol processes the National and State level checks.  The results are sent to Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).  DHHS categorizes crimes and distributes the categorization results appropriately.  Categorization of crimes is as follows:

 

CATEGORY A: Currently charged, indicted or convicted of one or more of the following crimes:

(1) Aggravated or armed robbery;

(2) Arson;

(3) Assault, first or second degree;

(4) Child abandonment;

(5) Child abuse;

(6) Child molestation or debauching a minor;

(7) Child neglect;

(8) Commercial sexual exploitation of a minor;

(9) Criminal non-support;

(10) Domestic violence;

(11) Exploitation of a minor involving drug offenses;

(12) Felony controlled substances offenses;

(13) Felony violation of custody;

(14) Incest;

(15) Kidnapping;

(16) Murder, first or second degree;

(17) Robbery;

(18) Sexual abuse of a minor;

(19) Sexual assault;

(20) Sexual exploitation of a minor, including child pornography; or

(21) Voluntary manslaughter.

 

CATEGORY B: Convicted in the last five years of one or more of the following crimes:

(1) Burglary;

(2) Driving under the influence;

(3) Misdemeanor controlled substances offenses; or

(4) Misdemeanor contributing to the delinquency of a child.

 

CATEGORY C:  Criminal History that is not included in either Category A or B.

 

Applicant will not be approved if the person has committed any of the following misdemeanor or felony offenses:

An applicant will not be LICENSED as a Foster Parent if he/she has committed the following pursuant to Nebraska Adminstrative Code.  Nebraska may choose to APPROVE the home of a Relative or Person Known to the child through an administrative approval process. 

 

REV. OCTOBER 14, 2002 NEBRASKA HEALTH AND S.S./FAMILY-CHILD-YOUTH

MANUAL LETTER # 75-2002 HUMAN SERVICES MANUAL 474 NAC 6-003.25

6-003.25B1 Local, State, and National Criminal History: Each household member

age 18 or older is subject to criminal history checks and shall file a complete set of

his/her legible fingerprints and biographical information with the Nebraska State

Patrol. The Department is responsible for fingerprinting and processing fees for the

National Criminal History Check.

a. The Department shall deny licensure to any applicant currently charged,

indicted, or convicted for any of the following crimes:

(1) Aggravated or armed robbery;

(2) Arson;

(3) Assault, first or second degree;

(4) Child abandonment;

(5) Child abuse;

(6) Child molestation or debauching a minor;

(7) Child neglect;

(8) Commercial sexual exploitation of a minor;

(9) Criminal non-support;

(10) Domestic violence;

(11) Exploitation of a minor involving drug offenses;

(12) Felony controlled substances offenses;

(13) Felony violation of custody;

(14) Incest;

(15) Kidnapping;

(16) Murder, first or second degree;

(17) Robbery;

(18) Sexual abuse of a minor;

(19) Sexual assault;

(20) Sexual exploitation of a minor, including child pornography; or

(21) Voluntary manslaughter.

b. The Department shall deny licensure to any applicant convicted in the last

five years of any of the following crimes:

(1) Burglary;

(2) Driving under the influence;

(3) Misdemeanor controlled substances offenses; or

(4) Misdemeanor contributing to the delinquency of a child.

 

Type of Checks (Crim. & Abuse Neglect Registry)

Nebraska requires the following types of criminal background and perpetrator checks (Federal (F), State (S), Local (L), Abuse and Neglect Registry (ANR), Not Required (NR))

Wait Time for Criminal Records Results

Wait time for fingerprint results are:

Live Scan or other technology

• State: 31-60 days
• Local/County: Not Offered

Manually - Fingerprint Card

• State: 31-60 days
• Local/County: Not Offered

Verification of Criminal Records Results

• Actual results/information contained in the Criminal Background

Definitions

Texas Specific Definitions

If the following terms are defined differently than below (General Definitions), please provide definitions for the following types of placements as defined within your state. If definitions in your state are the same, please type the word same in the space provided. (only 250 characters per answer will be accepted).

Adoption

Adoption occurs when a court enters an order of finalization.

Foster-Adopt

Foster Care

Any care provided by a person or entity other than the legal or biological parent or guardian.

Parent

Relative

Relative Foster Care

General Definitions

 

Public Education Costs

Nebraska charges for public education:

• Yes

Nebraska charges the sending state for specialized services (occupational, speech therapy)

• No

Nebraska charges the Sending State to obtain assessments/diagnostics and/or services for education purposes:

• No

Financial Plans, Medicaid, IV-E, Daycare, Payments

FINANCIAL PLANS

Nebraska permits a child in the legal custody of a Sending State to apply for and receive the following state administered assistance/benefits in Nebraska as the Receiving State.

• Medicaid
• TANF Child Only
• TANF–Family

As the Sending state, following are considered as a viable financial/medical plan when making interstate placements:

• Applying for TANF - Child Only
• Title IV-E Foster Care
• Title IV-E Adoption Assistance
• Sending State Adoption Assistance
• Kin-Guardianship - Fostering Connections (IV-E)
• Kin-Guardianship - State
• Medicaid
• Sending State’s Coverage for Medical Assistance

As the Receiving state, following are considered a viable financial/medical plan when receiving interstate placements:

• Applying for TANF - (Family Income Based)
• Applying for TANF - Child Only
• Title IV-E Foster Care
• Title IV-E Adoption Assistance
• Sending State Adoption Assistance
• Kin-Guardianship - Fostering Connections (IV-E)
• Kin-Guardianship - State
• Medicaid
• Sending State’s Coverage for Medical Assistance

MEDICAID / MEDICAL ASSISTANCE

The state will ensure medical coverage benefits and services can be received through benefits, programs and providers in the Receiving State before placing a child across state lines.

• Yes

Medicaid

The receiving state is responsible for the Medicaid benefits of children eligible under Title IV-E. Otherwise, the responsibility is with the sending state (see Foster Care Payments).

• Yes

WAITING PERIOD FOR MEDICAID BENEFITS

Waiting period to apply for benefit assistance:

• No waiting period

Waiting period to receive benefits for a child who is under the legal custody/legal jurisdiction of the sending state:

• No waiting period

STATE MEDICAL INSURANCE/COVERAGE

As the Sending State, Nebraska will provide medical coverage if the child is NOT IV-E eligible

• Yes: (a)Providers need to be located in the other state who are either already enrolled as Nebraska Medicaid providers or who are willing to become enrolled as Nebraska Medicaid providers. Providers may contact Margaret VanDyke in Nebraska Medicaid to discuss this process; or (b)Providers need to be located in the other state who are willing to bill Nebraska State Ward Medical at Nebraska Medicaid rates. This includes the following steps: 1.Completion of a Letter of Agreement between the Service Area and the Provider, including the Provider’s willingness to bill on the HCFA 1500 Form; 2.A copy of this LOA sent to Ida Gomez in State Ward Medical; 3.The provider loaded as an ORG on N-Focus; 4.A Service Authorization for the Provider completed on N-Focus.

As the Sending State, Nebraska will permit Placement Resources to apply for medical benefits in the Receiving State or use their personal insurance.

• Yes

PAYMENTS MADE

TANF Payments

• no information provided

Adoption assistance payments begin:

• After the adoption is finalized.

Foster Care Payments

• no information provided

Special Education Payments

• Other: If the receiving state statute requires Nebraska to pay for Special Education Nebraska will negotiate a rate with the receiving state on a case by case basis.

Daycare Payments

• Other

Nebraska may pay under circumstances determined on a case by case basis.

Kinship Program

No information provided

TITLE IV-E

Medicaid - The receiving state is responsible for the Medicaid benefits of children eligible under Title IV-E. Otherwise, the responsibility is with the sending state (see Foster Care Payments).

• Yes

Title IV-E documentation/verification required

• Yes: no information provided

Foster Care

RATES (Foster Care)

Foster care rate paid at:

• Other

If it is a privately managed case in Nebraska the managing Nebraska agency will establish a rate with the receiving state. If it is a case managed by Nebraska DHHS a specific rate schedule will be followed.

Nebraska foster care rates:

REQUIREMENTS (Foster Care)

Foster Care Resource Requirements:

REV. OCTOBER 14, 2002 NEBRASKA HEALTH AND PS

MANUAL LETTER # 74-2002 HUMAN SERVICES MANUAL 390 NAC 7

7-001.06 ASSESSMENTS OF FAMILIES INTERESTED IN BECOMING FOSTER OR ADOPTIVE PARENTS

The Department will assess all persons who are interested in becoming foster or adoptive parents. This process includes:

• home visits;
• interviews with all the applicants, their children and other persons living in the home;
• a written home study, using the Department's format;
• a self-study completed by the applicants;
• references from three persons;
• Background checks with the Adult Protective Services Central Registry and the   Central Register of Child Protection Cases;
• Criminal records check; and
• A medical summary for each family member.

In addition, persons caring for children from one or more families must be licensed as foster parents. An approval study is completed for relatives or persons known to the child before placement. If an approval study indicates placement is appropriate, children from one or more families who are related to the caregiver, may be placed without the care giver's being licensed to provide foster care. (See 7-004.02 for Approval of Unlicensed Homes (Non-Emergency Situations.) Families interested in becoming adoptive parents will have an adoptive home study. See 6-002.04 for adoptive home study policy.

The Department will conduct a home study when a family contacts the Department expressing interest in becoming a foster or adoptive parent. (See Out of Home Care Guidebook for the home study format and process.) The Department will not place a child in a home not known to the child before wardship before the home is licensed, has completed the home study process and has completed required pre-service training.

Applicants for providing foster or adoptive care must at least meet the following requirements in these areas:

• Age: The applicant must be at least 19 years of age. Generally, at least one parent should be within the normal child-bearing age for the child to be placed.
• Health: An applicant must be in such physical and mental condition that it is reasonable to expect him/her to be able to fulfill parenting responsibilities. If there appears to be a health condition which might affect parenting ability, a medical report may be requested. A negative report may be the basis for denial of an application at any point in the home study process.
• Religion, race and gender: The application of all persons will be considered regardless of race, gender, ethnic group or religion.
• Income: The applicant must be able to budget his/her financial resources in such a way that a child placed can be reasonably assured of minimum standards of nutrition, health, shelter, clothing and other essentials.
• Needs of the Children: Applicants must be willing to consider accepting children in the Department's custody or likely to enter the Department's custody.

The Department will consider all the information and take into consideration the needs of the children in the Department's custody to determine whether a family should become a foster or adoptive family. The home study will include the recommendation.

The foster or adoptive family will be given the opportunity to review the home study and attach written comments if they wish. Copies of the completed home study will not be provided to the family, the family's attorney or the guardian ad litem. Copies will be given to the court upon request.

Training (Education and Training)

• no information provided

Home Studies (Adoption/Foster Care/Kinship/Parent/Relative)

Types of Home Studies

Nebraska conducts the following types of home studies:

• Relative Care
• Foster Care
• Relative-Foster Care
• Parent Care
• Foster- Adopt
• Adoption
• Other

Nebraska completes all types of home studies, however the home studies are not titled the same.  In addition Nebraska completes Child Specific/Person Known to the Child home studies. 

Nebraska designates staff in each county/region to conduct home studies and/or process interstate placements.

• Yes

Nebraska considers a home study as current/valid for:

• 6 mos.

Private Contract Services - Home Study

As the Sending State, Nebraska will pay a contractor or private/independent agency in the Receiving State to conduct a home study

• Yes

As the Receiving State, Nebraska will permit a Sending state to pay a contractor or private/independent agency in the Receiving State to conduct a home study.

• Yes

As the Receiving State, Nebraska will accept/update a home study that was not originally conducted by the receiving state or a private contractor acting on behalf of the Receiving State.

• Will Update and Accept

Adoptive Home Studies

Home study for adoption conducted prior to Termination of Parental Rights (TPR)

• No

Prospective adoptive parents permitted to pay for a pre-adoptive home study

• Private Adoptions: Yes
• Independent Adoptions: Yes

DCPS contracts for Purchase of Services with private agencies in other states:

• Yes

Foster Care Home Study

Home study for foster care conducted prior to Termination of Parental Rights (TPR)

• Yes

Parent Home Study

If child has been removed from the parent, Nebraska requires a home study evaluation before reunification.

• Yes, if the child is placed across state lines and is subject to the ICPC.

Non-Custodial Parents

Placements with non-custodial parents are not covered under the ICPC if:

No information provided

Proof of Paternity is required:

• Yes : Court Order recognizing the father, Child Support Order, Birth Certificate.

Relative/Kinship Home Study

Home study for relatives conducted prior to Termination of Parental Rights (TPR)

• No

Define Relative

No information provided

Relatives must be licensed:

• No

Proof of Paternity is required:

• Yes : Court Order recognizing the father, Child Support Order, Birth Certificate.

Nebraska considers the following types and degrees of relation as relative placements. Individuals related in the 1st degree, 2nd degree, 3rd degree and 4th degree (You may need to refer to your state's consanguinity chart or state statute to determine relations or relative status.)

• Other

No information provided

Regulation 7 Priority Placement

Nebraska performs priority placements:

• Yes

A court ordered Priority 7 conducted if the child is in a DCF shelter or foster home for substantial period of time.

Wait Time (ICPC Interstate Home Study) - Public

Average length of time to process and complete a home study with criminal background checks for an interstate placement (Not including completion of education training):

• 60 days

Wait time to complete Home Study, only (without criminal records check):

• 30 days

Wait Time (ICPC Interstate Home Study) - Private

Average length of time to process and complete a home study with criminal background checks for an interstate placement (Not including completion of education training):

• 90 days

Wait time to complete Home Study, only (without criminal records check):

• 60 days

Nebraska determines the "Date of Receipt" for an interstate home study as:

• Date stamped in the ICPC Office.

Method of requesting, sending, and/or reporting an interstate home study

Criminal Record Checks

Nebraska requires criminal background checks for the following home studies:

• Foster Care
• Relative Care
• Relative-Foster Care
• Foster-Adopt
• Adoption
• Parent
• Other, specified below

Nebraska conducts home studies on behalf of a Specific Child or Person Known to the Child who is not a relative.  A Parent or members of his/her household are not required to submit to National Criminal History Checks (Finger Printing/FBI).

Type of Checks (Crim. & Abuse Neglect Registry)

Nebraska requires the following types of criminal background and perpetrator checks (Federal (F), State (S), Local (L), Abuse and Neglect Registry (ANR), Not Required (NR))

Wait Time for Criminal Records Results

Wait time for fingerprint results are:

Live Scan or other technology

• State: 31-60 days
• Local/County: Not Offered

Manually - Fingerprint Card

• State: 31-60 days
• Local/County: Not Offered

ICPC Processing And Data Collection

Nebraska conducts the following types of home studies:

• Relative Care
• Foster Care
• Relative-Foster Care
• Parent Care
• Foster- Adopt
• Adoption
• Other

Nebraska completes all types of home studies, however the home studies are not titled the same.  In addition Nebraska completes Child Specific/Person Known to the Child home studies. 

ICPC Placement Checklists

Date of Receipt - Home Study

Nebraska determines the "Date of Receipt" for an interstate home study as:

• Date stamped in the ICPC Office.

Nebraska designates staff in each county/region to conduct home studies and/or process interstate placements.

• Yes

Private Contract Services - Home Study

As the Sending State, Nebraska will pay a contractor or private/independent agency in the Receiving State to conduct a home study

• Yes

Criminal Records Checks

Nebraska requires criminal background checks for the following home studies:

• Foster Care
• Relative Care
• Relative-Foster Care
• Foster-Adopt
• Adoption
• Parent
• Other, specified below

Nebraska conducts home studies on behalf of a Specific Child or Person Known to the Child who is not a relative.  A Parent or members of his/her household are not required to submit to National Criminal History Checks (Finger Printing/FBI).

Type of Checks (Crim. & Abuse Neglect Registry)

Nebraska requires the following types of criminal background and perpetrator checks (Federal (F), State (S), Local (L), Abuse and Neglect Registry (ANR), Not Required (NR))

Mailing Process - Interstate Home Study

Method of requesting, sending, and/or reporting an interstate home study

Wait/Processing Times

Wait Time (ICPC Interstate Home Study) - Public

Average length of time to process and complete a home study with criminal background checks for an interstate placement (Not including completion of education training):

• 60 days

Wait time to complete Home Study, only (without criminal records check):

• 30 days

Wait Time for Criminal Records Checks

Wait time for fingerprint results are:

Live Scan or other technology

• State: 31-60 days
• Local/County: Not Offered

Manually - Fingerprint Card

• State: 31-60 days
• Local/County: Not Offered

Wait Time - (License/ Certification/ Approval - Education and Training)

Average Length of time it takes for a home to be licensed/approved/certified:

• 1-3 mos.

Length of time a license is valid before renewal required.

• 3 mos.

Nebraska offers classes (education and training) for placement resources' homes to become licensed/certified/approved:

• As needed

Wait Time for ICPC Decision

Data Collection

Nebraska collects, tracks and reports interstate data via:

• ICPC Access Database

Nebraska collects, tracks and reports interstate home studies via

• ICPC Access Database

Licensing/Certification/Approval

Licensing

Dual Licensing state:

• Yes

Nebraska uses the following terms to authorize a resource family for foster care and (or) adoption after completion of education and training in state:

• Approve (Adoption)
• Verified (Foster Home)
• Certified

Nebraska requires the following types of placement resources to be licensed/approved/certified:

• Foster Care
• Relative-Foster Care
• Adoption
• Foster/Adopt

Nebraska resource training program is as follows:

• PRIDE (Parents Resource Information Development Education)

Nebraska will give full or partial credit for foster care and adoption education and training completed in another state:

• Adoption
  Full Credit
• Foster Care
  Full Credit

Title IV-E documentation/verification required

• Yes: no information provided

Requirements (Licensing)

Licensing Requirements

• No Information Provided

Foster Care Placements

• No Information Provided

Wait Time - (License/ Certification/ Approval - Education and Training)

Average Length of time it takes for a home to be licensed/approved/certified:

• 1-3 mos.

Length of time a license is valid before renewal required.

• 3 mos.

Nebraska offers classes (education and training) for placement resources' homes to become licensed/certified/approved:

• As needed

Parent Studies

Nebraska conducts the following types of home studies:

• Relative Care
• Foster Care
• Relative-Foster Care
• Parent Care
• Foster- Adopt
• Adoption
• Other

Nebraska completes all types of home studies, however the home studies are not titled the same.  In addition Nebraska completes Child Specific/Person Known to the Child home studies. 

Custodial Parent Evaluated Per Reunification

If child has been removed from the parent, Nebraska requires a home study evaluation before reunification.

• Yes, if the child is placed across state lines and is subject to the ICPC.

Non-Custodial Parents

Placements with non-custodial parents are not covered under the ICPC if:

No information provided

Proof of Paternity is required:

• Yes : Court Order recognizing the father, Child Support Order, Birth Certificate.

Regulation 7 Priority Placement

Nebraska performs priority placements:

• Yes

A court ordered Priority 7 conducted if the child is in a DCF shelter or foster home for substantial period of time.

Wait Time (ICPC Interstate Home Study)

Average length of time to process and complete a home study with criminal background checks for an interstate placement (Not including completion of education training):

• 60 days

Wait time to complete Home Study, only (without criminal records check):

• 30 days

Nebraska determines the "Date of Receipt" for an interstate home study as:

• Date stamped in the ICPC Office.

Method of requesting, sending, and/or reporting an interstate home study

Criminal Records Checks

Nebraska requires criminal background checks for the following home studies:

• Foster Care
• Relative Care
• Relative-Foster Care
• Foster-Adopt
• Adoption
• Parent
• Other, specified below

Nebraska conducts home studies on behalf of a Specific Child or Person Known to the Child who is not a relative.  A Parent or members of his/her household are not required to submit to National Criminal History Checks (Finger Printing/FBI).

Type of Checks (Crim. & Abuse Neglect Registry)

Nebraska requires the following types of criminal background and perpetrator checks (Federal (F), State (S), Local (L), Abuse and Neglect Registry (ANR), Not Required (NR))

Wait Time for Criminal Records Checks

Wait time for fingerprint results are:

Live Scan or other technology

• State: 31-60 days
• Local/County: Not Offered

Manually - Fingerprint Card

• State: 31-60 days
• Local/County: Not Offered

Average length of time to process and complete a home study with criminal background checks for an interstate placement (Not including completion of education training):

• 60 days

Type of Checks (Crim. & Abuse Neglect Registry)

Nebraska requires the following types of criminal background and perpetrator checks (Federal (F), State (S), Local (L), Abuse and Neglect Registry (ANR), Not Required (NR))

Verification of Criminal Records Results

• Actual results/information contained in the Criminal Background

Wait Time - (License/ Certification/ Approval - Education and Training)

Average Length of time it takes for a home to be licensed/approved/certified:

• 1-3 mos.

Length of time a license is valid before renewal required.

• 3 mos.

Nebraska offers classes (education and training) for placement resources' homes to become licensed/certified/approved:

• As needed

Relative Placements

Nebraska conducts the following types of home studies:

• Relative Care
• Foster Care
• Relative-Foster Care
• Parent Care
• Foster- Adopt
• Adoption
• Other

Nebraska completes all types of home studies, however the home studies are not titled the same.  In addition Nebraska completes Child Specific/Person Known to the Child home studies. 

Relative Home Study

Define Relative

No information provided

Relatives must be licensed:

• No

Proof of Paternity is required:

• Yes : Court Order recognizing the father, Child Support Order, Birth Certificate.

Nebraska considers the following types and degrees of relation as relative placements. Individuals related in the 1st degree, 2nd degree, 3rd degree and 4th degree (You may need to refer to your state's consanguinity chart or state statute to determine relations or relative status.)

• Other

No information provided

Regulation 7 Priority Placement

Nebraska performs priority placements:

• Yes

A court ordered Priority 7 conducted if the child is in a DCF shelter or foster home for substantial period of time.

Wait Time (ICPC Interstate Home Study)

Average length of time to process and complete a home study with criminal background checks for an interstate placement (Not including completion of education training):

• 60 days

Wait time to complete Home Study, only (without criminal records check):

• 30 days

Nebraska determines the "Date of Receipt" for an interstate home study as:

• Date stamped in the ICPC Office.

Method of requesting, sending, and/or reporting an interstate home study

Criminal Records Checks

Nebraska requires criminal background checks for the following home studies:

• Foster Care
• Relative Care
• Relative-Foster Care
• Foster-Adopt
• Adoption
• Parent
• Other, specified below

Nebraska conducts home studies on behalf of a Specific Child or Person Known to the Child who is not a relative.  A Parent or members of his/her household are not required to submit to National Criminal History Checks (Finger Printing/FBI).

Type of Checks (Crim. & Abuse Neglect Registry)

Nebraska requires the following types of criminal background and perpetrator checks (Federal (F), State (S), Local (L), Abuse and Neglect Registry (ANR), Not Required (NR))

Wait Time for Criminal Records Checks

Wait time for fingerprint results are:

Live Scan or other technology

• State: 31-60 days
• Local/County: Not Offered

Manually - Fingerprint Card

• State: 31-60 days
• Local/County: Not Offered

Average length of time to process and complete a home study with criminal background checks for an interstate placement (Not including completion of education training):

• 60 days

Type of Checks (Crim. & Abuse Neglect Registry)

Nebraska requires the following types of criminal background and perpetrator checks (Federal (F), State (S), Local (L), Abuse and Neglect Registry (ANR), Not Required (NR))

Verification of Criminal Records Results

• Actual results/information contained in the Criminal Background

Wait Time - (License/ Certification/ Approval - Education and Training)

Average Length of time it takes for a home to be licensed/approved/certified:

• 1-3 mos.

Length of time a license is valid before renewal required.

• 3 mos.

Nebraska offers classes (education and training) for placement resources' homes to become licensed/certified/approved:

• As needed

Residential Treatment Centers/Facilities

Before Nebraska will approve a child for an interstate placement with an RTF, Certification/verification of acceptance is required from the Residential Treatment Facility (RTF).

• Yes

Residential Placements

No information provided

Supervisory Reports

Nebraska Requires face-to-face supervision:

• Once a month

Nebraska will provide supervision of an interstate placement:

• Until the ICPC case is closed

Nebraska Submits a supervisory report to the Sending State

• Other : As requested on the ICPC 100A form.

Nebraska will send a supervision report to:

• The ICPC in the Sending State

Supervision Guidelines

Please see Regulation 11 for supervision requirements under the ICPC (Link provided below):

• Best Practice Guidelines for Supervision via the ICPC

Termination of Parental Rights (TPR)

Home study for adoption conducted prior to Termination of Parental Rights (TPR)

• No

Home study for relatives conducted prior to Termination of Parental Rights (TPR)

• No

After TPR, relatives are no longer relatives and a foster care or adoptive home study must be requested.

• No

Relative Home Study

Define Relative

No information provided

Relatives must be licensed:

• No

Proof of Paternity is required:

• Yes : Court Order recognizing the father, Child Support Order, Birth Certificate.

Nebraska considers the following types and degrees of relation as relative placements. Individuals related in the 1st degree, 2nd degree, 3rd degree and 4th degree (You may need to refer to your state's consanguinity chart or state statute to determine relations or relative status.)

• Other

No information provided