Join us for our October State of the Agency Lecture. Our guest lecturer will be Jennifer Carter, Inspector General of Nebraska Child Welfare. Her office provides an independent form of inquiry and review of the actions of individuals and agencies responsible for the care and protection of children in the Nebraska child welfare and juvenile justice systems. The OIG is a subdivision of the Office of Public Counsel (Ombudsman’s Office).

The office investigates allegations or incidents of misconduct, misfeasance, malfeasance, statutory violations, and regulatory violations committed by any of the following:
- Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services;
- Juvenile Probation;
- The Commission on Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice’s Juvenile Justice Programs;
- Private agencies and service providers under state contract;
- Licensed child care facilities;
- Foster parents; and
- Juvenile detention and staff secure detention centers.

The OIG also investigates incidents resulting in death or serious injury that occur in foster homes, private agencies, childcare facilities, or other programs under contract with Juvenile Probation and the Department of Health and Human Services, as well as cases involving an investigation under the Child Protection Act open for no more than one year. The OIG identifies systemic issues and makes recommendations for improvement.