LINCOLN- A new report from Nebraska's inspector general reveals three children died by suicide while involved with the Division of Children and Family Services. According to the report, the children who died were ages 11 to 16. They were from different areas of the state, and their family dynamics were diverse, but all were involved in the division of children and family services, just at different points in the system.

Inspector General Jennifer Carter said the Division of Children and Family Services were "not responsible," but they were lacking "training, policies, and procedures to address suicide prevention." Youth involved in the child welfare system reported higher rates of suicidal ideation and self-harm behaviors. Also, youth who are wards of the state were three times more likely to attempt suicide than those who were in the system but not under state care.

Carter said DHHS has committed to putting together a comprehensive suicide prevention plan by the end of 2025. As a result of the findings, the Office of the Inspector General provided DHHS with a lengthy list of recommendations including procedures and gatekeeper training.

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