The Center on Children, Families, and the Law (CCFL) collaborates with a number of programs and centers at the University of Nebraska that share our commitment to improving the lives of children, families, and communities. This section highlights these valued partners: programs that began as CCFL projects and those that are closely connected to our mission. These partners collaborate with us on research, training, and service initiatives. As we continue to grow, we look forward to showcasing additional university-affiliated partnerships that expand our collective impact.
Nebraska Children’s Justice and Legal Advocacy Center
The Nebraska Children’s Justice and Legal Advocacy Center is committed to improving legal representation for Nebraska’s most vulnerable children. Led by Michelle Paxton, J.D., the center advances advocacy through education, hands-on training, and professional development.
Its core programs include:
- Children’s Justice Clinic (CJC): A clinical partnership with Nebraska Law that trains third-year law students to serve as Guardians ad Litem (GAL). Students represent child clients with support from faculty and CCFL’s multidisciplinary team.
- Children’s Justice Attorney Education (CJAE): A fellowship program for rural attorneys, developed in partnership with Legal Aid of Nebraska. CJAE offers specialized training and consultation to improve legal advocacy for underserved children and families.
Formerly a CCFL initiative, the clinic and attorney education program transitioned in July 2025 to become an independent center under the University of Nebraska. While no longer housed at CCFL, the center remains a close and valued partner.
University of Nebraska Public Policy Center (PPC)
The University of Nebraska Public Policy Center (PPC) connects policy research with real-world applications, supporting evidence-based decision-making at the local, state, and national levels.
CCFL partners with the PPC through shared IT staffing and support, allowing both centers to more efficiently manage and maintain secure, reliable technology systems. This behind-the-scenes collaboration strengthens the infrastructure that supports our respective missions in research, service, and public engagement.
Behavioral Health Education Center of Nebraska (BHECN)
The Behavioral Health Education Center of Nebraska (BHECN) works to improve access to behavioral health care across the state by developing a skilled and diverse workforce.
Through a partnership with CCFL’s Nebraska Resource Project for Vulnerable Young Children (NRPVYC), BHECN co-leads specialized training and workforce development efforts focused on early childhood trauma, infant and early childhood mental health, and related topics. These trainings often draw on the expertise of CCFL staff and are designed to build capacity among behavioral health providers, court professionals, and child-serving systems across Nebraska.
This collaborative effort helps strengthen support for young children and families impacted by trauma and adversity.
Rural Drug Addiction Research Center (RDAR)
The Rural Drug Addiction Research Center (RDAR) at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln conducts interdisciplinary research to better understand and address substance use in rural communities.
CCFL faculty have partnered with RDAR members to propose new research in line with RDAR’s ongoing studies. This collaboration helped support evidence-based approaches to addressing rural substance use and its impact on families, children, and communities. The partnership reflects CCFL’s broader commitment to supporting research that improves outcomes for vulnerable populations across Nebraska.