Five private agencies are expected to contract with the state to provide foster care and family services in five geographic areas.

Southeast service area

About 1,230 cases transitioned to private providers

* Cedars - Lincoln-based agency since 1947 serving about 3,500 children and youth each year through services including emergency shelters, in- and out-of-home foster care, residential mental health treatment, respite care and child and family counseling. For reform, it has partnered with Lutheran Family Services, Epworth Village and Christian Heritage. Cedars was accredited in 2001 with the Council on Accreditation and is in the process of re-accreditation.

* Visinet - Created in 1994 to provide supervised visitation and family support services through contracts with HHS, Visinet has since expanded its services. The nonprofit agency has offices in Omaha, Lincoln, Grand Island/Hastings. Visinet was accredited in 2006 with the Council on Accreditation.

* KVC Behavioral Healthcare Nebraska - A nonprofit established in Kansas in 1970 as a group home for boys, KVC now serves more than 10,000 children a year with residential treatment, emergency services, family foster care, case management and supportive mental health services. It will have offices in Omaha, Lincoln, Beatrice, Seward and Nebraska City. KVC also operates in West Virginia, Kentucky and Missouri. It was accredited in 1992 with the Joint Commission.

Eastern service area

About 1,973 cases transitioned to private providers

* Nebraska Families Collaborative - Brings together Boys Town, Child Saving Institute, Heartland Family Service, Nebraska Family Support Network and OMNI Behavioral Health to provide children and family services. Four of the agencies are accredited. The collaborative is applying for accreditation with the Council on Accreditation.

* KVC

* Visinet

Central service area

About 694 cases transitioned to private providers

* Boys and Girls Home - A non-profit established in 1892 in Sioux City, Iowa, it expanded into Nebraska and has offices in Kearney, Dakota City, South Sioux City, Columbus and North Platte. Services are geared to meet the emotional and behavioral needs of clients through outpatient, inpatient and in-home care. The agency was accredited this year with the Joint Commission.

Northern service area

About 447 cases transitioned to private providers

* Boys and Girls Home

Western service area

About 609 cases transitioned to private providers

* Boys and Girls Home