LINCOLN, Neb. — The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services says recent outside evaluations show that operational and safety changes at the state’s Youth Rehabilitation and Treatment Centers are producing results.
The department issued a response following the release of a final report from the Office of Inspector General, saying it values the office’s oversight and shares its goal of ensuring youth in state custody receive effective rehabilitative care in a safe setting.
DHHS said it is reviewing the inspector general’s findings and will use the report to identify additional improvements across YRTC facilities in Kearney, Hastings, and Lincoln.
The department has already made several administrative and operational changes, including appointing a new facility administrator at YRTC-Kearney and placing a senior administrator over all three centers.
Other changes include expanded facility monitoring, stronger incident-reporting procedures, additional youth services, increased staff training, and reinforced accountability standards.
DHHS also pointed to the results of a recent reaccreditation audit at YRTC-Kearney conducted by the Commission on Accreditation for Corrections.
The voluntary accreditation review examines whether correctional facilities meet nationally recognized operational and professional standards.
YRTC-Kearney received full compliance scores in every category reviewed. Auditors found the facility met all 40 mandatory expected practices and all 333 non-mandatory practices that applied to the center.
The visiting audit team also interviewed all 65 youth housed at the facility, both individually and in groups.
According to the audit report, youth expressed approval of the center’s medical care, education, recreation, food service, security, library resources, and programming. They also told auditors that staff members were helpful, attentive to their safety, and concerned about their well-being.
None of the youth requested a private interview with the audit team.
Staff members were described as professional, cooperative, and polite. Employees reported strong morale and said their training was relevant to their responsibilities. No staff members told auditors they felt unsafe at the facility.
The review also identified several changes made since the previous accreditation audit. Those included the launch of a cognitive behavioral therapy program, a new risk-assessment process conducted at intake and every 90 days, and the expansion of the mental health team to seven full-time employees, including a clinical psychologist.
The facility has also adopted an electronic medication administration record and is constructing the 48-bed Morton living unit, which is expected to be completed during the summer of 2026.
Auditors concluded that YRTC-Kearney was clean, properly maintained, and professionally operated. The report specifically noted strong practices in sanitation, medical care, and access to legal services.
The review also found that employees across the facility understood accreditation expectations and demonstrated a commitment to continued improvement.
DHHS said it will continue evaluating operations at all Nebraska YRTCs while working to maintain high standards for safety, accountability, and rehabilitation.
The department said future decisions will remain focused on the health, safety, and long-term interests of the youth placed in its care.
You can read the full report here
