Nebraska Child Welfare Spending 27% Higher Two Years After Implementing Reform Initiative

In the two years since Nebraska contracted with private non-profit organizations to implement the “Families Matter” child welfare reform initiative, the state has spent 27% more on child welfare services covered by the contracts than it spent before privatizing the services. In 2009 annual child welfare spending for services covered under the contracts cost $107.8 million; the state provided direct services or contracted with provider organizations. In November 2009, the Nebraska Division of Children and Family Services (DCFS) signed contracts with five non-profit organizations to serve as lead contractors for community-based foster care and prevention services . . .