Call for changes at Nebraska Youth Rehabilitation and Treatment Centers

The investigation regarding sexual abuse in Kearney center resulted in four staff members charged.

KEARNEY, Neb. (KLKN) — The Office of Inspector General of Nebraska Child Welfare (OIG-CW) released a report about the investigation into the Youth Rehabilitation and Treatment Center at Kearney (YRTC-Kearney). The center had been under investigation due to allegations regarding sexual abuse and improper staff conduct.

According to the report, the OIG-CW received 44 sexual-abuse-related allegations made by 37 different youths against 19 staff members.

As of now, four staff members have been charged with sexual abuse of protected individuals. One of the four was charged with additional felonies. Three other claims have also been substantiated after official investigation. The remainder of the allegations were determined as unsubstantiated or unfounded.

Jennifer Carter, the Inspector General of Nebraska Child Welfare, said not all staff were part of the improper conduct.

“The OIG-CW does not find that all staff or administration at YRTC-Kearney engaged in or condoned this inappropriate staff conduct. On the contrary, it is clear that most staff members are committed to the safety, care, and rehabilitation of the youth,” said Carter. “However, the allegations in this investigation demonstrated a concerning pattern of staff behavior that was not sufficiently addressed.”

In the report, Carter called on the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to continue its abuse and neglect investigations at the YRTCs. Carter also recommended that DHHS and YRTC-Kearney address the culture at the facility, stating there is a ‘culture problem’.

The Nebraska DHHS said they have taken action to ensure safety to youth at YRTC-Kearney and other facilities.

DHHS designated a new YRTC-Kearney Facility Administrator along with a new Senior Administrator who will oversee the YRTCs in Kearney, Hastings and Lincoln.

They also completed a reaccreditation audit, where YRTC-Kearney received 100% compliance on all 40 applicable expected practices.

DHHS said they will continue to evaluate operations at all Nebraska YRTCs for continued improvement.