MEDIA CONTACT
Jeff Powell, (402) 471-6223,
jeff.powell@nebraska.gov
Lincoln, NE – As part of its ongoing commitment to strengthening oversight, the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has made a leadership change within its Youth Rehabilitation and Treatment Center (YRTC) system. As the department continues implementing significant operational improvements across its youth facilities, DHHS determined that new leadership is necessary to help advance these efforts and lead the next phase. As a result, DHHS has designated a new Senior Administrator to oversee the YRTCs in Kearney, Hastings, and Lincoln.
Camella Jacobe, the current Administrator of the YRTC-Hastings facility, will serve as Interim Youth Facilities Senior Administrator effective immediately. Jacobe brings extensive experience in juvenile services and facility operations and will provide continuity while helping advance the department's ongoing improvement efforts. A nationwide search for a permanent Senior Administrator will begin soon.
In addition to the leadership change, DHHS has implemented a series of operational enhancements designed to further strengthen safety, improve oversight, and enhance accountability across Nebraska's YRTCs. These improvements build upon the department's commitment to continuous evaluation and operational excellence to ensure youth receive care in a safe and secure environment.
To date, DHHS has implemented several operational improvements across the YRTC system, including:
- Enhanced incident reporting through a standardized operating procedure, including timely legal notification letters to the courts, expanded monthly progress reports to the courts, and critical incident reporting to the DHHS Chief Executive Officer, Chief Legal Officer, Director of Children and Family Services, Probation, the Office of Inspector General, and parents or legal guardians.
- Expanded facility monitoring and oversight by increasing unannounced compliance inspections, implementing a clear bag policy for all staff and metal detector wand for parents and visitors, doubling compliance team video monitoring reviews, and conducting more frequent unannounced locker inspections.
- Increased youth access to supports through a new probation line that is non-recorded, free of charge, and private for youth. Youth continue to have 24/7 access to the Abuse and Nelgect Hotline and the Ombudsman. Additionally, youth can meet privately with their probation officer and their Children and Family Services Specialist.
- Additional staff training focused on professional boundaries, Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) requirements, supervisory responsibilities, and mandatory reporting obligations.
- Strengthened staff accountability by requiring employee acknowledgments confirming their understanding of incident reporting requirements, professional conduct expectations, and PREA policies. Weekly treatment team meetings include appropriate boundary discussions.The implemented changes are intended to provide stronger protection for youth and greater staff accountability. Collectively, these actions represent a system-wide effort to strengthen safety, culture, and operational accountability at Nebraska's YRTCs.
“These changes reflect DHHS's commitment to continuous improvement and its responsibility to provide safe and secure facilities for Nebraska youth," said DHHS CEO Steve Corsi. “These actions represent a comprehensive effort to strengthen operational excellence, and ensure the highest standards of care for youth entrusted to the state's custody."