It was a tough week with several setbacks on our priority bills. Nevertheless, we will continue to be a voice for kids across Nebraska. #voicesforchildreninnebraska #nebraskalegislature #juvenilejustice #youthadvocacy #childwelfare #SNAP #youthpolicy #nebraska #transkidsarevalid (fb)

Youth safety is community safety. This afternoon, the Legislature advanced LB 530 to the Governor’s desk, rolling back years of youth justice reforms and opening the door to increased surveillance and incarceration of young people. Advocates, youth, parents, and community leaders alike have resisted this bill and what it will mean for communities – especially communities of color. While better than its original version, this is still a gutting rollback of laws which kept young people and communities alike safer. It is not lost on us that this occurs simultaneously with the public, tragic loss of another Black child’s life. True public safety demands accountability on all sides and government commitment to transparency, restoration, and repair. We cannot build safer communities by endangering our youth. We must do better. No matter what, Voices for Children remains committed to pursuing a justice system that keeps our young people safe, and their rights protected. (fb)