A Letter From the Chief Justice
Dear Judges, Team Members and the Community,
Over one and a half years ago I participated in the Nebraska Children’s Summit in Nebraska City. I was present for the creation of the Through the Eyes of the Child Initiative, a collaborative effort between all participants involved in the abuse/neglect court system. Since that time I have heard countless anecdotes of the important, beneficial work that local teams and the Initiative are doing on behalf of Nebraska’s children. Practices have been put into place to schedule court hearings more rapidly, resulting in abused and neglected children being placed in permanent, safe, and stable homes as quickly as possible.
Earlier this year, I gave the 2008 State of the Judiciary address to the Nebraska Legislature. As the well-being of our State’s children is one of my primary concerns, the Through the Eyes of the Child Initiative was prominently highlighted.
Spotlight IssueImmigration Issues in Nebraska Juvenile CourtsThe issue of immigration has moved into the spotlight in Nebraska and all indications suggest that it will be a significant issue for the next several years. Groups and governmental entities have narrowed their focus and analysis to specific issues of immigration, such as granting or prohibiting qualified undocumented immigrants in-state tuition at state colleges or imposing taxes on remittances. But perhaps at the forefront of the immigration spotlight in Nebraska has been the raid by ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) in 2007 at a meat-packing plant in Grand Island. As has Schuyler, Lexington and Norfolk, Grand Island has seen a rise in its population of immigrants due to increases in need for unskilled labor. After the Grand Island raid, there were numerous commentaries from national groups about the rights of the detained workers, the conduct of ICE, and the correct deportation process. There was also discussion about the consequences the absence of a salary-providing head of household would cause...
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Spotlight Team12th District - Team 2According to Judge Randin Roland, Lead Judge of 12th District – Team 2 of the Through the Eyes of the Child Initiative, team collaboration has allowed cases to get resolved more efficiently and effectively. His local team of approximately 30 individuals who are involved in the abuse/neglect court system in a myriad of ways, whether through substance abuse counseling, mental health services, legal representation of parents, children, and the county, foster parenting or representing HHS, have been meeting monthly to address systemic and procedural barriers that are impacting children under their care. 
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Latest Caselaw Updates
- In re Interest of Jazzmine W.
Filed on July 1, 2008
Not designated for permanent publication
A-08-076
SUMMARY: Once the court establishes a guardianship, the responsibility and authority of DHHS no longer exists other than that related to subsidized guardianships. However, the court has continuing jurisdiction over the case even after appointment of guardianship.On December 20, 2007, the court appointed Jazzmine’s aunt, Tammy, as [...]
- In re Interest of Courtney S., et al
Filed on June 17, 2008
Not designated for permanent publication, A-07-1295
SUMMARY: The mother did not challenge DHHS parameters on visitation or timely appeal the court’s order permitting DHHS’ restrictions, and her argument therefore has no merit on appeal. Termination of parental rights was proper as to all children as the mother did not truly begin working [...] - In re Interest of Dakota W., et al
Filed on June 10, 2008
Memorandum opinion, not designated for permanent publication
A-08-050
SUMMARY: A father who voluntary relinquished his parental rights has no standing to request supervised visitation with the children. His request for visitation with a child whose parental rights he still retains was properly denied due to the fact that the serious nature of the [...] - In re Interest of April E. et al.
Filed on May 27, 2008
Memorandum opinion, not designated for permanent publication
A-08-036 through A-08-038
SUMMARY: An 18-day delay between the ex parte order and the detention hearing is “on the outer edge of reasonableness” but is not unreasonable. The evidentiary basis of an ex parte temporary detention order is not appealable because the ex parte order [...] - Amanda C. v. Case
Filed on May 23, 2008
275 Neb. 757, ___ N.W.2d ___
SUMMARY: A jury finding of liability under a §1983 claim based on violation of the father’s substantive due process rights in the relinquishment of his parental rights to Amanda C. has preclusive effect in the subsequent lawsuit brought by Amanda C. alleging violation of her substantive [...]
