Youths Held at Kearney Center Accuse Staff of Dozens of Instances of Sexual Abuse
The report says 44 sexual-abuse allegations were made by 37 boys, and only four led to criminal charges.
- On Tuesday, a 114-page report from the Office of Inspector General of Nebraska Child Welfare revealed 44 sexual-abuse-related allegations at the Youth Rehabilitation and Treatment Center in Kearney, detailing a "problematic" culture.
- These allegations involved 37 boys against 19 staff members over one year, though only four resulted in criminal charges while others were unsubstantiated or lacked sufficient evidence.
- Inspector General Jennifer Carter described a "culture problem" at the facility, noting investigators identified boundary violations and inappropriate staff-youth relationships not previously reported.
- Responding to findings, the Department of Health and Human Services stated it is "carefully reviewing" the report and has already replaced the facility administrator and her supervisor.
- Legislative Oversight Committee members thanked investigators and said their recommendations "deserve serious consideration" by state agencies and lawmakers regarding youth safety and accountability.
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North Platte Nebraska's Newspaper
Columbus TelegramNebraska DHHS rejects assertion of 'cultural problem' at Kearney youth center
Nebraska DHHS said an alleged "cultural problem" at the YRTC in Kearney was unfounded and had not been documented by inspectors general going back to at least 2016.
Omaha World-Herald
Youths held at Kearney center accuse staff of dozens of instances of sexual abuse
The Office of the Inspector General's report comes as four former staff members have been charged with sexual abuse of protected individuals at the state-run facility for teen boys.
OIG Nebraska Child Welfare releases official report on youth sex-abuse allegations at YRTC
The Office of Inspector General of Nebraska Child Welfare has released a report looking into sex abuse allegations made by youth in the Youth Rehabilitation and Treatment Center in Kearney.
Call for changes at Nebraska Youth Rehabilitation and Treatment Centers
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...
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