KEARNEY- The former state employee who sexually abused Jennifer Martin’s son now sits in jail. But Martin sees the employee’s impact every day: Her 17-year-old son is more anxious and quicker to anger. And she can think of one way the state could start to make amends: continuing to pay for his therapy. Right now, it’s court-ordered. Someday, it won’t be.

But parents like Martin have few good options to sue the state for money. In Nebraska, lawyers say, it’s nearly impossible to successfully sue under state law for abuse committed by public employees. State senators have consistently tried to change the related laws. But they have been met with resistance from other lawmakers and state leaders who often cite the potential cost to taxpayers. That was the case in 2024, when Gov. Jim Pillen vetoed a bill meant to help victims of child abuse in political subdivisions like public schools.

At least 37 boys have raised sexual abuse-related allegations at YRTC-Kearney, according to a report from the Inspector General of Nebraska Child Welfare.

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