Gov. Heineman signs Nebraska juvenile justice bill

From the Associated Press

Gov. Dave Heineman on Wednesday signed a measure overhauling the state’s juvenile justice system, saying it will reduce Nebraska’s reliance on detention programs and place a new focus on rehabilitation and family involvement.

The measure by Sen. Brad Ashford, of Omaha, includes $14.5 million for juvenile services and a grant program to help counties treat young criminal offenders.

The multi-faceted bill would transfer the supervision of juvenile offenders to state’s Office of Probation Administration, under the Nebraska Supreme Court. Juvenile offenders are currently overseen by the state Department of Health and Human Services.

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