43-4513.

Bridge to Independence Advisory Committee; created; members; terms; duties; report; contents.

(1) The Bridge to Independence Advisory Committee is created within the Nebraska Children's Commission to advise and make recommendations to the Legislature and the Nebraska Children's Commission regarding ongoing implementation of the bridge to independence program, extended guardianship assistance described in section 43-4511, and extended adoption assistance described in section 43-4512. The Bridge to Independence Advisory Committee shall provide a written report regarding ongoing implementation, including participation in the bridge to independence program, extended guardianship assistance described in section 43-4511, and extended adoption assistance described in section 43-4512 and early discharge rates and reasons obtained from the department, to the Nebraska Children's Commission, the Health and Human Services Committee of the Legislature, the department, and the Governor by September 1 of each year. The report to the Health and Human Services Committee of the Legislature shall be submitted electronically.

(2) The members of the Bridge to Independence Advisory Committee shall include, but not be limited to, (a) representatives from all three branches of government, and the representatives from the legislative and judicial branches of government shall be nonvoting, ex officio members, (b) no less than three young adults currently or previously in foster care, which may be filled on a rotating basis by members of Project Everlast or a similar youth support or advocacy group, (c) one or more representatives from a child welfare advocacy organization, (d) one or more representatives from a child welfare service agency, and (e) one or more representatives from an agency providing independent living services.

(3) Members of the committee shall be appointed for terms of two years. The Nebraska Children's Commission shall appoint the chairperson of the committee and may fill vacancies on the committee as they occur.