A reality for youth and families living in rural areas of Nebraska is that access to essential treatment and supportive services is significantly more challenging. This is even more essential for youth who come before the court for a delinquent or status offense and are system-involved. Many times, these services are key to habilitation and long-term success so that the youth do not return to the justice system.

With this priority focus, the Administrative Office of the Court and Probation, Juvenile Services Division contracted with the University of Nebraska at Kearney in August of 2023 to complete a comprehensive Environmental Scan for Judicial Districts 11 and 12. The goal of the research was to provide a comprehensive understanding of service needs for youth in rural areas of the state and examine barriers to accessing those services. The research included two methodologies including data analysis and in-person interviews.

The full report has now been published, and the links are located below. Some of the essential findings of the report included recognition of the commitment and dedication of the youth justice professionals in rural areas that work with system-involved youth. The critical need for community-based services, out-of-home placements and residential therapeutic services. The report highlighted that without access to services, youth may not receive the targeted individualized service that best meets their needs and reduces criminogenic risk. The report discussed several specific services including substance use and mental health evaluations, Functional Family Therapy (FFT), detention, foster care and group homes. Additionally, focus areas include demographic information, assessments, intake decisions, service mapping, poverty level considerations, equal access and timeliness of services. 

This report will serve as an essential tool moving forward to prioritize and implement the key findings.

Judicial District Map:  https://nebraskajudicial.gov/directories/district-information

Executive Summary:  https://nebraskajudicial.gov/sites/default/files/Probation/juvenile/D11_D12-Executive-Summary.pdf

Full Report: https://nebraskajudicial.gov/sites/default/files/Probation/juvenile/111Environment-Scan-Final-121625.pdf

Report Quote: “The level of dedication that stakeholders exhibit is admirable, given the challenges they face due to the emotional nature of working with youth and the barriers related to their rural location.”