Foster Care Review Office

Foster Care Review Office Good Life, Great Outcomes

The Foster Care Review Office (FCRO) is the independent state agency responsible for overseeing the safety, permanency, and well-being of children in out-of-home care in Nebraska. Through a process that includes case reviews, data collection and analysis, and accountability, we are the authoritative voice for all children and youth in out-of-home care. Ultimately, our mission is for the recommenda

tions we make to result in meaningful change, great outcomes, and hopeful futures for children and families.

Did you know? 📈 Of the children placed in family-like settings (not including trial home visits) as of 3/31/2026, 52.1% ...
08/31/2026

Did you know? 📈 Of the children placed in family-like settings (not including trial home visits) as of 3/31/2026, 52.1% were in a relative or kinship placement.

📣 Relatives and kin play an important role in helping children and youth maintain family connections, and continued support for these caregivers remains important.

Read the full report to learn more:

Presenting FCRO’s data to community leaders and partners is an important part of our work, helping inform conversations ...
08/30/2026

Presenting FCRO’s data to community leaders and partners is an important part of our work, helping inform conversations and improve outcomes for youth across Nebraska.

On August 20, FCRO’s Heather Wood shared data as part of a panel discussion during a summit on youth homelessness at Dana Village in Blair. The summit brought together community partners to explore ways to better support young people experiencing housing instability.

💡 Did You Know? Dana Village — an initiative of Lutheran Family Services — prioritizes housing for young people aging out of the foster care system. This multi-generational apartment complex has supportive services, community activities and dedicated transportation services!

Photo Credit: UNL Center on Children, Families, and the Law

The Nebraska Intertribal Coalition recently hosted a recognition ceremony, celebrating the passage of LB 1032, which rec...
08/29/2026

The Nebraska Intertribal Coalition recently hosted a recognition ceremony, celebrating the passage of LB 1032, which recognizes and honors tribal customary adoptions in Nebraska law.

FCRO Executive Director Monika Gross joined Nebraska Children's Commission Child Welfare Policy Analyst Zac Ross and other community partners in recognizing this important milestone.

Watch the ceremony on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QErmiiq-UxQ

It's time for an FCRO Spotlight! Today we are excited to highlight volunteer review board member Cheryl Graser.Q) How lo...
08/28/2026

It's time for an FCRO Spotlight! Today we are excited to highlight volunteer review board member Cheryl Graser.

Q) How long have you been a volunteer?
⭐A) 10 years.

Q) What are your personal hobbies?
⭐A) Reading, volunteering and thrifting.

Q) What is your all time favorite song?
⭐A) "Brick House" by The Commodores.

Q) Tell us about your family!
⭐A) I am the oldest of 10. I have 3 children, 13 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren!

Q) Why do you feel the FCRO's mission is important?
⭐A) By advocating for the children and families through the work we do gives insight to what needs to be done for them to succeed.

Q) What do you consider the most rewarding part of your work?
⭐A) I love gathering resources that can help the children and families we review. To give them hope that they will accomplish their goals.

Our Executive Director Monika Gross recently presented FCRO data at Pathways Association of Nebraska's meeting at Boys T...
08/27/2026

Our Executive Director Monika Gross recently presented FCRO data at Pathways Association of Nebraska's meeting at Boys Town!

Presenting FCRO’s data to community leaders and partners is an important part of our work, helping to inform stakeholders and strengthen collaboration across Nebraska.

National commemorates the ongoing work to ensure equal opportunities for women and girls.For girls involved in the chi...
08/26/2026

National commemorates the ongoing work to ensure equal opportunities for women and girls.

For girls involved in the child welfare and juvenile justice systems, access to education, healthcare, stable relationships, and supportive communities can help build brighter futures.

Every child deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential.

Today, we recognize the importance of continuing to create systems that support safety, stability, and opportunity for every young person.

Our Executive Director Monika Gross and Training Coordinator Mary Furnas recently shared insights into FCRO’s work at th...
08/25/2026

Our Executive Director Monika Gross and Training Coordinator Mary Furnas recently shared insights into FCRO’s work at the Nebraska CASA Association Conference, held August 21–22.

The annual conference brings together CASA staff, volunteers and partners from across the state for learning, collaboration and connection. We appreciated the opportunity to connect with others committed to supporting Nebraska’s children and families!

Did you know? 📈 As of 3/31/2026, there were differences in the average number of lifetime placements based on agency inv...
08/24/2026

Did you know? 📈 As of 3/31/2026, there were differences in the average number of lifetime placements based on agency involvement. Dually involved youth (10.2 placements on average) and youth at a YRTC (9.9) experienced substantially more placements than DHHS/CFS wards (3.4) and Probation only youth (4.8).

📣 Frequent placement changes can disrupt relationships, education, and services, suggesting a need for continued focus on stability for youth with the most complex system involvement.

Read the full report to learn more: https://tinyurl.com/FCROReportJun26

Did You Know? The Foster Care Review Office is an independent agency. Our role is to provide an extra layer of oversight...
08/21/2026

Did You Know? The Foster Care Review Office is an independent agency. Our role is to provide an extra layer of oversight, analyze data, review cases, and share findings and recommendations with courts, policymakers, and system partners.

What oversight does NOT mean:
✖️ Removing children from care
✖️ Making placement decisions
✖️ Direct case management
✖️ Enforcement authority

Oversight ensures systems remain transparent, accountable, and continuously improving. Children and families deserve that level of care and attention.

We often reflect on our collective "why" and invite our volunteer review board members to share the impact of their impo...
08/19/2026

We often reflect on our collective "why" and invite our volunteer review board members to share the impact of their important work.

📣 Our latest prompt: Why do you believe it’s important to hold the child welfare system accountable, and how does the FCRO and its volunteer review board members contribute to that?

Here’s today’s response.

👉We're seeking a diverse pool of Nebraskans from all walks of life who have a vested interest in child and family wellbeing to join our volunteer review boards.

Fill out this quick form for more info! https://tinyurl.com/JoinFCROBoard

Address

1225 L. Street , Suite 401
Lincoln, NE
68508

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

Telephone

+14024714420

Website

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