Kearney and Grand Island picked for probation pilot program

KEARNEY, Neb. — Two Central Nebraska communities will soon be part of a new pilot project from the state probation system.

The system selected Omaha, Kearney and Grand Island for a project that aims to improve outcomes for “emerging adults” aged 18 to 25. A news release says this group is overrepresented in the criminal justice system and has the highest failure rates of any age group on community supervision.

Starting on Wednesday, probationers in those age groups and in those cities will work with specialized probation officers. The release says the officers are trained in brain development, trauma-informed care, and supporting people from diverse backgrounds. 

"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,” Adult Probation Field Services Director Eric Maly said in a statement. “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 officers will use framework developed by Columbia University that is meant to offer guidance toward a new career or pursuing higher education.