Statewide Resources
Partner Spotlights
Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services
Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services (IVRS) can provide a multitude of services that are tailored specifically to the needs of each individual youth. The services and supports you receive begin in high school and can continue throughout your career.
ETV
The Education and Training Voucher (ETV) Program usually provides awards of up to $5,000 per year to students who age out of foster care and students who are adopted after age 16. Grant awards can be used to pay for tuition/fees, room/board, book/supplies and personal/living expenses.
AMP
Achieving Maximum Potential (AMP) is a statewide group that seeks to unleash the full potential for personal growth among foster and adoptive children, age 13-21, in Iowa. In addition to providing the life skills youth need to become healthy, independent adults.
Useful Links
Quick Guide for Counseling Staff Working with Students Experiencing Homelessness SchoolHouse Connection’s new quick guide, written by a school counselor, provides practical tips and strategies for supporting students experiencing homelessness, helping meet their basic needs, and planning for graduation.
Iowa College & Career Readiness Academy
These courses enable educators, school counselors and administrators to provide equitable postsecondary opportunities for all students.
Virtual College Coach
Sign up to receive texts from your college coach with college-going guidance for students and parents. You’ll receive personalized tips and reminders about the college-going process, financial aid information, and college & financial aid events happening in your area.
Many young people leaving foster care strive to earn a college degree but need support to do so. The Chafee Education and Training Voucher (ETV) program offers young people currently or formerly in foster care financial supports to pursue postsecondary education or vocational training. A new report finds that receiving an ETV is correlated with better education outcomes. Also explore corresponding fact sheets.
Foster Care Sex Abuse Most people believe that child sexual abuse is extremely rare in today’s society. Sadly, this isn’t the case. As many as 1 out of 4 girls and 1 out of 6 boys experience some form of sexual abuse before the age of 18. And, 75% of them are abused by someone they know.
The Iowa Department of Human Services offers several options for youth that are preparing to exit the child welfare and juvenile justice systems.
Iowa School of Construction
With an initial focus on basic construction site competencies, the ISC program is intended to offer entry level skills training with hands on that will provide a Certificate for General Construction Skills.
A Promising College-Readiness Model for Youth in Foster Care – The Annie E. Casey Foundation (aecf.org)
A new webinar from the Annie E. Casey Foundation shares lessons and findings from a college-readiness effort focusing on youth in foster care.
STORIES program
Iowa State University supports for students who have experienced foster care or homelessness.
Iowa Skilled Trades
A team of industry pros bringing initiatives, education & awareness to skilled trades in Iowa.
Achieving Maximum Potential (AMP)
A statewide group that seeks to unleash the full potential for personal growth among foster and adoptive children, age 13-21, in Iowa. In addition to providing the life skills youth need to become healthy, independent adults.
Iowa College Aid
Advocate for and supports Iowans as they explore, finance, and complete educational opportunities beyond high school to increase family and community success.
Do I Qualify for Financial Aid? There are many myths and misconceptions about who is eligible to receive financial aid, so it’s important to have all the facts when going through this process.
College Choice and Enrollment Among Youth Formerly in Foster Care
This study seeks to better understand how youth formerly in foster care compare to their peers regarding college preparation, choice, enrollment, and financing; academic self-concept and degree aspirations; and concerns about paying for college.
Foster Youth, Caseworkers Diverge in Views of Youths’ Preparedness for College
This memo adds to the growing literature on the transition to college for young people in foster care, focusing specifically on issues of preparedness to enter higher education.
Study of Foster Youths’ Education Status Finds Many are Facing Hurdles to Success
This report examines the educational status of and services available to older adolescents in foster care in California, both from the viewpoint of the youth themselves and from the viewpoint of the caseworkers who work with them.
Families Helping Families of Iowa | Caring for Iowa’s Children in Foster Care
A non-profit organization designed to help and support children in foster care.
Mental Health
Mental Health is a growing area of concern in the United States. For those in foster care, the need for mental health services is often greater than that of the general population. Past trauma and limited service options can plague this population well into their adult years. OPT-in is committed to providing comprehensive mental health resources for individuals who have experienced out-of-home placement. Please check back often for an updated list.
Shine Light On Depression
An online toolkit consisting of no-cost, ready-to-use resources that support schools and communities to address youth mental health.
Supporting the Whole Child During A Pandemic Response
The Whole Child (WSCC) model combines and builds on elements of the traditional coordinated school health approach and the whole child
framework.
Children’s Mental Health | Your Life Iowa
Keep children mentally healthy. We all want the youth in our life to be healthy and happy. One of the most important ways you can help is to recognize when children could use support for their mental health.
SAMHSA’s National Helpline | SAMHSA
SAMHSA’s National Helpline, 1-800-662-HELP (4357), (also known as the Treatment Referral Routing Service) or TTY: 1-800-487-4889 is a confidential, free, 24-hour-a-day, 365-day-a-year, information service, in English and Spanish, for individuals and family members facing mental and/or substance use disorders. This service provides referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and …
Mental Health First Aid
Mental Health First Aid is a national program to teach the skills to respond to the signs of mental illness and substance use.
Mental Health Video Resource Library | NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness
10 Common Warning Signs of a Mental Health Condition in Teens and Young Adults Telling the difference between what expected behaviors are and what might be the signs of a mental illness isn’t always easy.
Home Within
A Home Within is the only national organization dedicated solely to meeting the emotional needs of foster youth.
