Parent Involvement

When you live with a child or youth with behavioral and emotional challenges you know firsthand how difficult that can be. We want your help making this system of care what families really need and want. You don’t have to be an expert in mental health or behavioral issues. You have to be a family member willing to tell us what works for you and your family. There are many opportunities to make your voice heard including:

1. A System Planning Committee that meets monthly for half a day. Parents will be reimbursed for time and mileage.
2. Local advisory councils that will meet in the evening. Their ideas will be taken back to the System Planning Committee.
3. There will be opportunities to offer your guidance via written surveys, web-based discussions and individual visits or phone conversations with the Key Family Contact.
4. Parents and family members serving on committees may attend national meetings to learn more about systems of care and how they work in other parts of the country. Travel expenses are covered.
5. Local parent groups will be meeting to offer opportunities for learning, sharing experiences and guidance on helpful strategies.

If you have questions about these opportunities or are interesting in sharing your expertise with us please call:

Gloria Klinefelter
Key Family Contact
563-583-5545 or 888-583-5545

Parent Publications

Additional resources

• Georgetown University Center for Child and Human Development – “What to Expect and When to Seek Help Series”
• Iowa Department of Human Services – Children’s Mental Health Waiver
• Iowa Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health
• Mental Health America Factsheet – Children's Mental Health
• National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI)
• National Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health
• National Mental Health Information Center
• SAMHSA Publication Library for Early childhood behavioral and emotional Concerns