CONGRESSIONAL PROJECT

Myisha Stafford

Background Info. Gwen E. Howard Born on 06/24/1945 Omaha Ne is her

birthplace Home City Omaha Ne Religion: Lutheran 2 children Carrie, Sara

and one foster child Jessica

Education

MSW University of Nebraska, 1974 BA, Sociology/Psychology Midland

Lutheran College 1967

Professional Experience

Adoption Specialist/Social worker, Nebraska Department of health and human services 1997- present

Permanency Reviewer Nebraska Department of health and human services 1989-1997

Child Protective Worker Nebraska Department of health and human services 1975-1989

Case Manager Nebraska Department of health and human services 1969-1975

Political Experience

Senator, Nebraska State Legislature, Term: 2004-presentDistrict 9 of OmahaParty: Non-partisan

Organizations

Academy of Certified Social Worker, 1978-presnt

National Association of Social Workers, 1978-presnt

Member, American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees

Member/ Former Vice President, Nebraska Association of Public Employees

Congressional Map

Reforms and Bills Senators voted to advance a bill form the session on Feb.

10 that would give adoptive parents more access to information about children being considered for adoption. LB94, introduced by Omaha Sen. Gwen Howard, would require that adoptive parents have access to a child’s file at the state Department of Health and Human Services after the filing of a petition for adoption and before the entry of a decree of adoption for a child who is committed to HHS. Frequently information is omitted from case files, Howard said, which can lead to mistrust and can result in families seeking to return children to the department’s custody because they were not prepared for issues that arise. LB94 would ensure that families have all available information when adopting a child, she said, and would prepare families who take in the state’s most vulnerable children. A Judiciary Committee amendment, adopted 36-0, would allow the department to withhold information in the case file that would violate state or federal statute.The amendment also would require informing adoptive parents that they can review the child’s file at any time following finalization of an adoption by making a written request to the department. LB94 advanced from general file on a 38-0 vote metting was adjourned