Nebraska's state probation system has chosen Omaha, Kearney, and Grand Island to launch a new initiative aimed at aiding "emerging adults" aged 18 to 25. This demographic is notably overrepresented in the criminal justice system and exhibits the highest failure rates on community supervision, according to national statistics.
Beginning January 1, 2025, probationers within this age range in the selected communities will collaborate with specialized probation officers. These officers have training in brain development, trauma-informed care, and support for individuals from diverse backgrounds.
The project aims to identify key experiences young adults may require, such as career guidance or higher education opportunities. Officers will employ an emerging adult framework developed by Columbia University that includes an understanding of brain development tailored for this age group. A trauma-informed approach will be integral to their supervisory methods.
Eric Maly, Nebraska's Adult Probation Field Services Director, underscored the significance of this initiative for young people transitioning into adulthood: "In 2025, a young person’s healthy transition to being a productive community member depends more and more on the opportunities and support systems they have in place. In part due to social media and other advances in technology, many of the adult milestones are occurring later in life for the current generation.”
The pilot's objective is for probation officers to assist young adults in successfully navigating their probation while linking them with community providers who can help achieve educational and vocational aspirations.
Key partners include Omaha’s RISE Prison Re-Entry Program, Project Restore Minnesota, the National Center for State Courts, and the Annie E. Casey Foundation.
Maly highlighted the project's dual focus on enhancing community safety while fostering young people's growth: "We look forward to this opportunity to build up young adults’ strengths and connect them to local resources which we anticipate will promote a preventive approach to enhancing public safety."
Contacts:
Administration: Eric Maly - Adult Probation Services Division (C: 402-326-6413)
Omaha: Damon Strong - Chief Probation Officer
Grand Island and Kearney: Marc Kohmetscher - Chief Probation Officer
The judicial power of Nebraska is distributed among various courts including Supreme Court and district courts under administrative direction from the Supreme Court. The system also includes separate juvenile courts located in Douglas, Lancaster, Sarpy Counties as well as a statewide Workers’ Compensation Court.