MEDIA RELEASE

Press Release

April 22, 2010

Contact: Jessyca Vandercoy
Program Director, Right Turn
402-661-7106
jvandercoy@rightturnne.org
Jeanne Atkinson, DHHS, (402) 471-8287, jeanne.atkinson@nebraska.gov

Right Turn Responds to the Needs of Nebraska Families
 Program responds to families who have adopted children or become guardians of children formally in foster care

Omaha, NE—January 1, 2010, Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska and Nebraska Children’s Home Society launched a new state-funded program, Right Turn. Right Turn provides support to families who have adopted or agreed to be a guardian for a child or teen who had previously been in the state’s foster care system. The state of Nebraska responded to the needs of families by appropriating money through LB603, which also funds the Nebraska Family Help Line and the Family Navigator Program. This legislation was in response to the disproportionate number of youth brought to SAFE HAVEN sites that had formally been state wards, many of whom were children who had been adopted or in a guardianship.

In the first ninety days of the Right Turn program, over 150 families have contacted the Right Turn access line. “Right Turn’s success in the first quarter has been built upon our ability to adapt our services to each family’s individual challenges.” says, Right Turn Director, Jessyca Vandercoy.  Post-Adoption services are essential in supporting families as their children age and adoption and guardianship issues arise and impact the family.

“The families we are serving are in need of support and services. Families do not know where to turn. Raising children who have experienced abuse, neglect, or significant loss can be challenging,” says Vandercoy. “We have had parents call ready to end their parenting commitment; fortunately, because of the support and funding provided by Department of Health and Human Services for Right Turn, we are providing adoption-competent services which are assisting families in building healthy relationships with their adopted children and supporting parents in maintaining their parenting commitment,” states Vandercoy. 

“It’s good to know that so many families are taking advantage of this new resource,” said Todd Reckling, director of the Division of Children and Family Services in the Department of Health and Human Services.  “Right Turn can help families address issues that come up so the adoption or guardianship remains strong.  I truly appreciate what Right Turn has been able to do to serve families.”

Families who’ve adopted or are guardians for youth who were state wards of Nebraska can contact the Right Turn program 24 hours a day, seven days a week by calling (888) 667-2399. For more information about the Right Turn program, partners, and available services, please visit the Right Turn website at www.RightTurnNe.org.

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To set up interviews with families served through the program or program staff contact Jessyca Vandercoy at 402-661-7106 or jvandercoy@rightturnne.org