Nebraska’s Bridge to Independence: Helping Foster Youth Step into Adulthood

In the United States, 20,000-30,000 youth age out of foster care every year, encountering high rates of housing instability, unemployment, and poor health outcomes. Nebraska’s Bridge to Independence (B2i) program, established in 2013, extends voluntary support to former foster youth ages 19-21 through financial stipends, Medicaid coverage, and individualized case management. We conducted a narrative review of state legislation, Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) reports, and Foster Care Review Office data from 2013 to 2024 and summarized program eligibility criteria, services, and outcome indicators, including housing, education, and employment. Since inception, more than 1498 youth have participated in B2i; as of September 2024, there were 257 young adults actively enrolled. Evaluations and administrative data show participants have higher rates of stable housing, postsecondary enrollment, and supportive adult relationships compared to peers aging out without support. Legislative updates such as LB 14 and LB 50 expanded eligibility to Juvenile Justice (JJ) youth beginning in 2025, while ongoing advocacy seeks to extend eligibility to immigrant youth excluded under current law. Nebraska’s B2i program demonstrates that extending foster care support beyond age 18 can improve young adult outcomes. By combining financial assistance, health coverage, case management, and legal oversight, B2i offers a comprehensive and scalable model for other jurisdictions. Continued evaluation, policy refinement, and inclusivity efforts are essential to ensuring equitable access and optimizing outcomes for all transitioning youth.