<I>Updated</i> Senators Focus on Safe Haven
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Updated: 5:36 PM Mar 9, 2009
Updated Senators Focus on Safe Haven
Lincoln
Is $15 million dollars enough? Is it too much? Senators debate whether the amount proposed in LB 356 would fix problems with mental and behavioral services for children revealed by the Safe Haven Law.
Posted: 1:24 PM Mar 9, 2009
Reporter: Christie Bett
Email Address: christie.bett@kolnkgin.com
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No children have been abandoned under the Safe Haven Law since state lawmakers changed the age limit to 30 days last fall, but State Senators are still addressing the issues highlighted by the teenage children dropped off under the original Safe Haven Law.

Senator Annette Dubas of Fullerton introduced the LB 356 and says it would increase state funding for behavioral and mental health services for children.

Dubas says it's important to focus on providing care for children before they reach the critical point where families are forced to turn their children over as wards of the state.

But Senator Arnie Stuthman of Platte Center says the $15 million a year the bill would provide towards the cause won't make enough of a difference. Instead, he thinks a focus needs to be placed on making the current mental and behavioral health services available to families.

The Unicameral did not vote on the bill Monday and is expected to continue debate on the bill Tuesday.

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