The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services has appointed a new leader to oversee the state’s Youth Rehabilitation and Treatment Centers in Kearney, Hastings and Lincoln as part of an ongoing effort to strengthen oversight and improve operations. Camella Jacobe, who currently serves as administrator of the Hastings YRTC, has been named Interim Youth Facilities Senior Administrator effective immediately. State officials say a nationwide search for a permanent senior administrator will begin soon. DHHS says the leadership change comes as the agency works to advance the next phase of improvements across Nebraska’s youth facilities.
Along with the leadership change, DHHS has implemented a series of safety and accountability measures throughout the YRTC system. Improvements include enhanced incident reporting procedures, expanded court notifications and compliance reviews, increased unannounced inspections, additional staff training, and stronger professional conduct requirements. The department has also expanded youth access to support services through a private probation phone line and continued access to the Abuse and Neglect Hotline and Ombudsman.
DHHS CEO Steve Corsi says the changes are designed to strengthen oversight, improve operational excellence, and ensure safe and secure facilities for Nebraska youth in state custody.
