Resource Announcements

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Respite and Pre-Placement Visits - Important Reminders

Pre-Placement Visits

Purpose:

• Help youth transition smoothly between placements (including reunification efforts).
• Ensure the new environment aligns with the youth's individual needs and best interests.
• Promote long-term placement stability.
• Examples
• Child is placed in a foster care 3 hours away from parents. Parents are starting 6 hour visits each weekend day to help with transition to return child home.  Instead of the child traveling 6 hours a day you can find a licensed foster home to provide care overnight. 
• Child is needing to change placements and the identify potential foster care placement would like to get to know the child and the child would like to visit the home before being officially placed.  This will help the youth transition successfully. 
  

Respite Care

Purpose:

• A short-term care arrangement that provides foster parents or caregivers (including parents) with a planned or occasional break, child must return to placement.
• Designed to support caregiver well-being reduce stress and prevent placement disruptions.
• Can also be used in urgent situations (e.g., emergencies, escalating conflict), only if the child returns to the same placement.
• Examples
• A parent has placement of their child but needs to have surgery, so respite is provided. (If due to surgery complications it turns into an emergency and is going to be longer than initially planned therefore needing placement you can still authorize the respite till an official change of placement occurs and NFOCUS reflects the placement.)
• A foster parent is caring for a 10-year-old child who has experienced trauma and requires a lot of emotional support. The foster parent needs a short break to recharge and prevent burnout.

Child and Family Services (CFS) Timeline

• The CFS Timeline document provides a clear overview of key steps and required actions in Child and Family Services cases from intake through the first six months and beyond. It outlines essential timeframes for assessments, team meetings, case planning, supervisory oversight, and court hearings. This tool serves as a guide to help CFSS staff and supervisors make timely decisions, maintain consistent family engagement, and stay organized in their efforts to support child safety, permanency, and well-being. Each case is unique and the timeline may adapt depending on the circumstances of the case.​
  
• CFS Timeline
  
  

Charlie Health – Virtual Behavioral Health Programs

Charlie Health provides immediate access to comprehensive virtual behavioral health services tailored for individuals with high-acuity needs, including serious mental health conditions, substance use disorders, eating disorders, and much more. Their signature Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) includes personalized treatment plans with:

• Curated peer groups
• Individual and family therapy
• Concierge-style support, including 24/7 crisis care
• Free family support groups

Charlie Health accepts most insurance providers. Nebraska Medicaid is not currently accepted; however, they just obtained an office in Lincoln and are currently in process of being credentialed with Nebraska Medicaid. Financial support options include hardship scholarships and flexible payment plans.

• Learn More​
  
  

Central Registry Background Check Fee Change – Effective November 1, 2025

Beginning November 1, 2025, the fee for Central Registry background checks will increase from $2.50 to $3.00.

The Central Registry background check is used by individuals, employers, and agencies to determine whether an individual is listed on the Central Registry. This adjustment helps maintain the quality, accuracy, and reliability of services that protect children, families, and vulnerable adults.

If you have questions, please contact:

• Central Registry Team at dhhs.cfscentralregistry@nebraska.gov

• Frequently Asked Questions