There have been several cases in Nebraska recently where foster parents have been charged with sexually assaulting children placed in their care. This has many Nebraskans asking what requirements need to be met to qualify as a foster parent. Lana Verbrigghe is the director of Child Welfare Services at the Child Saving Institute in Omaha and says there are safeguards in place. She says those wanting to be foster parents first contact an independent agency, like the Child Saving Institute. Then the training starts.

Verbrigghe says there is a ten week training program and curriculum that parents need to complete as well an extensive background check and home study check process.

Verbrigghe says Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services determine the curriculum but contracted social service organizations provide the direct training with foster parents.