Adult Service Definitions

Adult Service Definitions

Evaluation

Treatment

Supportive Services

Transitional Living

Public Notice – Proposed Edits to Service Definitions for Transitional Living Services

The Administrative Office of the Courts and Probation has proposed revisions to the Service Definitions for Transitional Living Services and invites interested persons to submit public comment. The proposed edits focus on improving clarity, ensuring consistency across service types, and aligning language with current practice expectations.

The revisions can be reviewed at https://nebraskajudicial.gov/probation/rehabilitative-services/adult-service-definitions and apply to the following services:

  • Transitional Living- Level 1
  • Transitional Living- Level 2

Summary of Proposed Language Updates

Overall Changes to both levels:

Program Entry:

  • Required providers to accept the Universal Transitional Living Referral Form
  • Requires that orientation materials be signed both the provider and individual upon review and stored.
  • Requires a copy of policies, procedures, house rules, the grievance process, etc. to be stored in a binder in the commons area of the facility as a reference tool for the individual and their officer.
  • Requires the provider to immediately notify the assigned officer via phone and/or e-mail when the individual arrives at transitional living.

Documentation:

  • Outlines areas to be addressed in transition plans per the documentation standards.
  • Provides guidance to complete a comprehensive discharge summary within 3 days of discharge and outlines the discharge process.

Health & Safety:

  • Requires providers to conduct and document monthly self-inspections to ensure safety, security, sanitation, and that the area is free of hazards.
  • Requires housing units to have one bedroom for every two people and/or at least a minimum for forty square feet of floor space per occupant in sleeping areas, of which no more than four square feet shall be a closet or storage space.
  • Basements will not be utilized to house individuals unless proper egress windows have been installed.
  • Require 1 restroom for every 6 occupants.
  • Requires significant incident reporting via a required report form.

Policies/Protocol/Processes:

  • Requires providers to have a written policy outlining their process for removing individuals from their transitional living facility in order to promote fairness and consistency.
  • Requires that any overnight visits away from the facility be approved by probation and states providers cannot bill for nights an individual did not stay in transitional living.
  • If transportation is provided, a written process is required, and providers must ensure there are staff on site at all times.
  • Requires providers to create a medication process that limits individuals from accessing other participants’ medication.

Staffing:

  • Providers will have a land line phone as a method for Probation to contact the staff member on site and will also provide staff cellphone numbers in case of emergency.

Additional Changes to Transitional Living- Level 1:

Additional Oversite:

  • Providers will ensure all individuals have access to food and proper equipment to prepare food while in transitional living.

Additional Changes to Transitional Living- Level 2:

Case Management:

  • Requires case management to be hands on and interactive, not limited to providing a list of resources.
  • Requires providers to be actively engaged with individuals as they seek employment and document the individual’s employment status along with all attempts by the individual to gain employment in the approved data management system. This includes assistance in getting items such as birth certificates, social security cards, and IDs.
  • Providers will ensure all individuals have access to food and proper equipment to prepare food while in transitional living.
  • Providers will have a working knowledge of how to apply for benefits, be able to partner with community-based organizations as referral sources to ensure individuals’ needs are met/they have ongoing support within the community and be able to teach valuable life skills that lead to self-sufficiency.
  • Providers will ensure that individuals have the basic life skills to sustain independent living. These skills include basic cooking, laundry, hygiene as well as the ability to budget. This can be accomplished by onsite skill training or referrals through partnerships with community-based organizations.

Public Comment Submission:

Individuals wishing to submit comments for consideration may do so via email at: amber.pace@nejudicial.gov 

Comments will be accepted through October 24, 2026.