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Cedars responds to Safe Haven issues |
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Monday, 29 December 2008 |
By MICHELLE ZLOMKE
Chief Managing Editor
A grant award will allow CEDARS Central Nebraska to expand its services and help the state address some of the issues that surfaced during the implementation and amendment to the Safe Haven law.
The organization, based in Broken Bow, is in the beginning stages of expanding its existing program for runaway and homeless youth, according to Suellen Koepke, CEDARS Director of Rural Services.
“The Safe Haven law exposed a much larger problem than what Nebraska was prepared for,” Koepke said. “CEDARS hopes to be a fixture in preventing families from feeling like they have no other option.”
CEDARS was awarded a “Demonstration” grant that will utilize host homes for families with youth ages 13-18.
The project is designed to meet the needs of families who seek better ways to better care for at-risk teenagers.
Koepke said CEDARS hopes to provide alternatives to living on the streets and involvement in the state’s child welfare system.
“Host homes will provide a safe placement for teens while CEDARS works with the family on the underlying issues at hand so families can remain intact,” she said.
Koepke said CEDARS is excited to be part of the state’s efforts to serve as a resource to families.
CEDARS Central Nebraska has provided foster care for two years and plans to use the agency’s resources and experience to provide individual, group and family counseling, aftercare, education and a 24-hour crisis line for children and families involved. |
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Last Updated ( Thursday, 08 January 2009 )
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