Several state lawmakers want to make changes to help
parents with children in crisis.

Last year, the problems were brought to light after 36 children were dropped off under the state's old safe haven law, which did not include an age limit. In November, senators voted to add a 30 day age limit to the law during a special session.

In the State of the State Address on Thursday, Governor Dave Heineman says finding a solution to the problem is among his top priorities. Heineman spoke of a three pronged approach to tackle some of the issues faced by families. The approach was detailed in LB 346 introduced on Thursday by Senator Tim Gay of Papillion.

"What you see today is a more comprehensive solution than what we've seen so far," said Heineman.

The three part bill would create a 24/7 state wide hot line for families to call in. It would also create a peer program to match parents up with others who have gone through the experience. The bill would also provide for voluntary post adoption and guardianship case management system.

However, this bill follows several other bills introduced on Wednesday dealing with different aspects of the issue. Senator Amanda McGill of Lincoln introduced LB 275 which would also create a hot line.

"I have my plan and now the governor has his plan and i think people are going to be happy if some combination of the bills pass," said McGill.

Under her bill, the state's six behavioral health regions will be required to staff a 24 hour crisis line. The line would offer information, referral and crisis intervention by trained staff.

" I think it will give us a chance to really debate what the best form of a hot line would be once we have our committee hearings," said McGill.

Another bill introduced by Senator Brad Ashford of Omaha aims to help children with behavioral problems early on by using the juvenile system, before they commit a crime or are made a ward of the state.

"I think using the juvenile system in tracking the people after they progress through treatment and services is more on the ground comprehensiveness and better organized way to deal with behavioral issues and children," said Ashford.

Senator Annette Dubas of Fullerton introduced bill LB247 that would require the health department's Division of Children and Family Services to become accredited by a national council meant to help improve delivery of services.