Registered Service Provider Network
The Nebraska Probation system and Registered Service Providers share a critical role in ensuring that every individual we serve receives the support, skills, and opportunity for recovery to live productively with dignity and respect. In order to provide services to probation, post-release supervision and problem-solving court individuals, all service providers and affiliated agencies must apply for approval to the network. Registration requires service providers to demonstrate ongoing competency in working with justice-involved individuals and agree to and adhere to established service definitions and standards of practice. This system has been designed to ensure qualified services providers deliver the best possible services to all probation, post-release supervision and/or problem-solving courts clients.

Financial Assistance (Voucher) Program 

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Nebraska Probation is dedicated to reducing financial barriers for individuals and their families to ensure timely access to services. Since 2006, the Fee for Service (Voucher) Program has provided financial assistance when all other financial options have been exhausted for those meeting eligibility requirements. Approval is based on income, risk and level of offense.

Vouchers are available for financial assistance and are only utilized for adults and youth who fall within defined risk and financial criteria.  A financial screening document (FES) has been developed to determine ability to pay based on resources available to the individual/family. Additionally, Registered Service Providers apply a Sliding Fee Scale, when applicable, to identify the individual or families’ contribution. It is essential that these tools are utilized for the issuance of financial assistance, as research has shown that people who invest their time and resources in treatment will be more successful.

Quality Assurance
Registered Service Providers are expected to be familiar with the Standardized Model, Standards of Practice and the corresponding Service Definitions. The Rehabilitative Services Unit regularly monitors and reviews Registered Service Providers’ programs and services to confirm fidelity. The Rehabilitative Services Unit frequently monitors provider services to confirm strict adherence to these standards.

Quality concerns may be identified by District Probation, Administrative staff, or by other system stakeholders. Quality Assurance Reviews may be initiated either through routine randomized selection or as a targeted response to identified concerns. These reviews incorporate structured collaboration with Providers, Administrative and District Probation staff.

Service Definitions for Youth and Adults
Rehabilitative Services oversees the development, delineation, training and implementation of juvenile and adult service definitions for both behavioral health and supportive services. An extensive, multi-phased project including public comment was utilized to update all juvenile service definitions. Comprehensive definitions were implemented July 1, 2017, for use by Probation, Problem-Solving Courts and Registered Service Providers and are updated regularly to align with current practices. Current service descriptions and requirements can be accessed through the Juvenile Service Definitions and Adult Service Definitions.

Statewide Drug Testing
Because the vast majority of individuals coming through the justice system are experiencing substance use-related issues, drug testing is an integral part of effective community supervision. Individuals on Probation or involved in Problem-Solving Courts identified with problematic use or substance use disorders are placed on a randomized testing schedule to assist in establishing a period of sobriety. As the individual progresses on supervision, drug testing helps to inform changed behavior. Additional supportive services such as Continuous Alcohol Monitoring (CAM), and Remote Alcohol Testing are utilized to help monitor alcohol consumption.

Rehabilitative Services Probation Services Advisory Committee
The purpose of the committee is to serve as an information conduit to all community-based providers, to understand the connection between treatment and crime control, and to assist Nebraska Probation in its responsibility to use State dollars in a meaningful and effective way. The committee is charged with (a) providing direction and advice on public/provider/consumer engagement and process, including direct interactions; (b) considering and balancing the concerns/issues of affected stakeholders with State funding limitations, while building public consensus for committee recommendation; (c) review the utilization of alternative funding mechanisms;  and (d) make recommendations to the Administrative Office of Probation concerning the Fee for Service Voucher System as a financial aid program.