The department is moving forward with reform and has talked about seeing positive results in its effort to care for more children in their homes rather than in foster care.

The percentage of Nebraska children in out-of-home care has averaged in the range of 65 percent, sometimes higher or lower, in the past 10 years. It is still in that range.

Lincoln Sen. Kathy Campbell said she was frustrated with the announcement Friday of yet another change in the reform effort.

"Once again there's another Friday afternoon announcement saying, ‘This is the way it's going to work now. ... There's no discussion of the long-term plan.'

"We really do need to see the big picture," she said.

The department went to the Legislature's Health and Human Services Committee recently to discuss budget issues, and there was no mention of the changes announced Friday, she said.

"I have to say I'm disappointed there wasn't some discussion of this," she said.

"The Legislature has a role to play in this because of the seriousness of the welfare of children."