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Last Updated: October 6, 2009

Iowa

State Coordinator(s)

Iowa Department of Human Services
Holli Miller
Transition Planning Program Manager
Hoover State Office Building
Des Moines, IA 50319-0114
Phone: (515) 281-6786
Fax: (515) 281-4597
Email: hmiller@dhs.state.ia.us

2009 Chafee Allocation

$2,209,089

2009 ETV Allocation

$742,849

Number of youth 16-21 (most current AFCARS data -2006)

1925

State's Chafee Mission Statement

The Iowa Department of Human Services’ (DHS) mission is to help individuals and families achieve safe, stable, self sufficient, and healthy lives.

Who is Eligible for Chafee Services?

Information is currently unavailable.

What is the State's Definition of Room and Board?

This definition has changed. The previous definition included one-time refundable rent or utility deposits (electric, water, gas, and basic telephone service) with the refundable deposits returned to the state’s contractor, rent, start–up costs for living independently, and food. The current definition includes payment for housing and any meals included as part of the living arrangement (that no other community resource can meet).

Maximum Age that Youth may Remain in Care

20

No additional information is available. 

Under what Conditions Can a Youth Remain in Care Beyond 18?

If the youth is in high school or getting a GED.

Is the Extended Medicaid Option Available for Youth Until 21?

Yes

Iowa Medicaid has an annual redeterminations (youth must complete form and return) in order to continue all Medicaid coverage groups, including our MIYA program for youth who have aged out of care.

Can Youth in Care Get Driver’s Licenses?

In order for youth to get a license, parent/guardian must sign if under 18 years.

Does the State Offer Tuition Waivers for Foster Youth?

No

No additional information is available.

Does the State Have a Youth Leadership Program?

Yes

DHS contracts with Children and Families of Iowa--a non-profit child serving agency. The support groups are held in nine chapters across the state and provide an opportunity for youth to meet youth having similar experiences, learn about programs and services, and have an opportunity to impact policy and practice change in the child welfare system. They often do so by sharing their stories of hope at DHS and court trainings as well as numerous other venues.

For more information, please see the elevate website at http://www.cfiowa.org/OurPrograms/TeenPrograms/elevate/tabid/164/Default.aspx. Contacts for the local chapter facilitators can be found on the website home page under “elevate chapters/chapter locations.”