In Re Interest of Anthony R.

Significant amendments to the Nebraska Juvenile Code were effected by the enactment of 1998 Neb. Laws, L.B. 1041. One of these amendments, codified at Neb. Rev. Stat. § 43-292.02 (Reissue 1998), requires the State to file a petition to terminate parental rights in the case of a juvenile who has been in foster care under the responsibility of the State for 15 or more months of the most recent 22 months, unless a court determines that the case falls within one of the exceptions specified in the statute. Following an evidentiary hearing, the separate juvenile court of Douglas County determined…