Iowa Child and Family Services Stakeholder Panel

The Department of Human Services Division of Child and Family Services and the Iowa Judicial Branch created the Child and Family Services Stakeholder Panel in 2006 to more actively seek input from a diverse group of Iowans who have a stake in the child welfare system. The Stakeholder Panel acts as an advisory group to DHS and the Judicial Branch regarding goals, outcome measures, and achievements related to child safety and permanency and general system-wide issues.  

Purpose

The purpose of the Child and Family Services Stakeholder Panel is to provide meaningful and ongoing discussion and feedback about child welfare initiatives and programs, including:

• The Child and Family Service Plan (CFSP)*, so that this plan reflects initiatives and activities going on through communities, private providers and other stakeholders that help the state meet federal expectations.
• Child and Family Service Review (CFSR)* Statewide Assessment
• CFSR onsite review
• CFSR Program Improvement Plan (PIP)*
• Review of local practice and stakeholder roles in assisting children and families to achieve permanency
• Identification of emerging issues and/or needs and discussion of possible impact on child safety and permanency

For more infomration on the items identified above please refer the links provided below.

* What is the Child and Family Service Plan?

* What is the Child and Family Service Review?

* What is the CFSR Program Improvement Plan?

Membership

The Child and Family Services Stakeholder Panel is made up of a wide variety of individuals and organizations impacted by Iowa’s child welfare system, including youth, family members, foster and adoptive parents, service providers, Judges, juvenile court officers, attorneys, social workers, mental health and substance abuse providers, advocacy groups, and state agencies. Members serve two-year term limits. The Stakeholder Panel is co-chaired by Mary Nelson, DHS Director of Child and Family Services and Gail Barber, Director of Children’s Justice, Iowa Judicial Branch.

Click here to view the Iowa Stakeholder Panel Membership Guidelines