Guardian Light Family Services | Foster Care Nebraska

Foster care essentials

Training & ongoing support

Nebraska-wide Service

Serving All 93 Nebraska Counties.

We are Nebraska's only family support and foster care organization that is 100% distributed.

We work all across Nebraska so we can serve families all over Nebraska.

Impact across Nebraska

Hundreds of youth and families find hope and support through our caring foster network, building brighter futures for Nebraskans together.

Statewide Service

We're a distributed team, which means we have caring and supportive team members all over the state to provide service to all 93 of Nebraska's counties.

5 Visitation Centers

With Visitation Centers in North Platte, Kearney, Sidney, Scottsbluff, and Omaha we're here to support your families no matter where you live.

See Our Locations

How do families access GLFS family support services?

Family support services through Guardian Light are typically referred by DHHS or ordered by a court as part of a family's case plan. If you are a biological parent whose case plan includes Guardian Light services, your caseworker will coordinate the referral. If you are a referral source or judge, contact your nearest Guardian Light office directly to discuss service availability.

Can GLFS provide multiple services for the same family?

Yes. Guardian Light can coordinate multiple services for the same family under one agency. A family may receive supervised visitation, drug testing, and parenting classes simultaneously through GLFS, which simplifies coordination for DHHS, judges, and the family itself.

What is the difference between IHSV and OHSV?

GLFS provides two types of supervised visitation: In-Home Supervised Visitation (IHSV), where a Guardian Light worker supervises visits in the family's home, and On-Site/Office-Based Supervised Visitation (OHSV), where visits take place at one of our visitation centers. The type ordered depends on the specifics of the court or DHHS arrangement.

Does GLFS provide family support services statewide?

Yes. Guardian Light serves all 93 Nebraska counties from offices in Scottsbluff, Sidney, North Platte, Kearney, Lincoln, and Omaha. No matter where you are in Nebraska — from the Panhandle to the Missouri River — a Guardian Light family support worker can be assigned to your case.

How do families access GLFS family support services?

Family support services through Guardian Light are typically referred by DHHS or ordered by a court as part of a family's case plan. If you are a biological parent whose case plan includes Guardian Light services, your caseworker will coordinate the referral. If you are a referral source or judge, contact your nearest Guardian Light office directly to discuss service availability.

Can GLFS provide multiple services for the same family?

Yes. Guardian Light can coordinate multiple services for the same family under one agency. A family may receive supervised visitation, drug testing, and parenting classes simultaneously through GLFS — simplifying coordination for DHHS, judges, and the family itself.

What does professional development look like at GLFS?

Guardian Light invests heavily in employee development. All staff receive paid onboarding training, and ongoing professional development is built into the role. Foster care and family support specialists complete regular continuing education, and the agency supports tuition reimbursement for those pursuing relevant degrees or certifications.

Does GLFS hire across all of Nebraska?

Yes. Guardian Light operates statewide with offices in Scottsbluff, Sidney, North Platte, Kearney, Lincoln, and Omaha — and serves all 93 Nebraska counties. We regularly have openings across the state, including rural areas. If you don't see a role near you, apply and note your preferred region.

Do I need a degree to work at GLFS?

Requirements vary by role. Therapist and skill builder positions typically require relevant degrees or licensure. Other roles — including family support workers and visitation supervisors — may have different requirements. Each job posting on our careers page lists the specific qualifications needed.

Foster Care Licensing & Training

We guide prospective foster parents through every step of licensing — from your first call through TIPS-MAPP training, home study, and placement — with expert support along the way.

24/7
Local Support

Our caseworkers are available day and night across Nebraska. Whether you're a foster family navigating a tough moment or a biological family working through a case plan, help is always a call away.

In-Home Therapy & Skill Building

Our licensed therapists and skill builders work directly with families in their homes, providing tools and strategies to strengthen relationships and support lasting stability.

Guardian Light team member with foster families

Statewide Family Support Services

From supervised visitation and drug testing to parenting classes and family preservation — Guardian Light coordinates multiple services under one agency, serving all 93 Nebraska counties.

What support do I get?

You'll never be alone in your fostering journey! Support includes a dedicated caseworker, 24/7 crisis line, respite care, support groups, ongoing training, and connection to our foster parent community. We're here to help you succeed and provide the best care for children.

Is training in person?

We offer both in-person and online training options to accommodate different schedules and learning preferences. Many foster parents choose a hybrid approach, completing some modules online and attending in-person sessions for hands-on learning and connection with other prospective foster parents.

What are age requirements?

Foster parents must be at least 21 years old. There is no maximum age limit—what matters most is your ability to provide a safe, stable home and keep up with the physical and emotional demands of caring for children.

Do I need to own a home?

No, homeownership is not required. Both homeowners and renters can become foster parents. Your home simply needs to meet safety standards and have adequate space for a child, including a separate sleeping area.

Can single people foster?

Yes! Single individuals can absolutely become licensed foster parents. We welcome applications from single adults, married couples, and domestic partners who meet our requirements and are committed to caring for children.

How do I get started?

Getting started is easy! Simply contact one of our Nebraska offices or fill out our online application. We'll schedule an initial meeting to discuss the process, answer your questions, and help you understand what to expect.

Targeted Help for Nebraska Families

Family Support workers partner with parents and caregivers to enhance protective factors within their households using evidence-based practices — aiming for safety, permanency and well-being.

Comprehensive Service Offerings

Services include parenting-time/supervised visits, drug-testing services and broad family-support outreach across Nebraska, helping families navigate multiple needs in one place.

Trusted Public-Sector Partnership

The program works under contract with the Nebraska Department of Health & Human Services (DHHS) for referred clients, which reinforces credibility and regulatory alignment.

Local Access and Statewide Coverage

While based in North Platte, GLFS's Family Support services reach families throughout Nebraska — providing accessible support whether you're urban or rural.

Holistic Support, Not Just Crisis Intervention

Rather than only reacting to issues, the program supports parents and guardians proactively with coaching, resources and education to strengthen the overall family system.

Mission-Driven Impact and Measurable Reach

The agency reports having served hundreds of families in recent years, showcasing both experience and community commitment.

Every case is different — don't judge a book by its cover. I'm here to make a difference in our children's lives.

Jennifer Pieper

Family Support Worker

Working for families is an infinite blessing for me. I believe that if more people took an interest in family support work, communities would be more livable.

Hounlete Atchade

Family Support Worker

I do this work for the children I serve who deserve better than what they've had. I always want to be a positive person in a child's life and hope they view me as a safe space.

Elyse Peterson

Foster Care Specialist / Family Support Worker

Every family deserves the opportunity to become the best version of themselves. We get the honor of helping families do just that — reach their goals when it comes to safe and healthy parenting.

Melissa Misegadis

Foster Care Director

It takes a village to raise a child — and I enjoy being part of the village.

Haley Tilson

Family Support Worker

I don't just offer resources; I offer the empathy of someone who has walked the path. My mission is to ensure every family has the guidance and love they need to break their own cycles and thrive.

Savannah Godina

Family Support Worker

I believe one person can make a difference. I am striving to be that one person for my clients — and to give back what was given to me when services were provided for me as a youth.

David Heim

Family Support Worker

Most families involved in services truly love their kids — what they need is support, not judgment.

Amiya Puterbaugh

Family Support Worker

Children deserve to have people who fight for their wellbeing — since they cannot do it for themselves. I would want someone to fight for me if I were in their shoes.

Natalie Minchow

Foster Care Supervisor

Foster care allows children to heal, while also being loved and cared for by adults they may not have known before.

Janelle Thomson

Foster Care Specialist

I believe every person is capable of positive change when they are given support, guidance, and the opportunity to succeed. Families can heal, grow, and thrive together.

Maddy Koch

Family Support Worker

There is nothing more rewarding than witnessing a family push through the most difficult moments of their lives and come out stronger on the other side.

Kersten Cook

Family Support Worker

My heart is in this work because I understand how much a safe, caring adult can change a child's life. As a child, I didn't always have a voice — now I have the honor of being one.

Shelby Weber

Family Support Worker

No one wants to take your babies. We want them to come home to their family — and for everyone to be safe and loved.

Jessica Goodall

Family Support Worker

After becoming an empty nester, I felt I had more to contribute to the community. I've personally seen families improve, do the work to reunify, and thrive — and that keeps me going.

Susanne Shald

Family Support Supervisor

I do this work because I want to give back to the community and help those in need.

Jenna Wirth

Family Support Worker

If I can help one child feel safe, it is worth more than a million words. I believe we cross paths with others for a reason — and someone will always learn something.

Tina Mulei

Family Support Worker

My husband and I did foster care to provide a safe home for children — but it didn't seem like enough. I ventured to the other side of the fence to help parents make changes so they never have to be in this situation again.

Amantha Moseley

FSW / Mentor

No matter the circumstance, I want every child to know that they matter and are worth it.

Madison Bukowski

Foster Care Mentor / Family Support Worker

Helping families overcome obstacles and build better lives is what drives me every day. Being able to support a family through their struggles and watch them grow is what makes this work so meaningful.

Star Trevino

Family Support Worker

Because Every Child Deserves A Loving Home.

Serving All 93 Nebraska Counties.

How do families access GLFS family support services?

Can GLFS provide multiple services for the same family?

What is the difference between IHSV and OHSV?

Does GLFS provide family support services statewide?

How do families access GLFS family support services?

Can GLFS provide multiple services for the same family?