The Nebraska Foster Care Review Office executive director has resigned to become the deputy county administrator over Douglas County Juvenile Justice services.
Kim Hawekotte, who has led the independent foster care review agency since January 2013, will leave the office Friday.
Peggy Snurr, chairwoman for the five-member Foster Care Review Office Advisory Committee, said Hawekotte has brought significant changes to the office that will have a long-lasting and positive impact both on the agency and on Nebraska children and families.
“We know that Kim will continue her strong advocacy for Nebraska’s children/youth in her new position,†Snurr said.Ìý
Hawekotte said she will start her job, which is a new position, with the Douglas County administrator's office Monday.Ìý
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Former state Sen. Nancy Thompson and child advocate Kathy Bigsby Moore will assist with the search process for the foster care review position and lead the agency during the transition. Bigsby Moore was the interim director of the agency before Hawekotte was hired.Ìý
“It has been a privilege and an honor to work with such dedicated people within the FCRO," Hawekotte said. "I know the passionate advocacy for the best interest of Nebraska’s children will continue."
The review office is an independent state agency created by state law and is not affiliated with the Department of Health and Human Services, the courts or any other child welfare entity. It was created in 1982.
The role of the office is to independently track children in out-of-home care, review children’s cases, collect and analyze data related to the children, and make recommendations on conditions and outcomes for Nebraska’s children in out-of-home care, including any needed corrective actions.
The open position will be posted on the Nebraska state jobs website (statejobs.nebraska.gov/). According to a news release, applications received before Friday will be prioritized.