LINCOLN- The Department of Health and Human Services was given $15 million in federal pandemic recovery money. They only used $3 million for increasing payments to providers and spent $6 million on other projects. The agency has not determined what to do with the rest. In an email sent to service providers on June 21 last year, agency officials said the first $6 million would go to start a pair of pilot projects and to help children leaving the foster care system through adoption, guardianship or independent living.

This use angered lawmakers. Sen. Mike McDonnell, who has introduced a bill to raise child welfare rates over the next two years, accused HHS of being “tone-deaf” on the issue and acting like a fourth branch of government that can override legislative decisions. He called it disappointing and said it contributes to the already large distrust of HHS.

Andrew Keck, deputy director of the HHS Children and Family Services division, said the agency decided to use the $6 million of federal money for the current fiscal year on one-time expenses. He said the agency is working to decide about the $6 million for the upcoming fiscal year. McDonnell said the department’s decision to divert the first $6 million means Nebraska has not made the progress lawmakers intended in bringing payment rates closer to covering costs for private provider agencies and individuals who contract with the state to care for abused and neglected children.

For the full article click HERE