Iowa

Iowa’s primary challenge was to create a working plan that managed the competing timeframes of multiple systems, maximized the utilization of resources, synergized current efforts, identified successful intervention models, and ultimately resulted in statewide expansion of evidence-based and promising practice.

Iowa’s priority areas for focus during the period of technical assistance were:

• Develop shared values and principles that will govern the work of the collaborative;
• Improve policy and practice for assessment, client engagement and retention by utilizing best practice in our respective fields; and
• Develop a process for effective coordination of services across systems.

In their report to the Iowa State Legislature, this group credits the In-Depth Technical Assistance Program with providing the support necessary to create the following products:

• HF 2310 Legislative Report detailing the work group findings and accomplishments
• DHS and IDPH Joint Protocol for Working with families in the Child Welfare System related to Parent/Caregiver Substance Abuse
• Protocol Letter outlining each department’s roles and responsibilities
• DHS Substance Abuse Evaluation Referral Form
• HF 2310 IDPH data/findings