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July 1, 2011 – Partnership of Iowa Foster Care Youth Councils
Eight non–profit agencies led by Youth and Shelter Services (headquartered in Ames) have come together to create a new
statewide collaboration known as the Partnership of Iowa Foster Care Youth Councils. The statewide Partnership seeks to
unleash the full potential for personal growth among foster and adoptive youth in Iowa. Youth will be trained to become
advocates for themselves and others and will also participate in valuable leadership opportunities. Youth will share their
personal stories with each other, provide understanding and support for one another, gain life skills necessary to become
healthy, independent adults, and build partnerships with adults in the community.
Starting July 1, 2011, the highly regarded program formerly known as Elevate was renamed AMP (Achieving Maximum
Potential), a new name selected by Foster Care youth themselves. AMP is maintaining the look and feel of Elevate but
now adds involvement and advocacy by eight local non–profit agencies. The Partnership plans to expand the AMP
membership and outreach to Foster Care youth throughout Iowa.
Ten AMP Youth Councils have been funded through a grant from the Iowa Department of Human Services. The eight
partner agencies are in the process of raising local funds to expand and enhance each local Council. AMP offers
leadership opportunities, service learning projects, speaking opportunities, and educational/vocational assistance to youth
ages 13 and up who have been involved in Foster Care, adoption, or other out–of–home placements. AMP also provides
education on various life skills that Foster Care youth need to become self–sufficient, independent adults.
AMP is a youth engagement program summarized by the motto “Nothing about us, without us.” AMP empowers young
people to become advocates for themselves and gives them a voice in system–level improvements in child welfare
policies and practices. When supported through productive partnerships with adults, youth can be authoritative advocates
for making Foster Care more responsive and effective.
The eight partner agencies that are facilitating and leading the statewide Foster Care youth program include: Children’s
Square USA (Cherokee, Council Bluffs, and Sioux City Councils), Family Resources (Davenport Council), Foundation
two (Cedar Rapids Council), Four Oaks (Waterloo Council), Youth Shelter Care of North Central Iowa (Fort Dodge
Council), as well as Youth and Shelter Services (Ames Council) and its branch in Des Moines known as Iowa Homeless
Youth Centers (Des Moines Council). The Dubuque Council is overseen by the Community Circle of Care, a program of
the University of Iowa. Educational and skill building services are provided to AMP through a collaborative agreement
with Children and Families of Iowa.
In addition, the Partnership has links to two consulting agencies including the Youth Policy Institute of Iowa and
Community Youth Concepts. The Partnership is networking with other stakeholders including, but not limited to, the
Iowa Foster and Adoptive Parent Association, Iowa KidsNet, the Iowa Aftercare Services Network, and group
homes/PMICS and shelters.
The Partnership agencies are offering AMP youth a comprehensive menu of support, community connections, and
leadership opportunities in order for them to “Achieve Maximum Potential.” Visit www.ampiowa.org for more
information.
AMP Central Council (AMP–CC) is a youth leadership Council providing project oversight for AMP, and continues to
be the guiding force within AMP. It is made up of two elected members from each Council. The major responsibility of
AMP–CC members is to communicate information from local Councils to staff and to relay information back to their
respective Councils.
Council Facilitators may be alumni of the system, supportive community members, or local foster parents, and are
responsible for guiding/mentoring the local AMP Council meetings.
Local Support Position is a community person able to transport youth to and from speaking engagements, as well as
assist with Council meeting set–up. Safety checks are completed on each person considered for this role. Once these are
clear, this person is allowed to volunteer with AMP.
AMP Contract Manager:
Doug Wolfe — Program Planner, Iowa Department of Human Services, ACFS Division
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AMP Management Team:
Ruth I. E. Buckels, LMSW — Statewide AMP Coordinator
Terri Bailey — Des Moines and Ames Council Facilitator and AMP Statewide Assistant Coordinator
Cheryl Johnson — Educational/Vocational Coordinator, via contract with Children and Families of Iowa
George Belitsos — CEO, Youth and Shelter Services, Inc. (YSS) — Lead AMP Agency
Terri Johanson — Rosedale/Aftercare Director and Ames Service Area Leader, Youth and Shelter Services, Inc. (YSS)
— Lead AMP Agency
1. and 2.
Terri Bailey — Ames and Des Moines — Youth and Shelter Services, Inc.
3.
Cheryl Ellis — Cherokee/Storm Lake — Children’s Square, Inc.
4.
Teanna Smart — Waterloo — Four Oaks, Inc.
5.
Amanda Dellwo — Dubuque — University of Iowa
Amanda Reynolds – takes over July 1, 2012, with Hillcrest Family Services
6.
Kim Arnold (hiring for this position) — Davenport — Family Resources, Inc.
7.
Rachelle DuVall — Cedar Rapids — Foundation 2, Inc.
8.
Joni Griffin and Monte Wilson — Council Bluffs — Children’s Square, Inc.
Monte Wilson takes over July 1, 2012.
9.
Maria Weydert — Fort Dodge — Youth Shelter Care of North Central Iowa, Inc.
10.
Jolene Dixon — Sioux City — Children’s Square, Inc.
AMP Partnership Agencies and Program Supervisors:
1. and 2.
Youth and Shelter Services, Inc. — Ruth Buckels
3.
Children’s Square, Inc. — Mary Elks
4.
Four Oaks, Inc. — Deb Fitkin, Steve Edman
5.
University of Iowa — Jill Kluesner, Vickie Miene
6.
Family Resources, Inc. — Kim Arnold, Dawn Sturms
7.
Foundation 2, Inc. — Carol O’Brien
8.
Children’s Square, Inc. — Mary Elks
9.
Youth Shelter Care of North Central Iowa, Inc. — Jim Seward
10.
Children’s Square, Inc. — Mary Elks
AMP Consultants:
Carol Behrer — Executive Director, Youth Policy Institute of Iowa (YPII)
Amy Croll, LMSW — Executive Director, Community! Youth Concepts (CYC)
What follows is our report to the Iowa Department of Human Services, which covers activities from January 1, 2012 to
June 30, 2012. You will find our responses to a more specific scope of service requirements outlined in the Contract to
Administer the Iowa Foster Care Youth Council.
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Contents
1.3.1.1 Foster Care Youth Council Local Meeting Locations ..........................................................7
1.
Establish and maintain ten existing local Councils as seen in Attachment A. Ensure there
is at least one local Council in each of the five Agency regions (also known as DHS Service
Areas). Local Council changes require Agency approval. .................................................................8
2.
Maintain active membership of at least ten (10) youth per local Council. ................................8
3.
Organize and implement all aspects of local Council meeting arrangements (i.e., site,
date/time, refreshments), as well as provide meeting notices and agenda. .........................................8
4.
Local Council meetings will occur at least once per month in at least six locations
starting July 2011, eight locations no later than September 2011 and ten locations no later than
October 2011. Meetings at ten locations shall continue throughout the contract year. ......................8
5.
Develop an Agency approved procedure for establishing a new Local Council and
maintaining programmatic consistency among Local Councils by December 1, 2011. .....................8
6.
Bilingual staff or community volunteers shall be provided to translate if requested by
clients who are not able to speak fluent English. ................................................................................9
7.
Determine a name for the Iowa Foster Care Youth Council. Participants shall be
included in the decision making process and the final name shall be approved by the Agency. ........9
1.3.1.2 Youth Development .................................................................................................................9
1.
Provide on–going recruitment of Council participants ages 13 through 20 years old. .............9
2.
Develop and implement a strategy for participant recruitment, which is inclusive and
effectively draws a diversity of youth. The Council is intended to represent the population of
children in Foster Care. Also, the implementation strategy shall address ways the Contractor
will reach out to youth in the various placement types (family Foster Care, residential treatment
centers, relative placements, institutions, aftercare, etc.). The Council will be youth driven and
reflect the racial, cultural, ethnic diversity of youth in Foster Care and provide access to youth
from all levels of Foster Care. The strategy shall include recruitment of Foster Care alumni. .......11
3.
Provide for training as needed for Council participants to assist them in their role as a
participant including, but not limited to, training focusing on leadership skills, team building,
effective communication (including advocacy skills and healthy disclosure), and accessing and
promoting community resources. ......................................................................................................13
4.
Provide opportunities for each participant to become involved within the Council
according to their strengths and interests, through various means which may include writing,
speaking engagements, committee work, Council leadership, creation of a website specific to
youth in Foster Care, or some other method chosen by the participant(s). .......................................14
5.
Provide a means to honor or recognize participants for accomplishments or growth. ............15
6.
Provide leadership opportunities for participants. ...................................................................15
7.
Provide social/recreational opportunities for participants to encourage social support and
to facilitate youth "buy in."................................................................................................................15
8.
Link with existing effective youth Councils, advocacy groups, or child serving
organizations......................................................................................................................................15
9.
Design, develop, and host a website for youth using a premium content management
system that will allow youth to help manage the website's content. The website will have
several components including, but not limited to, an events calendar, feedback, frequently
asked questions, and news and press releases. The website shall be available to youth no later
than January 1, 2012. .........................................................................................................................17
1.3.1.3 Youth Engagement in Child Welfare ...................................................................................22
1.
Identify youth for representation at Agency workgroups, training (i.e., staff, care
providers, key stakeholders), or other venues in which youth input would benefit the
development or implementation of child welfare policies and practices. .........................................22
2.
Prepare and train all youth who participate in public meetings and presentations to
prepare them and to minimize risk to the youth. ...............................................................................24
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3.
Develop procedure to respond timely to requests for youth input into child welfare and
related activities, initiatives, and workgroups. ..................................................................................25
4.
Develop and implement a mechanism to compensate youth for time and travel expenses.
Compensation and travel payments shall not be limited to participants. Compensation must
comply with Agency Travel Guidelines. ...........................................................................................25
1.3.1.4 Annual Foster Care Youth Conference ...............................................................................26
1. Provide an annual statewide conference for youth (ages 13 through 20 years old) in Foster
Care and Alumni................................................................................................................................26
2. Provide invitations, agenda, arrange presenters, and oversee the entire delivery of the youth
conference..........................................................................................................................................26
3. Partner with other organizations, agencies, youth groups, or advocacy groups as appropriate. ..26
1.3.1.5 Reporting of Services Delivered and Outcomes ..................................................................26
1. Submit semi–annual reports to the Agency, within 30 days of the end of each reporting
period, detailing staff activities, status of projects, community connections, recruitment efforts,
participant and Facilitator training provided, and opportunities and barriers experienced. All
Contractual Deliverables in the Scope of Work shall be reported, as well as performance
measures. ...........................................................................................................................................26
Ames: ................................................................................................................................................26
Cedar Rapids: ..................................................................................................................................33
Cherokee: .........................................................................................................................................37
Council Bluffs:..................................................................................................................................40
Davenport: .......................................................................................................................................46
Des Moines:......................................................................................................................................50
Dubuque: ..........................................................................................................................................58
Fort Dodge: ......................................................................................................................................64
Sioux City: ........................................................................................................................................68
Waterloo: ..........................................................................................................................................70
2.
Conduct an agency approved youth survey to measure Council participants' satisfaction
of overall Council operation annually and submit to the Agency within thirty days of the end of
each annual contract year. The survey will measure participant satisfaction with the Council
and effectiveness of Council projects and activities, including training received.............................74
3.
Develop a procedure for participants to formally offer suggestions and/or register written
complaints. Also, notice all participants of their right to do so. .......................................................75
1.3.1.6 Quality Assurance and Program Improvement Activities .................................................75
1.
Develop and implement an internal continuous quality assurance process using data
analysis, process and practice modification, supervision, and other methods. .................................75
2.
Develop and implement a Quality Improvement System which involves input from
participants, staff, and collaborating partners. ...................................................................................76
3.
Provide access to monthly Clinical Supervision for Local Council Facilitators,
volunteers, and leadership staff involved with the Youth Council. ..................................................76
4.
Conduct and maintain records absent of any Criminal History or Child Abuse for all paid
staff and volunteers who work directly with Children and Youth. ...................................................77
5.
Maintain all programmatic and financial records related to the services funded under this
Contract in a secure physical location. ..............................................................................................77
6.
Will facilitate up to three formal focus groups outside of regular Council meetings in the
first year to address a high priority issue(s). The Contractor and the Agency may collaborate to
select a topic or topics, with the Agency providing final approval. ..................................................77
7.
Youth Program Quality Assessment shall be used for all chapters and results will inform
quality improvement activities. .........................................................................................................79
8.
Staff training in cultural competency shall be provided annually. The Contractor shall
provide documentation that Council Facilitators and the Statewide Coordinator attend cultural
competency training annually. ...........................................................................................................80
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9.
Participate in an annual all Contractors' meeting. ...................................................................80
1.3.1.7 Evidence Based and Promising Practices ............................................................................80
1.
Utilize the federal Child and Family Services Review (CFSR) process and the
accompanying Child Welfare Outcomes and indicators. ..................................................................80
2.
Align activities with the Agency's Model of Child Welfare and Juvenile Justice Practice
and embrace the Family Interaction strategy. ....................................................................................81
3.
Develop a program which reflects the racial, cultural, ethnic diversity of youth in Foster
Care. 81
4.
Develop a program which provides access to youth from all levels of Foster Care. ..............82
5.
Promote significant adult relationships by involving foster parents, biological parents,
and other adults as appropriate. .........................................................................................................82
Educational/Vocational Specialist Summary Report .......................................................................82
6.
Utilize youth development methods and approaches that nurture in participants a sense of
competency, influence, belonging, and value. ..................................................................................84
7.
Engage youth in decision making at all levels, to instill confidence and allow youth to
develop leadership experience. ..........................................................................................................85
1.3.2 Performance Measures .............................................................................................................86
1.
Performance Measure 1: Youth will develop an Improved Support System. .........................86
2.
Performance Measure 2: Youth will contribute to improvements in the Child Welfare
System. ..............................................................................................................................................86
3.
Performance Measure 3: Youth Development ........................................................................87
4.
Performance Measure 4: Permanency .....................................................................................87
MAP OF THE TEN ORIGINAL AMP COUNCIL LOCATIONS...............................................88
MAP OF THE 14 AMP COUNCIL LOCATIONS ........................................................................89
AMP ATTENDANCE REPORT ......................................................................................................90
2012–2013 RECRUITMENT PLAN ................................................................................................91
SEMI–ANNUAL SATISFACTION SURVEY – APRIL/MAY 2012 ............................................97
BLUE SHEET: FROM YOUTH FOR SYSTEM CHANGE .......................................................107
BLUE SHEET: IDEAS BY YOUTH FOR YOUTH ....................................................................110
LAWS PASSED WITH AMP SUPPORT .....................................................................................113
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1.3.1.1 Foster Care Youth Council Local Meeting Locations
Ames
The Ames Council meets on the second and fourth
Thursday of every month at Youth and Shelter
Services (420 Kellogg) in Ames from 6:00 - 7:30
p.m.
Council Facilitator: Terri Bailey
Phone: 515–291–0476
Email: tbailey@yss.ames.ia.us
Des Moines
The Des Moines Council meets on the first and
third Tuesday of every month at Polk County
DHS–Riverplace (2309 Euclid Ave.) in Des
Moines from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. This Council serves
supper at 5:30p.m.
Council Facilitator: Terri Bailey
Phone: 515–291–0476
Email: tbailey@yss.ames.ia.us
Dubuque
The Dubuque Council meets on the second and
fourth Tuesday of every month from 6:00 - 8:00
p.m. at the Multicultural Family Center (1157
Central Ave.) in Dubuque.
Council Facilitator: Amanda Dellwo
Phone: 712–253–7963
Email: amanda.dellwo@gmail.com
Fort Dodge
The Fort Dodge Council meets on the second and
fourth Thursdays of every month from 5:30 - 7:30
p.m. at GRLS Program (2406 9½ Ave. South) in
Fort Dodge.
Council Facilitator: Maria Weydert
Phone: 515–890–1893
Email: riaweydert@gmail.com
Sioux City
The Sioux City Council meets the first and third
Monday of every month from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. at
St. Luke’s Lutheran Church (2039 S. Saint Aubin
St.) in Sioux City.
Council Facilitator: Jolene Dixon
Phone: 712–389–1673
Email: joleneamp@hotmail.com
Waterloo
The Waterloo Council meets on the second and
fourth Tuesday of every month from 6:30 - 8:30
p.m. at Quakerdale (140 S. Barclay St.) in
Waterloo.
Council Facilitator: Teanna Smart
Phone: 319–433–8172
Email: teanna.smart@gmail.com
Cedar Rapids
The Cedar Rapids Council meets on the first and
third Thursday of every month at the Four Oaks
Bridge in the Fireside Room (2100 1st Avenue
NE) in Cedar Rapids from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Council Facilitator: Rachelle DuVall
Phone:319–368–3376
Email: rduvall@foundation2.org
Cherokee/Storm Lake
The Cherokee Council meets on the second and
fourth Monday of every month from 6:00 - 8:00
p.m. at Oakdale E. Free Church (1207 450th St., in
Meriden, IA.
Council Facilitator: Cheryl Ellis
phone: 712–225–2707
email:Cheryl.r.ellis@gmail.com
Council Bluffs
The Council Bluffs Council meets on the first and
third Tuesday of every month from 6:00 - 8:00
p.m. at the Children’s Square Gym (North 6th
Street and Avenue E) in Council Bluffs.
Council Facilitator: Monte Wilson
Phone: 712–435–9347
Email: montewilson@hotmail.com
Davenport
The Davenport Council meets on the second and
fourth Thursday of every month from 6:00 - 8:00
p.m. at the Annie Wittenmyer Complex (2800
Eastern Avenue, Cottage 10, second floor) in
Davenport.
Council Facilitator: Kim Arnold
Phone: 563–607–0109
Email: karnold@famres.org
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1. Establish and maintain ten existing local Councils as seen in Attachment A. Ensure there is at least
one local Council in each of the five Agency regions (also known as DHS Service Areas). Local
Council changes require Agency approval.
Council locations have remained the same as they were at the beginning of this Contract. There is at least
one within each DHS Service Area and AMP continues to write grants to add additional Councils if and
when funds are approved. The DHS Contract Manager has been part of all conversations regarding funding
and/or the proposed location for additional AMP Councils.
SEE ATTACHMENT ONE — MAP OF COUNCIL LOCATIONS AS OF JUNE 30, 2012.
The initial ten Council locations will remain the same. With the additional funding allocated by the 2012
Legislative session, four new Councils will be added. They will be in Iowa City, Ottumwa, Burlington, and
Mason City. The new Councils will be added in the first six months of the 2012–2013 fiscal year with
staggered start dates.
SEE ATTACHMENT TWO – MAP OF THE COUNCIL LOCATIONS PLUS THE FOUR NEW
COUNCILS.
2. Maintain active membership of at least ten (10) youth per local Council.
SEE ATTACHEMENT THREE – ATTENDANCE REPORT
Attendance fluctuates in each Council based on many different factors, such as the topic of the meeting and
the availability of transportation. However, even with fluctuations, AMP has been able to increase
attendance in all but two of the current Councils. The average attendance over all ten Councils is above 10,
which meets this deliverable. Between January and the end of May, 2012, 2,809 youth attended an AMP
meeting. Of these, 250 were new attendees. Ninety-four total meetings were held with average attendance
of 29.88 youth attending.
3. Organize and implement all aspects of local Council meeting arrangements (i.e., site, date/time,
refreshments), as well as provide meeting notices and agenda.
Each individual Council is responsible for keeping a list of youth, area professionals, and foster parents
interested in AMP. At least 48 hours before Council meetings, the Facilitator is asked to send the agenda to
their contact list. Some Facilitators send it out 1–2 weeks in advance. Each Facilitator supplies the AMP
office with a copy of their agenda. Those are kept on file in the AMP office.
Procedures and Protocols can be found on Page seven of the AMP Manual. This Manual is under revision
to become CARF approved so page numbers as well as additional procedures and protocols, are being
added. Upon completion and approval, AMP will redistribute Manual pages and information to all
Councils. Six youth have been identified and mobilized to work on the AMP Manual reformation with the
Statewide Coordinator.
4. Local Council meetings will occur at least once per month in at least six locations starting July 2011,
eight locations no later than September 2011 and ten locations no later than October 2011. Meetings
at ten locations shall continue throughout the contract year.
All ten Councils were operational as of July 1, 2011 and have remained operational throughout this
reporting period. As noted, two Councils are rebuilding within their communities after extensive
community hurdles had to be addressed. Both Cherokee/Storm Lake and Sioux City are in the rebuilding
phase. Both Councils have new facilitators as of this report period and both Councils have reported strong
community support as they rebuild.
5. Develop an Agency approved procedure for establishing a new Local Council and maintaining
programmatic consistency among Local Councils by December 1, 2011.
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DHS was provided with a full AMP Policy and Procedure Manual in mid–August 2011. The new procedure
for establishing a new Council location was developed with the Partnership agencies and youth input. It can
currently be found on page 20 of the AMP Operations Manual. This manual is a work in progress and will
have more sections and protocols added to it as time allows. Youth are part of the development of each and
every section of the AMP Manual as they must approve each section. The Manual is being updated to meet
CARF standards at this time so page numbers will change as policies and procedures are revised and added.
6.
Bilingual staff or community volunteers shall be provided to translate if requested by clients who are
not able to speak fluent English.
This is being provided as requested in the community of the youth’s Council meeting. Contacts with
various state agencies and local community agencies have allowed AMP to identify and access these
resources as they are needed.
7. Determine a name for the Iowa Foster Care Youth Council. Participants shall be included in the
decision making process and the final name shall be approved by the Agency.
In May and June of 2011, once the DHS Contract had been awarded to Youth and Shelter Services, Inc.
(YSS) but before staff members were able to be hired, YSS hosted a series of six statewide conference calls
with youth, Facilitators, DHS and agency supervisors to brainstorm and select a new name, logo, colors, and
motto for the youth Councils actual voice and ballot voting took place. Simultaneously, youth in Council
meetings were brainstorming and voting on each component which was then reported back to contractors.
This process was completed before the July 1, 2011 contract start date. DHS Contract Manager Doug
Wolfe was part of this process and the calls that happened. He voiced his verbal approval of the process and
selection directly to the youth.
1.3.1.2 Youth Development
1. Provide on–going recruitment of Council participants ages 13 through 20 years old.
AMP continues to recruit members through advertising, word of mouth, agency involvement, speaking
engagements, and through collaborative work with our eight Partnership Agencies, Iowa KidsNet and the
Iowa Foster and Adoptive Parent Association (IFAPA). As time and space allowed during this reporting
period, we submitted articles to these organizations’ newsletters, which reached our target audience. Our
YSS Media Specialist, Eric Carlson, also facilitated a number of radio and newspaper slots that featured
AMP and allowed us to educate the community. Copies of the written works were supplied to DHS at the
time of publication.
Additionally, AMP youth have been featured speakers at many community events in almost every Council
site. See the Council’s Individual Reports for a list of their speaking engagements and community service
activities. AMP uses each of these events to recruit new members. AMP speaking engagements and
community activities are listed on the AMP Councils Agenda provided to a large number of supporters
before every Council meeting in each Council site. Additionally, AMP informational tables have been set
up at many community based conferences and events to advertise and supply information to the community.
Knowing this area is one we want to strengthen, AMP hosted a Focus Call on December 29, 2011 asking
our youth to give us their ideas and suggestions for additional targeted recruitment. Below is the list of
suggestions the youth gave staff on that call and in italics are the progress AMP has made with the
suggestion:
LOOKING FOR NEW MEMBERS:
 Put Calendar on Website — make it scheduled out a month or two in advance so we can get our work
schedule set up around the AMP needs.
o Each Council has begun this process. With the turn–over we have had, there are four Facilitators
still in need of Website training.
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Get the Council agenda posted in advance.
o Each Council has been asked to do this. Three are doing this regularly. The rest are using their
email lists to get the agenda to interested parties.
Get information/advertisements into small towns.
Put it out in the school newsletters/announcements.
o As of the second week of August 2012, each of the 365 independent schools will be receiving a
brochure and letter from AMP. The letter is addressed to their administration and their at–risk
faculty in an effort to increase awareness of AMP and also to educate them on AMP as a resource.
The letter was written by youth for this purpose. AMP youth also volunteered to come to the school
and share information or support with any person willing to learn. The Department of Education
and DHS are both assisting AMP with the distribution task.
Post it “on the square.”
For the AMP youth in school, have them take flyers to the school guidance office.
o See note above – the schools are being approached in August of 2012. The groundwork for this idea
has been completed.
Put it on the Bus — bus ads.
Use the Counselor’s office in the school, Dean’s office, etc.
o On a college level, AMP started with DMACC in Des Moines, and we are actively working to
develop a support network of professionals that understand Foster Care (AMP is doing this
education) and from that, the counselors are developing a support network for their students. The
DMACC counselors know their college systems and they are sharing what AMP teaches with other
community colleges throughout the Community College network. Overall, we are moving forward
with DMACC and they are teaching others of our work. Many ideas are being implemented with
more planned as hurdles are sure to arise.
Get ten brochures to every school guidance office for display and to educate the guidance counselor on
the program.
o This will be taken care of with the mailing and the connections we make to the website and to us
personally/individually.
Do TV ads.
Do PSA’s (RUTH ASK MICHAEL VAUGHN)
o Michael was booked with work. Ruth did make contacts at both Channel 13 and Channel five for
news releases on AMP’s work with Human Trafficking. Channel 13 completed a follow up series on
AMP and the youth of AMP. These programs were tapped in February and March and Aired in
March and April.
Do posters to hang in the schools. Bright and flashy!
Where are the locations at college?
o Student activities Council.
o Bulletin boards at DMACC.
o See note above on what AMP has done and is doing with DMACC. Through Iowa’s network on
Community Colleges, Ruth was able to present on AMP and share with 75 Community College
Counselors AMP and the extra needs youth have when transitioning from Foster Care. This work is
ongoing and AMP is at the table for the discussions.
Youth buildings, shelters, homeless shelters, IHYC, etc.
Holding AMP meetings on site for some of the “older” alum to host those meetings. (Jenna brought up
that the alum going back into those sites might re–trigger them. We need to be careful doing this.)
Have AMP youth reach a counselor’s meeting/training and share with them about AMP so they can tell
their clients about it.
o As noted above, Ruth has been working with DMACC on this and youth will be involved soon as the
structure and concept of the plan are now set up. The project is ready for youth input and ideas.
Partner with DHS workers, JCO, and/or police to make a referral if a youth is removed. Could also be
working with PARENT PARTNERS.
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o A team of AMP youth wrote a series of letters to various groups, including DHS, foster parents,
JCO’s and more that will be revisited in the 2012–2013 Recruitment Plan.
Call individual foster homes that host teens and invite them to AMP. Do individually so the youth
involved know someone before they come to a meeting.
o AMP was told we could not know when a teen was placed to make the call directly so we are asking
the IFAPA Liaisons and the Iowa KidsNet Support Workers to make this call for us and if the person
is open to a direct contact, to let us know. We also put a space for contacting us on our website and
we respond rapidly to any messages sent to us.
DHS Protocol…to reach Social Worker II’s (field offices), the protocol is to send it to the “leads” in
each service area and they would get it to the case workers…(Doug would facilitate this if we got them a
letter/brochure). We could do a letter; we could do a video they could watch with their youth; we could
do webinars, we could talk face-to-face; and so many more…
o A letter was written for this purpose and will be pursued further with DHS. It is part of our
Recruitment Plan.
Also on the call, youth were asked for ideas to facilitate better retention of youth. The following ideas were
mentioned:
What is working to RETAIN members?
 Getting our name out there through speaking engagements, parenting classes, and DHS classes.
 Speaking at PS–MAPP classes.
 Having more events where there are activities.
 Have the youth lead it more — have the youth do the full–leadership, announcements, highs and lows
and allow Facilitators to sit down. The more youth take over, the more they attend and put themselves
into it.
 Keep others involved by showing an interest in everyone that attends.
 Do more community involvement activities. Project Linus was great.
 Suggestion was made for a party to be hosted after the event or after the service project.
 Recognize youth better so that everyone wants to attend, do more, give more, etc.
 Use Youth Yak!
 Re–invite some of the older youth — they need to feel wanted.
 We need to ease people in — AMP meetings can be overwhelming, ask them what will make them
come back.
 Talk to them, ask them to meet you, share numbers, hang out with them, mentor them, and be their
guide.
 Make certain that each Council has greeters to share with the new people and be their guides/mentors.
AMP–CC = they need to be the greeters as they are to know what is going on all the time and share this
with new people.
 Find out what the new people’s strengths are. Match them with others that have that strength.
The AMP Statewide Coordinator developed a recruitment plan that will be implemented within Iowa as well
as within each individual Council, per this year’s contract with the partnership agencies.
2. Develop and implement a strategy for participant recruitment, which is inclusive and effectively
draws a diversity of youth. The Council is intended to represent the population of children in Foster
Care. Also, the implementation strategy shall address ways the Contractor will reach out to youth in
the various placement types (family Foster Care, residential treatment centers, relative placements,
institutions, aftercare, etc.). The Council will be youth driven and reflect the racial, cultural, ethnic
diversity of youth in Foster Care and provide access to youth from all levels of Foster Care. The
strategy shall include recruitment of Foster Care alumni.
Please note answer to number one for the specific ideas generated by youth for recruitment and for media
exposure and the interventions listed in italics that have already been implemented.
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SEE ATTACHMENT FOUR – 2012–2013 RECRUITMENT PLAN
Per the individual contracts with the partnership agencies, all Councils will be implementing targeted
recruitment, as well as the statewide recruitment AMP will do. This way we are addressing multiple levels
of reaching youth and also utilizing unique community recruitment.
To address diversity, AMP advocates for all youth in care without discrimination. Having a diverse voice
adds validity to the AMP message. Please see our website for photographs, stories, and opportunities
specifically selected to share AMP diversity. AMP staff participates in a YSS Diversity Task Force and also
a newly formed LGBTQ Youth Best Practice Committee.
The AMP Statewide Coordinator is also working with three Native population advocates to develop a page
on our website for Native youth. We hope to feature stories, share opportunities, and give them a voice that
is unique. In time, we hope to have Native youth take ownership of the page and add pieces to it. We know
Council meetings and the work AMP normally is involved in does not coincide with their cultural needs so
we are beginning this process with the website.
To address the issue of various placement types, as well as cultural and ethnic diversity, AMP, through the
Partnership of Iowa Foster Care Youth Councils, has shifted the meeting locations onto residential grounds,
community grounds, and/or treatment sites in order to reach more youth. Past experience has shown that
transportation still remains one of the largest hurdles youth face in order to access AMP Council meetings.
Currently, the Council Facilitators and their support staff take up to an hour before and after Council
meetings to pick up and return youth to their homes. Our Fort Dodge Council received a grant to fund a
driver to reach out to the counties surrounding Webster. This grant expired on June 30, 2012 and was not
reauthorized. It was a successful venture so AMP will continue to pursue additional funds for
transportation. Other Councils watch for grant funds similar to these for this purpose. In the metro areas,
more youth could be transported, but the vehicles fill quickly which makes rides a first call first pick up
situation.
In addition to providing transportation, AMP has additional residential, shelter and foster home providers
that bring youth to and from meetings. This is a direct result of the move to eight subcontractor partnership
agencies. These places usually are staffed, which means AMP directly benefits from these partner agency
staff staying and participating in the Council meetings. Youth have reported they like having their staff at
AMP present to learn from them and about them. They report better relationships from sharing AMP with
their staff.
To reach the system alumni, AMP has reached out to TPS/Aftercare/PAL Self–Sufficiency Advocates and
their participants. AMP is sharing educational materials with the IASN providers and asking them to share
it with participants. In exchange, TPS/Aftercare/PAL is going to let us know when they do share it so we
can track additional youth we are reaching with resources and supports.
The Des Moines Council planned and hosted a RAP4Youth activity on June 19, 2012 in Des Moines. Food,
fun and a resource fair were provided to facilitate youth exposure and education to area resources and put
faces to services. Three other organizations attended the event and provided some information to youth.
AMP youth and organizers were disappointed in the lack of participation from some major system
supporters, as reaching the transitioning population takes a joint effort. The lack of participation by some
impacted all. AMP will continue to explore collaborative efforts with all agencies advocating for youth as
meeting the needs of this population requires a combined effort.
To reach adopted, guardianship, and kinship youth who are no longer connected to the system, AMP
provides advertisements and articles in IFAPA’s Weekly Word and in their News and Views Quarterly
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Newsletter. Since the location of these youth falls under confidential information, this is the best way to
reach out to their families. AMP also has staff that train for IFAPA and can share about AMP when they
meet face–to–face with families in training.
Finally, AMP has a Facebook page and we have an active Website for youth to access when meeting
attendance is not possible. By looking at the pictures on these two sites, a viewer will see evidence of
diversity. Alumni report this as a great addition to AMP.
3. Provide for training as needed for Council participants to assist them in their role as a participant
including, but not limited to, training focusing on leadership skills, team building, effective
communication (including advocacy skills and healthy disclosure), and accessing and promoting
community resources.
Please see individual Council Meeting Reports for the specific trainings offered at the local levels.
New AMP Member Training is the uniform training all youth are asked to go through in order to earn their
polo shirts. All participants are given T–shirts (as supply allows), but only those completing New Member
Training are given a polo shirt. New Member Training can be provided by any of the trained Facilitators,
but the Statewide Coordinator has requested an invitation to each of these trainings so she may attend and
welcome youth to the Council.
In 2012, AMP youth have once again partnered with YSS Risky Business Conference planners to share the
topics and interests youth want to learn about. On May 1, 2012, a youth keynote, dedicated to technology,
welcomed and engaged 246 youth. There were over 50 workshops at this Conference and most were open
to youth. This gives AMP youth a unique opportunity to both teach and learn among the professionals
directly impacting their lives.
In June, AMP and YSS were approached by the Iowa Department of Public Health with an opportunity to
implement the Teen Outreach Program (TOP) promoting healthy relationships for youth in the system.
After reviewing the intent and purposes of the training, it seems like a good match for AMP youth so the
partnership is being pursued. AMP and TOP will officially begin reaching out to professionals (for training)
and then to youth in the fall of 2012. Healthy boundaries are covered extensively in this training. This will
be offered statewide.
AMP has also prioritized many educational and vocational trainings statewide based on work by our
Educational/Vocational position. This is part of a collaborative agreement between YSS and CFI. Cheryl
Johnson, Educational/Vocational Facilitator, makes sure there are four topics trained to all Councils each
year. Youth are pre–test and post–test evaluated to demonstrate knowledge was gained.
Other training areas are focused on advocacy, communication, health, healthy relationships, and general
life–skills. Each Facilitator offered these using their knowledge or that of volunteer/community members.
The Facilitator was expected to ask the youth for training topics and then seek out/schedule and facilitate a
community member coming into a meeting and sharing their knowledge with the youth. This exposed the
youth to community–involved adults and allowed them to make connections.
AMP’s current training packages can be found on the website. AMP is in the process of developing a new
“Get It Right” training that was premiered at the IFAPA Conference in March 2012 and has been offered
four additional times through the IFAPA training network. Evaluation reports from those attending say they
plan to implement change in how they interact with youth in their care. AMP youth are not trainers for this
curriculum; however, they did write and give input into it. IFAPA has a policy that does not allow for youth
as trainers so an AMP Facilitator and a Drake Law Clinic Social Worker present “Get It Right”.
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In addition to those on the website, staff have developed and given trainings on: Human Trafficking,
Permanency OUR Way, Prescription Drug Abuse, Vicarious Trauma, Stress Management, Working with
Sexual Abuse Victims, Mentoring, Parenting Girls, Parenting Boys, The Impact on the Biological Children
(in a foster home), and many others upon request. AMP is gifted with staff and youth experienced in
training, so training development is an area of strength.
4. Provide opportunities for each participant to become involved within the Council according to their
strengths and interests, through various means which may include writing, speaking engagements,
committee work, Council leadership, creation of a website specific to youth in Foster Care, or some
other method chosen by the participant(s).
This is an area in which AMP excels. The youth are presented many opportunities to share their strengths
and creativity. All the Council Facilitators take the extra time to ask youth about their areas of interest and
if they want to participate, give, share, teach or support their Council in this area. Consistent with our past,
current AMP youth volunteer for what they are comfortable sharing. No youth is forced or required to do
any activity for AMP.
New to AMP is a document we call “Youth Yak” which is designed to help youth sign up and share what
they most want to do. The youth report “loving” this, even though it is “intimidating.”
With our new website, www.ampiowa.org, youth in each Council are able to update their local Council
page, learning and teaching this skill to the Council. AMP received a technology grant from the Carver
Foundation for $25,000. These funds were used to purchase each of the fourteen Councils a laptop, a
projector, a recorder, speakers, screen, and power–strip. This equipment will allow the Councils to update
their websites at Council meetings as well as to prepare and present PowerPoints, presentations, trainings,
and many other promotional tools for their Council.
On the main website, there is an “Amplified Poets” poetry book — written works submitted by youth. This
addition of works was added to the site to feature AMP’s gifted writers. Thanks to the web–design, the
book can have unlimited pages so youth will be able to submit poetry for this book for years to come.
Facebook has also been added to our youth list of connectors. At last count, there were eighty–five friends
of “Achieving Maximum Potential – AMP” Facebook page. One of the highly anticipated features of the
Facebook page is the instant communications/feedback loop AMP has needed for some time. It is now
possible for us to ask “friends” to answer questions on our blog, as well as post comments and answers on
our wall. With this availability, staff will now have a chance to get/give information in record time. As
always, participation is voluntary.
Another new feature to AMP will be an advanced speakers training. On March 17, the first session of
“Amplify Your Voice” was held in Ames. Ten youth from the Ames and Des Moines Councils were trained
for nine hours on targeted presentation styles. The trainer, Heidi Guggisburg–Coners, a Council Bluffs
Support person and a licensed foster parent, piloted the training. The youth rated it highly and it was
planned for the following year’s budget. A hurdle happened within the Budget and DHS requested we
revisit the Speaker Training, so another entity has been sought and is being contracted with for the 2012–
2013 year to develop the Speaker’s Bureau to meet professional Council, board, and committee needs.
In April, AMP youth congregated at the Buckel’s Farm in Story City with a photographer and a
videographer and taped for two days. From this taping/photography/interviewing session, three DVDs were
brainstormed and produced. They are called: “WHAT IS AMP?”, “SNAPSHOTS OF AMP”, and “GET IT
RIGHT!” Youth volunteered for this opportunity as both a leadership task and a means of helping others
understand AMP. “WHAT IS AMP?” is featured in one or two versions on the AMP website. “GET IT
RIGHT!” will be part of the “Get It Right” training being offered by Terri Bailey and IFAPA.
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5. Provide a means to honor or recognize participants for accomplishments or growth.
For AMP, the recognitions vary for youth. Some have asked for gift cards, some ask for merchandise
(options remain limited due to funds), and some ask for additional options to be funded, like medallions,
additional clothing options, art, and more.
AMP has continued to provide the suitcases for youth aging out of system care. We hope to do this as long
as there are area supporters for this activity. AMP does not have the funds to do this internally so
community support and funding is essential. Some Councils have received private money to offer this in the
past, while other Councils have not. When the Statewide Coordinator speaks to community groups, this is
one of the many options she presents for groups to support us. Filling even one suitcase impacts a youth
positively. These suitcases are AMP’s community outreach. Recipients do not have to participate in AMP
to receive a suitcase. A note inviting them to AMP and giving them connections to people and resources in
their community is provided within each suitcase. AMP presents the suitcase after we are contacted and
updated on the need for one. This spring we worked with Leadership Ames to fill eighteen suitcases. This
is also a community collaboration effort for AMP.
Another area that falls beneath the heading of recognition is for AMP to recognize those who support us and
our youth. AMP has developed a Certificate of Appreciation to be given by the youth to the individuals that
support, encourage, guide, and advance youth and/or youth issues. This certificate is new for us. The first
to receive a certificate was First Lady Chris Branstad on January 24, 2012. During past conferences,
AMP/Elevate recognized individuals that have contributed and supported youth causes. AMP wants to
continue this honoring process at both a local and state level. Locally, it can be done anytime the youth vote
to do it.
There are two new methods of recognition that are still in the planning stage: the AMP coin or medallion for
service and the Recognition Rocks. As noted, they are in the planning stage and have yet to have the AMP–
Central Council set the guidelines on how they will be implemented within the Councils. AMP youth from
the Des Moines Council met and devised steps or levels youth needed to achieve to receive greater
recognitions, but this has not been implemented as the youth requested to design their own Medallion and
that has not happened yet. Once the Statewide Coordinator has a design, prices can be sought and then we
will have to seek additional funding options.
6. Provide leadership opportunities for participants.
The basic structure of AMP is and will always be youth–driven. AMP was set up by adults with youth input
throughout. Currently, no program changes are made without youth input or review. AMP has identified
AMP–CC members that each of the Facilitators and the Statewide Coordinator can access for programming.
Youth are asked to set up meetings, greet participants as they arrive, provide them with healthy snacks and
positive conversation, give them access to support, education, resources, and information as needed before
bidding them a safe journey upon leaving. Within each meeting there is an educational time where a topic is
selected by the youth; in an area where they have need. Council Facilitators create a community connection
for AMP with this presenter by making arrangements for time, space, and location. Once this is set, the
youth are to welcome, assist, and fulfill any of the speaker’s requests. This system supports many AMP
leadership opportunities for youth, which allows for ideas like Youth Yak. With the AMP youth that have
been attending long–term, they have begun setting up speakers and making the arrangements with minimal
Facilitator direction. This shows youth confidence and leadership.
7. Provide social/recreational opportunities for participants to encourage social support and to facilitate
youth "buy in."
Social and recreational opportunities offered by AMP are an important part of connecting youth to others
and building their “buy in.” Please refer to the individual Council reports for extensive evidence of this.
8. Link with existing effective youth Councils, advocacy groups, or child serving organizations.
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The Des Moines AMP Council has had the privilege of reciprocal invitations to work with and enjoy the
outcome of a service activity with InSight Opportunity Passport Youth Leadership Board, Jim Casey Youth
Opportunities Initiative, with funds managed by Youth Policy Institute of Iowa (YPII).
Through YPII, AMP received the opportunity to attend a Jim Casey Youth Opportunities Initiative
Sponsored Training on Adult–Youth Partnerships in September of 2011. This was our first retreat gathering
as an AMP Statewide Council and many of the youth attending were new to a retreat, as well as new to an
AMP–CC meeting. Casey personnel worked with the AMP youth and the AMP adults separately to identify
partnership successes and partnership needs.
In the fall of 2012, there is a Strategic Sharing Training planned with the Jim Casey Youth Opportunities
Initiative and YPII. The date for this has not been set as AMP is contacting the Speaker’s Bureau work to
YPII and the person taking on this role for AMP will be in charge of setting up this training as part of their
Speaker’s Bureau work. InSight youth will also be involved in this training opportunity.
In an effort to reach the Aftercare and PAL youth, AMP Facilitators have added the list of Aftercare/PAL
providers to their contact lists and have been supplying them with agendas for the AMP Council meetings.
The Statewide Coordinator has been invited to attend the quarterly Aftercare Provider meetings and share
AMP updates. Ruth Buckels attends and reports on AMP at the IASN Statewide meetings. Aftercare/PAL
staff have been willing to share educational information with their participants so AMP is providing
materials to be given to the youth and has requested a signature sheet be exchanged so AMP can track
contacts. AMP wishes to be a resource to them. AMP staff recognize that Aftercare/PAL participants are
active, busy, and successful. AMP does not want to hinder this progress by adding another meeting to their
schedule. AMP youth view these successful individuals as mentors and would like to have them share their
knowledge. Contact with and guidance from them is rewarding for AMP youth. This linked exchange will
be a focus for AMP as our goal is to assist system youth in any way we can. AMP wishes to learn from this
population and adjust our program offerings to equip AMP youth for additional successes.
AMP also attends and interacts with youth currently in the Rural Youth Transitioning Project and in the
Transitioning Youth population in Ames and Boone. Since our offices are side by side and our populations
can learn from and interact with each other, the partnerships have been easy to accomplish.
AMP has met with the Iowa Youth Against Tobacco Council (formerly called JEL (Just Eliminate Lies)),
and SIYAC (State of Iowa Youth Action Committee), the Iowa Youth Congress and I–JAG (Iowa Jobs for
America’s Graduates). AMP, in an effort to assist in the collaboration efforts, connected SIYAC and the
Iowa Youth Congress with Aftercare/PAL advocates for the cross sharing of information and youth
connections. SIYAC and the Iowa Youth Congress representatives presented in June at the IASN meeting
in Des Moines.
Additionally, AMP has been and will continue to work with the new Youth Work Readiness Program
(YWRP), a program of Children and Families of Iowa. Through this work, youth will get direct youth job
training, tutoring and work–assessment opportunities. As one of AMP’s partnership agencies, CFI – Cheryl
Johnson will select some of the youth from AMP to benefit from this program. Criteria and protocol are
still being set up. AMP is really excited for the youth that will be selected and worked with.
There were two major events and many smaller events during this report period where collaborative efforts
were featured. First was the AMP Day on the Hill. All nine agencies and a number of the collaborative
groups mentioned above were in attendance to advocate for youth and share youth needs in the Capitol.
Awareness of AMP and youth population was greatly increased as two television channels and at least four
radio stations featured AMP and our Legislative Agenda.
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Previously mentioned, the collaboration with Leadership Ames to purchase and fill eighteen suitcases for
transitioning youth.
The second major event with great amounts of collaboration was the May 1, 2012 Risky Business
Conference where again, all nine agencies, as well as many other professionals, were trained together in a
solid display of adult–youth partnership.
AMP is prepared to work with Hope Drama Troupe this fall. HOPE is a high school drama troupe
supported by Prevent Child Abuse Iowa. Elevate, now AMP, has shared youth stories with Hope each year
since 2007. Hope youth use these stories to write the dramas they perform as a means of increasing
community awareness and empathy within both the school and the community setting.
9. Design, develop, and host a website for youth using a premium content management system that will
allow youth to help manage the website's content. The website will have several components
including, but not limited to, an events calendar, feedback, frequently asked questions, and news and
press releases. The website shall be available to youth no later than January 1, 2012.
Iowa AMP Website Progress Report
July 9, 2012
Report Submitted by Eric Carlson — YSS Public Information
Youth and Shelter Services want to ensure that AMP Foster Care youth and Facilitators have an integrated
and exciting Web presence. To that end, YSS and AMP personnel have been updating and maintaining the
site www.ampiowa.org on a regular basis to add new content and keep the search engine optimization
growing by having activity on the site. YSS has designed, developed, and secured hosting for the AMP
website using a premium content management system that allows AMP Council Facilitators and youth to
manage the website’s content with no programming knowledge required.
Since the site’s inception, several pages/sections have been added including:
 a page for Native American AMP youth listing resources specifically for that audience;
 the AMP 2012 legislative program agenda that discusses the political aims of the group and a sub–page
that enumerates all the legislation that AMP/Elevate has helped to implement;
 a page that contains the previous AMP semi–annual report to DHS and an AMP survey of its youth;
 a page of links to other resources for AMP youth and facilitators;
 a page with advice about Aftercare from YSS Aftercare staff person Kelli Noveshen;
 a page entitled Transition Resources that offers links to AMP youth for additional resources to help them
transition to self–sufficiency;
 a page detailing adoption month activities;
 a page about Ruth Buckels, YSS Statewide AMP Counselor, being selected as an Angel in Adoption
Honoree by the U.S. Congress;
 a page with embedded video of AMP youth, Taylor, giving a speech on her educational experience in
hopes of improving Iowa's education system for youth at the CAPS Conference;
 a page with links to notes taken during AMP focus calls including fatherhood issues and GAL and
Lawyer issues;
 a page highlighting the Ames AMP Council receiving the Story County Volunteer Award at ISU
Memorial Union on April 24 for their volunteer service with the Youth and Shelter Service in the Ames
Community;
 a page highlighting AMP receiving the Volunteer Iowa's Governor's Volunteer Award;
 a page giving credit to Leadership Ames for recently donating 20 “Suitcases for Success” to AMP
youth;
 a page of photos showing the Ft. Dodge AMP canoe trip;
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






a page dedicated to the AMP Day on the Hill event where AMP youth spoke about Foster Care, Human
Trafficking, and bullying at the Capitol to gain awareness with an embedded WHO Radio audio clip
with Richard Lee about the day’s activities;
a page with photos, an audio clip and link to Des Moines Register article about the signing of the Human
Trafficking Bill 2080;
a page with an embedded video entitled “What is AMP?”;
a page of embedded video of media coverage provided by WHO–TV HD and its anchor Lynn Melling
about AMP and human trafficking;
a page of links to seven videos made during the ELEVATE period that are still relevant to AMP youth;
seven unique pages of AMP youth stories were created;
and a page has been created that features AMP youth poetry that contains links to over 80 poems written
by AMP youth.
In addition, photos and copy on existing pages have been rotated or updated to
Following is a site map of all pages on the ampiowa.org site:
 Blog
o Advice from Aftercare

 AMP Near You
o Transition Resources
o Ames AMP
 Who We Are
 Meet Our Facilitator
o Native Americans

 RAP for Youth
o Legislative Program

 Suitcases
For
 Legislation Passed
Success
o AMP Report

 Partner in Progress
 Happenings

Award
o Adoption Month

o Cedar Rapids AMP
o Buckels Earns Award

 Meet Our Facilitator
o Taylor's Speech

o Cherokee/Storm Lake
o Focus Calls

AMP
o Story County Youth

o Council Bluffs AMP
Volunteer Awards

 Meet Our Facilitator
o Volunteer
Iowa–
o Davenport AMP
Governor's Volunteer

 Meet Our Facilitator
Award

o Des Moines AMP
o Leadership
Ames

 Meet Our Facilitator
Donates Suitcases
 Youth Speech
 Contact Us

 CPPC Easter Egg
 Shots and Clips

Hunt
o Canoe Trip

o Dubuque AMP
o AMP Day on the Hill

 Meet Our Facilitator
o CAPS project kickoff
o Fort Dodge AMP
o Human Trafficking

 Meet Our Facilitator
o Elevate Videos

 Ft.
Dodge
o AMP on WHO – TV

Happenings
o What is AMP?

 Center's
30th
 Where it's At
Anniversary
o Educational/Vocational
o Sioux City AMP
o Transition Materials

 Meet our Facilitator
 Our Journeys

o Waterloo AMP
o Youth Poetry
 Meet Our Facilitator
 Allowed to Ask!

o Be Connected to our
 Daddy!!

Extended Family
SS/AMP/AMP Report 6-30-12
18
reflect new content.
Life’s a landslide
when
you’re
dancing..
Laughter!!
Legacy
of
an
Adopted Child
We’re Family!!
Really Heal!
Trust You!!
Love Rainbow
I Love you!!
Hand of Friendship
Puzzled!!
Cry for Mommy’s
Love!!
Who Will Pray?
Love!!
Before
it
gets
Better!
Kids!!
Why Dad? Why?
Dreaming!
What does everyone
need?
God’s Love
Love can last!!
My Fairy Tale
H–O–M–E Spells; a
Place to Stay, for
Now
To My Brothers
When I look in the
mirror
Why Tears?
Reaching
071312/CM
I’ll Never Let You
 A Note From the
 The Last Time
Go
Class of 2007
 Dear John
 Do YOU Think it’s
 Untitled 9
 Dear Mr. Death
our Fault?
 Everything
You
 His Hands
 My Little Girl
Wanted
 My First Time
 Untitled
 Love Hurts
 Picture
 Untitled 1
 Life is Precious
 They’ve tried
 Untitled 2
 Pain
 Life #2
 Clean Chick Like
 Waiting For Me
 Everything
Me
 Out of my heart into
 Car Wars
 Hope!!
your heart
 Crazy
 Untitled 3
 Cuts and wounds
 Sun
 Broken Love
 Waiting
to
be
 Gang Member
 I Was Alone
Chosen
 Blue
Rags and
 Friends Forever!!
 Untitled 10
Starter Caps
 A Family Means to
 Untitled 11
 Home
Me
 Untitled 12
 I Hide My Feelings
 Love!! #2
 Untitled 13
Behind a Smile
 Start
All
Over
 The Day I Knew
 God’s
Precious
Again
 Untitled 14
Poem
 Untitled 4
 Torn Wings
 The Best I Can Be
 Like strangers
 Every Day
 Untitled 16
 Untitled 5
 Raven
o Shania's Story
 Probably
wasn't
 Untitled 15
o Ashley's Story
what you wanted
 Human Trafficking
o Shawn's Story
anyway
Poetry by AMP
o Clarrissa's Story
 Untitled 6
Youth
o Shane's Story
 Untitled 7
 Million Pieces of
o Chris's Story
 Life
Hope
o Brittany's Story
 Untitled 8
 Something
Here
 Wonder
Beautiful
Will
 Where I am
Grow
 Time
 A Child Cost More
The Iowa.gov web site search header has also been added to the top of all ampiowa.org pages per request of
DHS.

A concerted effort has been made to link the ampiowa.org site to its Facebook group page with links to
Facebook prominent on the site’s homepage.
The following is data collected about the use of ampiowa.org. The data shows the number of visits, the
number of pageviews, and the average pageviews per visit (P/Visit) over time during the date range:
Date
Range
Sun 1/1
Mon 1/2
Tue 1/3
Wed 1/4
Thu 1/5
Visits
26
15
20
34
24
SS/AMP/AMP Report 6-30-12
Date Range: 01/01/2012 – 06/30/2012
Visits and Page View Tracking
How many visitors visited on a specific day?
Date
Date
Visits
Visits
Range
Range
Fri 1/6
28
Wed 1/11
35
Sat 1/7
29
Thu 1/12
27
Sun 1/8
25
Fri 1/13
29
Mon 1/9
23
Sat 1/14
26
Tue 1/10
55
Sun 1/15
27
19
Date
Range
Mon 1/16
Tue 1/17
Wed 1/18
Thu 1/19
Fri 1/20
Visits
36
19
22
78
49
071312/CM
Date
Range
Sat 1/21
Sun 1/22
Mon 1/23
Tue 1/24
Wed 1/25
Thu 1/26
Fri 1/27
Sat 1/28
Sun 1/29
Mon 1/30
Tue 1/31
Wed 2/1
Thu 2/2
Fri 2/3
Sat 2/4
Sun 2/5
Mon 2/6
Tue 2/7
Wed 2/8
Thu 2/9
Fri 2/10
Sat 2/11
Sun 2/12
Mon 2/13
Tue 2/14
Wed 2/15
Thu 2/16
Fri 2/17
Sat 2/18
Sun 2/19
Mon 2/20
Tue 2/21
Wed 2/22
Thu 2/23
Fri 2/24
Sat 2/25
Sun 2/26
Mon 2/27
Tue 2/28
Wed 2/29
Thu 3/1
Fri 3/2
Sat 3/3
Sun 3/4
Mon 3/5
Tue 3/6
Wed 3/7
Thu 3/8
Fri 3/9
Sat 3/10
Visits
58
37
34
52
43
50
42
36
47
52
53
47
34
37
35
32
30
46
32
31
27
24
22
23
52
45
30
44
36
38
37
57
46
58
80
20
19
40
51
47
55
49
51
39
54
70
75
52
32
30
SS/AMP/AMP Report 6-30-12
Date
Range
Sun 3/11
Mon 3/12
Tue 3/13
Wed 3/14
Thu 3/15
Fri 3/16
Sat 3/17
Sun 3/18
Mon 3/19
Tue 3/20
Wed 3/21
Thu 3/22
Fri 3/23
Sat 3/24
Sun 3/25
Mon 3/26
Tue 3/27
Wed 3/28
Thu 3/29
Fri 3/30
Sat 3/31
Sun 4/1
Mon 4/2
Tue 4/3
Wed 4/4
Thu 4/5
Fri 4/6
Sat 4/7
Sun 4/8
Mon 4/9
Tue 4/10
Wed 4/11
Thu 4/12
Fri 4/13
Sat 4/14
Sun 4/15
Mon 4/16
Tue 4/17
Wed 4/18
Thu 4/19
Fri 4/20
Sat 4/21
Sun 4/22
Mon 4/23
Tue 4/24
Wed 4/25
Thu 4/26
Fri 4/27
Sat 4/28
Sun 4/29
Date
Range
Mon 4/30
Tue 5/1
Wed 5/2
Thu 5/3
Fri 5/4
Sat 5/5
Sun 5/6
Mon 5/7
Tue 5/8
Wed 5/9
Thu 5/10
Fri 5/11
Sat 5/12
Sun 5/13
Mon 5/14
Tue 5/15
Wed 5/16
Thu 5/17
Fri 5/18
Sat 5/19
Sun 5/20
Mon 5/21
Tue 5/22
Wed 5/23
Thu 5/24
Fri 5/25
Sat 5/26
Sun 5/27
Mon 5/28
Tue 5/29
Wed 5/30
Thu 5/31
Fri 6/1
Sat 6/2
Sun 6/3
Mon 6/4
Tue 6/5
Wed 6/6
Thu 6/7
Fri 6/8
Sat 6/9
Sun 6/10
Mon 6/11
Tue 6/12
Wed 6/13
Thu 6/14
Fri 6/15
Sat 6/16
Sun 6/17
Mon 6/18
Visits
44
64
58
63
61
54
45
46
62
79
72
80
68
52
51
66
70
69
108
51
60
52
67
45
59
53
47
40
42
59
49
57
36
40
46
40
56
80
70
56
68
48
33
53
70
72
63
67
52
57
20
Visits
63
60
57
61
79
67
61
88
85
80
95
104
90
74
83
115
82
73
82
57
68
73
112
133
103
65
94
104
92
91
89
64
53
48
59
104
91
72
86
70
65
79
113
89
115
97
93
80
120
91
Date
Range
Tue 6/19
Wed 6/20
Thu 6/21
Fri 6/22
Sat 6/23
Sun 6/24
Mon 6/25
Tue 6/26
Wed 6/27
Thu 6/28
Fri 6/29
Sat 6/30
Visits
93
84
96
93
60
79
80
89
86
125
101
107
071312/CM
Iowa AMP Facebook Development Plan
Report Submitted by Terri Bailey — Ames and Des Moines Council Facilitator and Assistant Coordinator
Additionally, YSS has created a new Facebook page for AMP utilizing the latest Facebook components that
allow youth to chat with their Facebook AMP friends on a one–to–one basis, or to chat with multiple friends
simultaneously through separate chat interfaces. The Facebook messaging feature allows youth to
communicate with each other similar to email. YSS has created Achieving Maximum Potential — AMP
“Group” for the AMP youth that enables them to discuss and plan for different AMP events and programs.
The AMP Facebook group utilizes a Facebook “like” button that allows individuals to connect to AMP
pages and events and allows for some data tracking of who “likes” the Youth Councils events and programs.
Facebook events are a way for members to let friends know about upcoming events in their community and
to organize social gatherings. The AMP Facebook is a closed group, only open to Council Facilitators, staff
(AMP, Partner Agencies and DHS), and members of AMP. This decision was made as a safety precaution
to our members as community members/relatives asked to join for the purpose of locating youth in care
through AMP events. It also became important that conversations on the AMP Facebook should be kept
confidential between AMP members. Youth who ask to join the AMP Facebook page are teens who have
attended an AMP Council meeting and understand the importance of confidentiality. The AMP Facebook
page and its regular website are cross–linked and cohesively branded to create the same look and feel
throughout as much as possible. Youth will be actively recruited and engaged to utilize both the site and
Facebook page.
YSS provides several components integrated into the new AMP Facebook page including:
Events Calendar — AMP Council Facilitators and members have the ability to create and manage
upcoming events using the “create an event” feature on the Facebook page. The data entered will be
automatically formatted and displayed on the Facebook calendar.
Feedback — The Facebook page is equipped with a format that allows visitors to see basic information on
the AMP group but only members added by the Administrator can respond to post inquiries, questions,
comments, or concerns for discussion. This feature protects the confidentiality of the AMP youth plus
allows youth the freedom to chat with friends without exposure to the general public. AMP Facebook group
is used to gather youth input across the state on issues driven by the group and also allows the youth to vote
on issues posted on the AMP wall in a timelier manner than a bi–monthly Council meeting.
News and Press Releases — Youth can see current news posts and press releases featured in a content box
on the home page that dynamically updates the news based on Youth/Administrator submissions.
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Resources and Links — Youth automatically see a post whenever a document is created that establishes a
link to a website that provides a resource for AMP youth.
Photo Albums — This option allows all AMP youth to create photo albums and add, edit, and delete images
to the photo albums. The photo albums will be displayed on the Facebook page under the photo apps or on
the wall in slide show format. Embedded YouTube videos will be available throughout the AMP page.
Administrators — Administrators are provided with the ability to moderate the site to protect the Facebook
page from inappropriate, explicit, and other offensive postings by an automatic display of all feedback
postings to the Administrators’ cell phones.
1.3.1.3 Youth Engagement in Child Welfare
1. Identify youth for representation at Agency workgroups, training (i.e., staff, care providers, key
stakeholders), or other venues in which youth input would benefit the development or implementation
of child welfare policies and practices.
AMP has continued, without interruption, to serve on the same child welfare committees statewide as we
did under Elevate. Youth share their stories with child welfare workers about how the decisions workers
make impact youth. AMP strives to be a source of youth representation for the Department of Human
Services (DHS) workgroups, trainings, or other venues in which youth input would benefit from the
development or implementation of child welfare policies and practices. AMP members were presenting at
staff trainings and were part of the training that new department workers receive. When a youth could not
be present, AMP staff asked to be present and represent the youth voice. Information gathered in these
venues is taken to the AMP–CC members in each Council for distribution and collection of ideas/direction.
AMP youth/staff were involved in the following committees or events:
 Adoption Saturday Committee — AMP Facilitators, statewide
 Boone Homeless Youth Initiative — Ruth, Statewide Coordinator; Youth: Jon and Dakota
 Breakthrough Series Collaborative CORE Team, Crossover Youth BSC — Patty, Member
 CFSR — Ruth, Statewide Coordinator; Terri, Des Moines and Ames Council Facilitator, Youth:
Franceska, Keith, and Julie
 Child and Community Task Force — Waterloo — Teanna
 Child Protection Council – Syndie and Nicole
 Children’s Policy Coalition – Ruth, Statewide Coordinator
 Child Welfare Advisory Committee — Jacob and Bobby
 Child Welfare Permanency Committee — Ruth, Statewide Coordinator; and AMP Youth
 Collaboration of Agencies for Permanency and Stability, Oversight Committee — CAPS Project Ruth,
Statewide Coordinator
 Community Circle of Care Youth Board — Dubuque — Six youth are board members
 Community Partnership for Protecting Youth — Planning Committee member — Joni Griffin
 Convening of the Education Collaborative — Terri, Des Moines and Ames Council Facilitator; Cheryl,
Ed/Vocational Coordinator; Ruth, Statewide Coordinator; Youth: Bobby, Jake, Taylor, and Clayton
 CPPC — Des Moines Bobby, John and Terri, Des Moines and Ames Council Facilitator
 CPPC sites — Three statewide — Bobby, Jon and Terri, Des Moines and Ames Council Facilitator
 DHS Human Services Council — AMP Youth
 DMACC Advisory Committee — Bobby Overton
 DMACC Mini AMP Partnership — Terri, Des Moines and Ames Council Facilitator; Cheryl,
Ed/Vocational Coordinator
 Education Collaborative — Patrick, Ruth, Statewide Coordinator; Cheryl, Ed/Vocational Coordinator;
Terri, Des Moines and Ames Council Facilitator; and Jacey, Kaytlyn, Robert, Taylor and Jacob have
taken turns attending
 Elevate Our Youth to Adulthood Committee — Cheryl, Ed/Vocational Coordinator — CFI
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Families for Children FIC — Julie, Council Bluffs Support Person; and Terri, Des Moines and Ames
Council Facilitator; Youth: Julie
Family Team Meetings — Facilitator, Joni Griffin
Fort Dodge Decat — Maria
Governor’s Council on Education — Ruth, Statewide Coordinator
Governor’s Council on Permanency Planning — Ruth, Statewide Coordinator; and Terri, Des Moines
and Ames Council Facilitator; Youth: Julie and Jenna
HALO Training — CFI — Cheryl, Ed/Vocational Coordinator; and Terri, Des Moines and Ames
Council Facilitator
HALO Mentoring Trainer — Committee work Terri, Des Moines and Ames Council Facilitator
Human Services Advisory Council — Joni Griffin
Iowa Aftercare Service — Joni Griffin — self–sufficiency advocate
Iowa Aftercare Services Network IASN — Ashley Mabrey, Supervisor
Iowa Aftercare Services Network IASN — Ruth
Iowa Youth Dream Team — Ruth, Statewide Coordinator; Terri, Des Moines and Ames Council
Facilitatorl Youth: Franceska, Bennett, Jake, Taylor, Kayti, Clayton, Jon, Dakota, ManDee, Kallie,
Krysta
Iowa Youth Dream Team Facilitator in Training — Cedar Rapids — Rachelle DuVall
Iowa Youth Dream Teams — Joni Griffin, Facilitator, Youth: Jenna Oliver
Juvenile Justice — Service Area Five Terri, Des Moines and Ames Council Facilitator
Juvenile Justice/Ames — Terri, Des Moines and Ames Council Facilitator; and Ruth, Statewide
Coordinator
Kids First Council — Joni Griffin
LGBTSS – Diversity Task Force – Terri, Des Moines and Ames Council Facilitator
Mentoring Task Force — Waterloo — Teanna and youth
Mid–Iowa Credit Counseling – Terri, Des Moines and Ames Council Facilitator
Model Court — Connections Subcommittee — Cheryl, Ed/Vocational Coordinator
Model Court — Kinship Subcommittee — Cheryl, Ed/Vocational Coordinator
NAMI — Terri, Des Moines and Ames Council Facilitator
NW Iowa TYI Task Team — Ruth, Statewide Coordinator
Opportunity Passport Advisory Board — Cheryl, Ed/Vocational Coordinator
Parent Partner — Clayton and Ruth, Statewide Coordinator
Parent Partners — Terri, Des Moines and Ames Council Facilitator; and Ruth, Statewide Coordinator
PIP for DM — Terri, Des Moines and Ames Council Facilitator; Youth: Franceska, Julie, Keith
PS–MAPP trainings — statewide — youth varies
Reggie’s Sleepout — IHYC Terri, Des Moines and Ames Council Facilitator
Risky Business Conference Planning Committee — Ruth, Statewide Coordinator; and youth
TIPP Coalition Teen Information on Pregnancy Prevention — Fort Dodge — Maria and Youth
Transitional Living Program Meeting — Cedar Rapids — Rachelle DuVall
Transitioning Youth Advisory — Waterloo Teanna and youth
Transitioning Youth Initiative — YPII — Cheryl, Ed/Vocational Coordinator; and Terri, Des Moines
and Ames Council Facilitator
YSS Legislative Group — Terri, Des Moines and Ames Council Facilitator; and Ruth, Statewide
Coordinator
Please see individual Council reports as well for local committees as each Council listed their own.
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071012/CM
In addition to regular work on any of the above committees, AMP youth, or staff, or both, were frequent
guest speakers at other meetings. Many speaking engagements were not local but they provide a way to get
the word out about AMP and increase awareness of local AMP Councils.
On a National level, AMP staff continues to consult with youth and staff in South Dakota, where the work is
primarily with the Native population. The Statewide Coordinator and three AMP youth traveled to New
Orleans for the National Pathways to Adulthood Conference on June 27 – 29, 2012. A presentation was
given on “Defining Permanency Our Way!”
These contacts in Washington, D.C. for AMP have been very useful in legislation planning and research
here in Iowa. Senator Grassley and his staff continue to be heroes for foster and adoptive youth. Ruth was
recently contacted for youth representatives needed this Fall in Washington, D.C. with experience in Human
Trafficking.
The Statewide Coordinator is currently working with Representative Latham for next year’s Angel in
Adoption award. These reciprocal relationships have proven very effective.
AMP has been privileged to meet with Mrs. Christie Vilsack, an Ames resident and former First Lady of
Iowa, running for a Representative title in Washington. She interacted with youth and posted some of her
thoughts, plans, and works with the youth on her website.
2. Prepare and train all youth who participate in public meetings and presentations to prepare them and
to minimize risk to the youth.
AMP has implemented and tested (with 75% success), a new protocol for requesting and confirming youth
for high–level DHS committee work. The hurdles in the protocol involve adjusting for the unforeseen
issues that happen in any person’s life but they seem to be more common in youth, like crises or over–
sleeping. To continue to be responsive to the needs of professionals and to better prepare youth for these
honored positions, AMP has budgeted for a contractual position with YPII to prepare, educate, and transport
youth to and from speaker’s bureau work. This position will begin as soon as contracts are agreed upon and
signed.
In addition to the new focused position, AMP youth will be trained by Jim Casey Youth Opportunities
Initiative Staff on Strategic Sharing. This intense two day training event will take place this fall with ten
AMP youth and 2–4 InSight youth.
The other key component of the development of this speaker training is the incorporation of Positive Youth
Development Goals taught to all AMP Facilitators and this Coordinator in February of 2012 by Amy Croll,
LMSW, Executive Director, Community! Youth Concepts Youth Development and AMP Consultant. Since
this training, there has been turnover of Council Facilitators so new Facilitators will be taking this training
this fall with Amy. Dates have been sent out for this. This training is called the YPQA Basics.
AMP did host Heidi Guttsburg–Coners who is mentioned previously in this report. She trained eleven
youth in a curriculum she designed as a faculty at Iowa Western Community College in public speaking.
These youth evaluated this training as very effective for them and are awaiting opportunities to demonstrate
their skills.
AMP also developed a speaker outline sheet to assist youth in targeting comments to the audience they are
addressing. This sheet, called the “speaker cheat sheet” (youth named) is a preparatory sheet, not meant to
be read from. In completing this sheet, the youth are able to decide what, if anything, they want to share;
how much they will share; and what their goal in sharing is. This sheet is then shared with and practiced
with the adult attending their presentation with them. Once the presentation is complete, the youth
processes the event and can compare their initial goals with the results of their sharing. This, too, takes
SS/AMP/AMP Report 6-30-12
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071012/CM
place with the adult attending with them so the adult has a chance to emotionally process and support the
youth and the youth has the chance to receive this support as needed.
AMP continues to ask each Council Facilitator to work with the youth that have volunteered to speak
publicly or sit on committees. This is not a “once and done” procedure as AMP Facilitators and adults are
fully aware of the vulnerability of our youth, and we are invested in protecting them and promoting their
healing through this empowerment. This individual work is in addition to New Member Training and
consists of reminding the youth about all concepts set out in New Member Training and adding in the goals
and specifics of the meeting/committee work they are joining.
Due to the wide variety of requests for youth voice, AMP has needed to do this work individually with the
youth willing to participate for practical purposes. It does little good to train all when only one or two youth
are involved. When the Council Facilitator connects a youth to a committee, the Facilitator or the Council
Support person usually transports and sits in on the meeting with the youth. This allows the adult to answer
questions and clarify goals and direction of the work for the youth, as well as discuss outcomes/debrief on
the way home.
After any and all speaking engagements, AMP youth are given time to share with the adult that
accompanied them, their thoughts, insights, successes, and fears. This time can be formal or informal as
long as the youth gets to share how they are feeling about their experience. This time is very important for
the youth to keep perspective and to be re–encouraged to keep a forward momentum. Speaking triggers
fears in most people so AMP adults validate this by taking the time to listen.
These tools have proven successful overall, but AMP is at a point where fine–tuning our speaker–training
will be a benefit.
3. Develop procedure to respond timely to requests for youth input into child welfare and related
activities, initiatives, and workgroups.
This procedure has been developed and approved by DHS and included in the AMP Manual. As explained
above, this procedure will be revised and rewritten with the new position hired to manage this task. A
contract with the Youth Policy Institute of Iowa (YPII) has been initiated.
In this new plan, the Statewide Coordinator will be the gatekeeper of youth referrals from the Council
Facilitators. There is only a limited number of dollars allocated to this position so we want to make sure the
focus for this position remains on high level committee and board work to maximize the dollars.
The Statewide Coordinator will continue to work closely with both DHS and the Council Facilitators to
match youth with speaker requests so all parties are served.
4. Develop and implement a mechanism to compensate youth for time and travel expenses.
Compensation and travel payments shall not be limited to participants. Compensation must comply
with Agency Travel Guidelines.
This procedure has been developed and approved by DHS and included on page 27 of the AMP Manual.
Per the protocol in place, DHS will notify AMP of the expenses paid and those needing to be covered for
the youth to participate. AMP plans to cover all needed expenses per the Agency Travel Guidelines as
directed.
Once AMP has knowledge of the compensation needs, an inner–office blue sheet will be generated with the
youth’s name, address and contact data on it as well as an itemized list of the expense and YSS, as lead
agency for the Foster Youth Councils, will issue the funds to the youth.
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1.3.1.4 Annual Foster Care Youth Conference
1. Provide an annual statewide conference for youth (ages 13 through 20 years old) in Foster Care and
Alumni.
At Risky Business Conference on May 1, 2012 in Ames, Iowa there were 738 adults and 246 AMP and Iowa
youth.
Overnight accommodations were provided for youth from three Councils at Riverside Lutheran Bible Camp
north of Story City for the evening of April 30, 2012.
Five AMP youth participated in an afternoon training session on interacting with teen males and teen females.
Evaluations were received from 45 people though there appeared to be close to 80 in the room. The evaluations
rated the program highly.
2. Provide invitations, agenda, arrange presenters, and oversee the entire delivery of the youth
conference.
As in past years, Risky Business registrations, invitations, agendas, and presenter information are all provided
to the public online. This saves thousands of dollars in print costs and has proven to be a successful means of
reaching system and community professionals. Risky Business has been around over 20 years and is one of the
system’s premier conferences for professionals and youth. The costs, artwork, keynotes, and basic structure of
the Conference have already been set up and confirmed by the ongoing Conference Committee.
The Statewide Coordinator sent notice to all Council Facilitators and their Partnership Agencies to reserve the
conference date months ago. Attendance and bringing youth to this conference are part of the Contract
Requirement for each Partnership Agency. The Conference announcements and information are on all monthly
call agendas in the spring.
The Statewide Coordinator announced registration dates and provided registration instructions to all Council
Facilitators, Partnership Agencies, and the youth Council staff (SIYAC, I–JAG, Tobacco Task Force, InSight,
CYC Council (Amy Croll’s youth and staff were also invited and paid for with AMP numbers) we are
collaborating with. Council Facilitators were instructed to notify all the people on their agenda email lists and
any community supporters they have. The Statewide Coordinator provided this to DHS via our Contract
Manager, Doug Wolfe, for DHS distribution.
YSS sends the brochure with registration instructions to 8,000+ people in Iowa.
3. Partner with other organizations, agencies, youth groups, or advocacy groups as appropriate.
See answer in 1.3.1.2 #8
1.3.1.5 Reporting of Services Delivered and Outcomes
1. Submit semi–annual reports to the Agency, within 30 days of the end of each reporting period,
detailing staff activities, status of projects, community connections, recruitment efforts, participant and
Facilitator training provided, and opportunities and barriers experienced. All Contractual Deliverables
in the Scope of Work shall be reported, as well as performance measures.
This report is due to the Agency by July 30, 2012. It will be completed and submitted on time. AMP’s working
relationship with the Agency is incredibly supportive and cooperative.
Ames:
Submitted by Terri Bailey
Ames AMP Council
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Section 1: Measure of Performance
A. Meeting Location/Meeting Day/Time
January 12, 2012
Topic: Taking Responsibility for your own life and your own happiness! Learn helpful tips through
interactive games and start to create the life that you want!
Youth Leadership Role: Setting up tables, chairs, snacks, agendas, and three youth led interactive games
during the meeting.
Number of Youth attended: 15
January 26, 2012
Topic: Tobacco Prevention and the dangers of smoking. AMP youth made Valentine cards as thank you
gifts for YSS donors who support AMP and other youth programs.
Guest Speaker: Laura Bell, YSS Tobacco Prevention Specialist
Feedback Sheet Score: 94% strongly agree, 6% agree they liked her.
Youth Leadership role: Setting up tables, chairs, snacks, agendas, explaining highs and lows, reading
upcoming events, passing out art supplies.
Number of Youth attended: 14
February 9, 2012
Topic: AMP press conference at the Capitol video. Valentine’s Day Party! AMP members decorated
heart shaped cookies
presented on Valentine gift ideas for girls and guys, dating dos and don’ts, best date ever and worse date
ever plus dating on a budget. The second young lady, age 18, spoke about her decision to become a
cheerleader. She wanted to support her friends who played sports because they worked so hard at
practice and she wanted them to know that she admired them for their efforts, determination, and
courage. She also told AMP members that cheerleaders are athletes too. They lift weights, run laps,
practice long hours; its hard work! They get injured during stunts, sometimes really bad, so don’t tease
them and say that they are stupid or dumb. She then demonstrated some jumps and cheers. Both girls
received an AMP Youth YAK certificate signed by this Facilitator and the Program Coordinator. Their
picture was posted on the AMP Facebook page.
Number of Youth attended: 22
February 23, 2012
Topic: Conflict Management/Five different styles that people use to manage conflict.
Youth Leadership role: Setting up tables, chairs, snacks, agendas, explaining highs and lows, reading
upcoming events. Pass out pre–test/post-test and collect them.
Number of Youth attended: 17
March 8, 2012
Topic: Bullying and LGBTQ issues. Introducing the new YSS tri–fold that gives definitions on culture,
ethnicity, and sexual orientation, plus how we can be open to the diversity of others.
Guest Speaker: Ryan Roemerman and Dana Stuehling from Iowa Pride Network
Feedback Sheet Score: 89% strongly agree, 4% agree, some youth didn’t vote
Youth Leadership role: Setting up tables, chairs, snacks, agendas, explaining highs and lows, reading
upcoming events.
Number of Youth attended: 27
March 22, 2012
Topic: Meet the Ames Aftercare Advocates and youth in the Aftercare program.
Guest Speaker: Kelli Noveshen, Amanda Bornich, and one Aftercare youth discuss the program and one
male youth talks about being in Aftercare.
Youth Leadership role: Setting up tables, chairs, snacks, agendas, explaining highs and lows, reading
upcoming events. A female AMP member assists the facilitator in a tolerance activity. Youth rate their
tolerance to an item or concept on a scale of 1–10 and see where they fall in relationship to their peers.
Number of Youth attended: 18
April 12, 2012
Topic: Cell phone/Texting and Driving Iowa law and accident statistics.
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071012/CM
Feedback Sheet Score: AMP Satisfaction Surveys
Youth Leadership role: Setting up tables, chairs, snacks, agendas, explaining highs and lows, reading
upcoming events. Female AMP member led an ice breaker activity where each youth had a piece of
paper taped to their back and peers wrote positive messages about them on the paper. Each youth
removed the paper and read the message out loud to the group. Message: we should tell people more
positives on a daily basis because everyone needs to hear positives to feel good about themselves!
Number of Youth attended: 32
April 26, 2012
Topic: Exploring the Culture of “Out–of Home” Placement. Art project to express your feelings on
what it’s like to live somewhere other than home.
Guest Speaker: Slide Show: Foster Care Alumni of America Postcards
Youth Leadership role: Setting up tables, chairs, snacks, agendas, explaining highs and lows, reading
up–coming events. Shared supplies and helped each other. Youth volunteered to present the postcards
they made and explained their out–of–home placement experience.
Number of Youth attended: 31
May 10, 2012
Topic: Previewed the Draft Bill of Rights. Mother’s Day project: made a card or flower pot for mom
or significant caregiver for Mother’s Day. Flowers are made of pipe cleaners.
Feedback Sheet Score: Satisfaction Survey
Youth Leadership role: Setting up tables, chairs, snacks, agendas, explaining highs and lows, reading
upcoming events. Older youth helping younger ones. Artistic youth helping those that are not so
artistic.
Number of Youth attended: 22
May 24, 2012
Topic: Anger Management
Youth Leadership role: Setting up tables, chairs, snacks, agendas, explaining highs and lows, reading
upcoming events. Youth followed step by step instructions on You Tube video to make an Origami box
to store our angry feelings in. Older youth helped those who were struggling.
Number of Youth attended: 26
June 14, 2012
Topic: Brainstorm Youth Responsibilities for the DHS Policy manual. New “What is AMP” video.
Youth Leadership role: Setting up tables, chairs, snacks, agendas, explaining highs and lows, reading
upcoming events. Youth wrote on the flip chart.
Number of Youth attended: 31
June 28, 2012
Topic: Graduation Celebration/Suitcases for Success (seven graduates receive suitcases for graduating
high school or YSS treatment program)
Special Guests: Leadership Ames
Youth Leadership role: Setting up tables, chairs, snacks, agendas, explaining highs and lows, reading
up–coming events. Cutting cake and serving ice cream. One youth shopped earlier in the week with
this facilitator and the Leadership Ames group for suitcases and items then helped assemble them for
graduation night.
Number of Youth attended: 31
George Belitsos, Our agency CEO, attends almost every AMP meeting we have! Unless he is out of
town, sick, or at another function, George is at AMP. The youth will question him as to his whereabouts
and why he missed the last Council meeting plus fill him in on what he missed. George knows their
names and their stories; he is truly one of them. Recently at our graduation party he shared how each
youth had made a difference since they have been at YSS and AMP.
B. Youth Leadership Titles:
Our Council has the following Youth Leadership Titles:
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AMP CC: Maddie
AMP CC: Jon
AMP CC Alternate: Ashley
Greeter: Micaela, Dalani
Speaker: Nicole, Dalani, Maddie, Christian, Jon, Ashley, Dakota
Those who arrive early offer to set up; those who stay afterwards volunteers to clean up
C. Youth Feedback Box:
Our Council added a feedback box on June 14, 2012. It was made by Micaela, and she received a gift
card for her time and effort. Since then, zero comments have been received.
D. Recognition of Major Life Events:
We recognize youth at each meeting in our highs and lows. Two thirds of our AMP members are from
YSS drug/alcohol treatment so they struggle with addiction issues daily. We celebrate level increases
with applause and use positive reinforcement statements during meetings to encourage youth. Jon
received a speaker’s award in New Orleans and Kayti received a $250 scholarship from the McCay
Foundation, members clapped.
Who: Cody, Darius, Maddie, Mike, Christina, Damian and Ashley
Event: AMP Graduation/Suitcases for Success
How it was recognized by AMP: Seven youth received suitcases from Leadership Ames as graduation
gifts. Each suitcase was filled with sheets, blanket, comforter, mattress pad, pillow, towels, bath mat,
silverware, can opener, laundry bag, alarm clock, dish towels, frying pan, and a $30 gift card for
toiletries.
The group watched a video called “Who I Am Makes A Difference”
http://www.acknowledgmentmovie.com/, and the Facilitator gave each youth a ribbon saying that each
one of them had made a difference in the lives of everyone since they had become an AMP member.
AMP graduates heard several heart-filled comments from peers and adults on how they had affected
their lives and then the facilitator challenged them to give three more ribbons away to people who had
made a difference in their lives since they’ve been involved in AMP. The youth thanked the
representatives from Leadership Ames. “You have no idea what this means to me,” one youth said, “my
family has nothing, I have nothing.” Another teen commented, “You took the time out of your busy life
to do something nice for people you don’t even know, that’s amazing!”
E. Media Recognition:
AMP Day on the Hill–January 24, 2012–Fox 17 DVD–AMP Day on the Hill (sent to DHS)
2 TV Features on Human Trafficking–Brittany Phillips, WOI TV (no longer available)
2 TV Features on Human Trafficking–Brittany Phillips, Fox 17 (no longer available)
Mel in the Morning KASI–April 4 and June 13, 2012
Story County Youth Volunteer Award 2012–April 24, 2012 (AMP website and Ames Tribune)
Prairie Meadows Grant Recognition Banquet–May 16, 2012 (listed on both websites)
Human Trafficking Law passed HF 2380 April 4, 2012 (Des Moines Register, Des Moines TV stations)
F. How youth have benefited from AMP?
Ames youth have benefited from AMP as a place to learn life skills and information they will need to
become independent young adults. These youth are surrounded by a strong community that cares about
them and they see that when they attend AMP. AMP youth volunteer at countless community events;
YSS is a great role model for community involvement and caring people that support youth.
Community members who are donating to YSS or down–sizing a large family home will donate items
AMP youth can use in their first apartment. AMP is a support system when leaving treatment and
moving to a foster home, especially when the facilitator is the same in Ames and Des Moines. There are
many youth who move between treatment and independent living programs in Central Iowa who
continue to attend both Ames and Des Moines AMP Councils depending on their location.
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Youth told this facilitator, “AMP is the only place where people get it, really know what I’m going
through.” AMP facilitators and peers are the connections when life is a struggle. AMP is a resource for
questions that need answered. Sometimes it’s food or laundry detergent. Other times it’s, “I just need to
talk to someone.” AMP youth are empowered to use their voice, make positive changes in the child
welfare system, and use their talents to the best of their ability. This year youth made significant
changes in education reform. At the CAPS conference three Ames youth participated in brainstorming
ideas to improve school issues for youth. The new electronic record transfer has become a reality this
year as many youth in care move frequently between schools. Another youth spent countless hours
advocating for stricter laws on Human Trafficking, sharing her personal story as a survivor.
Collaborating with ISU and Network Against Human Trafficking helped HF2380 to become a law April
4, 2012. AMP members reviewed the draft version of the Bill of Rights set to replace the out dated
children’s rights in the DHS policy manual this July 2012.
Section 2: Measure of Coordination/Collaboration
A. Collaborations:
The Ames Council has an on–going relationship with the following community groups who provide us
with the listed service:
Panera Bread, Target, and Fareway provide us with snacks on an ongoing basis. We have received gifts
from Hy–Vee and Sam’s Club but only on a one time basis. Ames Kiwanis Club provides us funds for
art supplies.
AMP has completed the following service activities this report period:
KHOI Radio–AMP youth and facilitator have worked with the radio staff five sessions on interview
skills and editing to create a product for the air on the local youth radio station. AMP has purchased
recorders for all Councils statewide so all youth have the opportunity to produce radio spots and email
them to the radio station in Ames. These interviews will be distributed worldwide through Radijojo as
well.
AMP has completed speaking engagements as listed:
AMP Day on the Hill – January 24, 2011: 17 youth attended, two youth gave speeches. There were 500
attendees.
Suitcase presentation to Leadership Ames group – March, 3, 2012: two youth explained the project to
three adults.
Youth and AMP facilitator spoke to YSS Foundation Board – May 21, 2012: 20 attendees.
Youth and Statewide Coordinator spoke on Human Trafficking at quarterly Aftercare meeting – June 12,
2012: 40 attendees.
AMP has co–hosted activities with CAPS Conference January 12, 2012. Our part was to brainstorm
ideas on education reform from a youth perspective, record them on flip chart paper, report to
conference large group. Officials from the Department of Education took youth ideas back to the grant
committee for implementation.
AMP co–hosted a legislative breakfast with YSS at Ames City Hall January 21, 2012. Local legislators
answered questions from the public; four AMP youth posed questions about shelter beds, more AMP
Councils in Iowa, sealing juvenile records and education reform.
B. AMP is represented on the following boards, committees, panels, meetings:
ROC – Jon and Dakota
Dream Team – Jon and Dakota
C. AMP Council advocacy work:
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The Ames AMP Council advocated for the following legislative issues locally:
More shelter beds in Central Iowa, stricter laws for Human Trafficking criminals, education issues. We
attended the AMP Day on the Hill in January to advocate for the AMP Legislative Agenda and visited
with the following legislators: Lisa Heddens, Beth Wessel–Kroeschell, Herman Quirmbach and Chip
Baltimore and posed for a picture with them in the House of Representatives.
Our local legislators that we have invited to our Council meetings are: Lisa Heddens, Beth Wessel–
Kroeschell, Herman Quirmbach and Chip Baltimore. It was a busy session this year and they did not
come to AMP, but we did see them at other events such as YSS Juvenile Justice meeting, YSS
legislative breakfast, KHOI Radio training, and AMP Day on the Hill.
Thinking ahead to next year, our youth have identified the following legislative issues:
Need more shelter beds in central Iowa
Sealing juvenile court records
Uniform graduation requirements for all Iowa high schools
Within our Council, we have the following educational hurdles:
Lost records when moved
Lost credits when moved
Must stay in treatment/residential facility until the semester ends
Doing the same work over and over
D. List Facilitator attended trainings for AMP:
Youth PQA Basics – February 17, 2012 – Terri Bailey
Cultural Competency Training – February 2, 2012 – Terri Bailey
CPR/First AID – March 2, 2012 – Terri Bailey
Mandatory Reporter Training – March 3, 2012
Customer Service Training – April 13, 2012 – Terri Bailey
Safe Zone Training – June 26, 2012 – Terri Bailey
E. Requested Trainings for Facilitators/Support/Agency:
Mental Health First Aid – June seven and 8, 2012 – Terri Bailey
Amplify Your Voice
F. AMP Policy needs or policy implementations that have happened within your Council:
We are always concerned with the safety of our youth, so during meetings and art projects we count
scissors and ink pens to make sure all items are returned before youth leave the AMP Council meeting.
This policy has been successful and allowed us to do more creative projects at AMP without fear of
injury to members.
Section 3: Measure of Service Capacity
A. Staffing:
Youth from two YSS treatment facilities and one shelter attend Ames AMP. All facilities bring staff to
help supervise their youth at AMP Council meetings and all staff participate in AMP activities. On an
average, there are 30 youth per meeting and three to four staff.
B. Volunteers/Adult Supporter:
Ames AMP has one support volunteer who transports youth to the Council meeting, takes youth to
speaking events if the facilitator is busy, acts as facilitator if needed and assists the facilitator with
activities, projector and computer tasks.
C. Estimated time spent transporting by facilitator: four hours per month
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Estimated time spent transporting by support worker: five hours per month
Estimated time spent transporting by partnership agency: Staff walks with youth (treatment
houses/shelter are located within walking distance of YSS Jacobson Building)
D. Estimated number of miles traveled per month: 100
E. Estimated amount of time spent setting up/organizing a Council meeting: ten hours
F. Equipment:
The Carver Grant equipped all ten Councils with a laptop, projector, screen, recorder and more. In our
Council we have used the equipment to show videos on You Tube, play the AMP video, Show the AMP
website, research icebreakers and activities for meetings, edit audio files, record interviews about
weather, show a step-by-step origami box video on You Tube and print off Mother’s Day cards from the
internet.
G. Website:
The AMP Website was fully operational on January 1, 2012. Our Council page is updated and
maintained by Terri Bailey. The youth don’t say much about the website. A large number of our youth
do not have access to a computer while in treatment or shelter so they only see the AMP website when
we show it in Council meetings. In the future, we plan to create more interactive features and post more
pictures to keep the youth attentive to the website. We encourage them to join our Facebook page as
well.
a. Website-Featured Youth Work:
Youth are featured on the website with photos and stories using special tabs for events to the left of
the Ames Council page. Personal stories and poetry are listed under the “Our Journey” tab; they are
combined with all AMP members. Youth who volunteer for videos can be found under “Shots and
Clips.”
H. Permanency/Transitional Planning:
In the past six months I have not attended a youth Dream Team meeting in Story County. We are
blessed to have our DHS Transition Planning Specialist attend Ames AMP on a regular basis and assist
youth with any transition needs. She provided a large amount of TIP books which we store at the
Family Life Center so whenever a youth is in need, we give them one. Aftercare Advocates visit AMP
once a month to answer questions and work closely with AMP as we share the same office space in the
Family Life Center. New this report period is RAP for Youth which was designed by AMP and
Aftercare as a collaborative event where the community could learn about resources available to teens.
This event is scheduled in Ames on July 26 at Inis Grove Park (see website for flyer). Aftercare youth
are speaking at AMP Day on the Hill, receiving Suitcases for Success, and representing youth from Iowa
in New Orleans and Washington, DC. AMP youth are leaving Foster Care/treatment and living in
Transitional Living Placements they heard about in AMP.
I. Council Priorities:
AMP is working to empower youth as they attend their transition meetings. Most youth are not prepared
for what will happen during their transition meeting. As we discussed material for AMP Blue Sheets,
we realized that a goal for next year is to start work on improving the transition process. Begin earlier
(age 14) and design a sheet that has goals for each high school year. Youth are visual learners, they
need to understand the process, and view their choices.
Ames needs to approach churches for assistance with snacks, volunteers to teach skills and places to
have holiday parties. Partner with youth groups on community service projects.
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It would be nice to have a larger space for Ames AMP. There are times when we are cramped and could
use more elbow room!
Cedar Rapids:
Submitted by Rachelle DuVall
Cedar Rapids AMP Council
Section 1: Measure of Performance
A. Meeting Location/Meeting Day/Time: The Cedar Rapids Foster Care Youth Council meets from 6:30–
8:30 p.m. at the Four Oaks Bridge located at 2100 First Ave. NE, Cedar Rapids, on the first and third
Thursday evening of most months.
January 5, 2012
Topic: Central Council Members
Guest Speaker: Central Council Members
Feedback Sheet Score: Unavailable due to staff transition
Youth Leadership Role: None
Number of Youth attended: 18
January 19, 2012
Topic: Overview of Legislation Day on the Hill
Guest Speaker: Mandie Kendzora
Feedback Sheet Score: Unavailable due to staff transition
Youth Leadership role: None
Number of Youth attended: 18
February 2, 2012
Topic: Random Acts of Kindness
Guest Speaker: Junior League
Feedback Sheet Score: Unavailable due to staff transition
Youth Leadership role: None
Number of Youth attended: 16
February 16, 2012
Topic: College Careers (Resumes, Interviewing, College Applications and Advice)
Guest Speaker: Coe College Faculty
Feedback Sheet Score: Unavailable due to staff transition
Youth Leadership role: None
Number of Youth attended: 20
March 1, 2012
Topic: Prevention and Treatment: Drugs and Alcohol
Guest Speaker: ASAC
Feedback Sheet Score: Unavailable due to staff transition
Youth Leadership role: None
Number of Youth attended: 17
March 15, 2012
Topic: System of Care/Conflict Resolution
Guest Speaker: Four Oaks
Feedback Sheet Score: Unavailable due to staff transition
Youth Leadership role: None
Number of Youth attended: 15
April 5, 2012
Topic: PAL/Pre–PAL and Basic – What you need to know
Guest Speaker: Iowa Aftercare
Feedback Sheet Score: Unavailable due to staff transition
Youth Leadership role: None
Number of Youth attended: 14
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April 19th, 2012
Topic: AMP Fundraiser at Johnson County Fairgrounds
Guest Speaker: U of Iowa Social Work students
Feedback Sheet Score: Unavailable due to staff transition
Youth Leadership role: None
Number of Youth attended: 9
May 1, 2012
Topic: Risky Business Seminar
Guest Speaker: Multiple as per conference schedule
Feedback Sheet Score: Unavailable due to staff transition
Youth Leadership role: None
Number of Youth attended: 2
May 3, 2012
Topic: End of Year Party
Guest Speaker: None
Feedback Sheet Score: Unavailable due to staff transition
Youth Leadership role: None
Number of Youth attended: 10
June 7, 2012
Topic: Reaching Your Dreams/Practicing Golf Swing and System of Care
Guest Speaker: Joanna Coe, LPGA Golfer, Mike Mitchell, Four Oaks
Feedback Sheet Score: Unavailable due to staff transition
Youth Leadership role: None
Number of Youth attended:
June 21, 2012
Topic: Anger Management
Guest Speaker: Lindsay Prince: Junior League
Feedback Sheet Score: Unavailable due to staff transition
Number of Youth attended: 12
Barb Gay, our agency CEO, attended the AMP meeting on September 1, 2011. Barb also joined the
AMP members when they participated in the Out of Darkness Suicide Prevention Walk for the
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
B. Youth Leadership Titles:
Our Council has the following Youth Leadership Titles:
AMP CC: yes
AMP CC: yes
Greeter: We will assign in the future.
Speaker: Two youth have been involved with speaking engagements
Website Supervisor: Ashley Mabrey
Writer: None at this time
C. Youth Feedback Box:
Our Council added a feedback box on the Foundation two website. Since then, the following comments
have been received and addressed.
Foundation two does not have a feedback box because the meetings are held in a location that is not
owned or operated by Foundation 2. We have a feedback area on our agency website. We have not
received any feedback from youth. After Foundation two was featured on the KCRG evening news and
on the KCRG website, we provided a link to this from our website. Jackie Hammers–Crowell, an AMP
alum and volunteer, commented that this was an enjoyable event for AMP youth.
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D. Recognition of Major Life Events:
Who: AMP members
Event: Birthday/GraduatioN/Adoption Anniversary
How it was recognized by AMP: Youth requested cupcakes, cakes, or ice cream of their choice and
balloons of their choice to celebrate these events. Punch and snacks were provided as well. We will
continue to seek youth input on ways to celebrate and recognize youth.
E. Media Recognition:
We received media recognition in conjunction with the Titan Tire Challenge, LPGA Golf Tournament
sponsored by Junior League. Joanna Coe, a professional golfer, spoke and goal-setting/golfing and
provided instruction to AMP youth. KCRG–TV9 covered this story on June 7, 2012. Unfortunately the
TV announcer referred to the youth as, “Junior Leaguers.” Our Marketing and Communications
Director was able to clarify that the youth were from AMP via a blog to the KCRG website. There was
also video and text available online at the KCRG website. The text that was on the website is attached.
F. How youth have benefited from AMP?
AMP gives the Iowa Foster Care youth a chance to come together and unite as one. They learn to
advocate for themselves and are involved in the initial stages of change in the system. In participating
with AMP, youth learn public speaking skills, planning and implementing change, social skills, and
most importantly, empowering themselves in making healthy life decisions.
Section 2: Measure of Coordination/Collaboration
A. Collaborations:
Our Council has an on–going relationship with the following community groups who provide us with
the listed service:
Junior League of Cedar Rapids provides us with a full meal each week that is selected by the youth
themselves. Junior League also provided AMP with guest speakers on several occasions.
AMP has completed the following service activities this report period:
In December, AMP youth assembled two huge Christmas cookie trays for Waypoint Madge Phillips as
well as Willis Dady shelters. Youth were also involved in a volunteer opportunity at the Families
Helping Families Christmas Party at Hawkeye Downs.
AMP has completed speaking engagements as listed:
Prior to the AMP DVD taping, AMP youth held a fundraiser in Iowa City. Three youth spoke at this
event. An older youth presented information on two separate occasions for the members of Junior
League.
B. AMP is represented on the following boards, committees, panels, meetings:
Youth or adult name serving: Bri Williams
Panel name – Disproportionate Minority Contact
Foundation two does not know if she has served in this role since the invitation was given.
C. AMP Council advocacy work:
The Cedar Rapids AMP Council advocated for the following legislative issues locally. We attended the
AMP Day on the Hill in January to advocate for the AMP Legislative Agenda and we visited with the
following legislators:
United States Senator Charles Grassley and Iowa Representative Renee Schulte were guest presenters at
Bridge the G.A.P. educational sessions that were planned by Junior League of Cedar Rapids to educate
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members and the public about the issues Foster Care youth and families face. Foundation 2’s
Operations Director and the Foundation two Independent Living Facilitator attended these meetings.
Please see the attached summaries of these presentations. Several AMP youth presented information
about AMP at one part of this four part series that focused on Foster Care youth.
Bridging the G.A.P. – Guide, Advocate, and Provide is the name of Junior League’s project which
provides suitcases filled with items necessary to live independently (such as bedding, pots and pans, and
cleaning supplies) to youth who age out of Foster Care. Junior League obtains grant funding to purchase
some of the supplies and accepts donations. They are very actively involved with advocating for the
needs of Foster Care youth.
Due to the rapid transition of Council Facilitators we have not invited legislators outside of the Junior
League meeting referenced above. Thinking ahead to next year, our youth have identified the following
legislative issues:
Within our Council, we have the following educational hurdles:
Due to the rapid transition of Council Facilitators, we have educational hurdles at this time.
D. List Facilitator attended trainings for AMP:
Youth PQA Basics – February 17, 2012 – Carol O’Brien, Ashley Mabrey
Cultural Competency Training – Rachelle DuVall attended on September 3, 2011. Carol O’Brien,
Operations Director, attended a webinar entitled “Building Support to Serve Families of LGBTQ Youth”
as well as the Area Substance Abuse Council’s presentation about providing Culturally Competent
Treatment.
E. Requested Trainings for Facilitators/Support/Agency:
Mental Health First Aid (we can obtain this in Cedar Rapids from another agency partner)
Amplify Your Voice
Trauma Informed Care (we can obtain through RHYTTAC)
F. AMP Policy needs or policy implementations that have happened within your Council:
Policy for working with youth who are sexual offenders. Members voted to have electronics off and
turned off during meetings, but phone can be placed on vibrate if the person steps out for emergency
calls. The meetings were voted to be open, but if a youth/alum is not comfortable with a non–foster kid
who is in the room, that person would be asked to leave. This would apply to foster parents, social
workers, attorneys, group staff care, boyfriends/girlfriends who tag along to meetings, etc.
Section 3: Measure of Service Capacity
A. Staffing:
Ashley Mabrey–ILP Facilitator
Rachelle DuVall–(new) ILP Facilitator
Carol O’Brien Operations Director
B. Volunteers/Adult Supporter:
Jackie Hammers–Crowell
Kristin Ropollo
C. Estimated time spent transporting by facilitator: one hour per meeting
Estimated time spent transporting by support worker: Jackie Hammers–Crowell and Kristin
Ropollo transported youth to and from meetings. It took an hour before and an hour after each meeting
to drive youth members. We have had ten meetings in the last six months, being approximately 20
hours. The miles are between 15 and 45 per meeting, depending on where youth were picked up. One
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member, who is consistently active, lives in Marion. Another member sometimes stays with biological
mom in Marion and then sometimes stays with her adoptive parents in Cedar Rapids. This drastically
changes the miles traveled. For speaking events in the past six months, on only one occasion one youth
was taken for the fundraiser in Iowa City, total distance traveled was about 60 miles, about an hour on
the road. Jackie Hammers–Crowell has volunteered to help youth with other transportation needs
outside of AMP meetings as well.
Estimated time spent transporting by partnership agency: Foundation 2 had a full-time Youth
Specialist transport shelter youth to and from meetings, taking a total of 1 hour of drive time for the
AMP meetings.
D. Estimated number of miles traveled per month: 30–90 miles per month.
E. Estimated amount of time spent setting up/organizing a Council meeting: four hours, three hours
before and one hour after.
F. Equipment:
The Carver Grant equipped all ten Councils with a laptop, projector, screen, recorder and more. In our
Council, we have not used the equipment as we just picked it up on June 19.
G. Website:
The AMP Website was fully operational on January 1, 2012. Our Council page is updated and
maintained by Rachelle DuVall. The youth report positively about the website. In the future, we plan to
post notices on Facebook to keep the youth attentive to the website.
a. Website-Featured Youth Work:
Jackie Hammers–Crowell has written poetry that is on the website.
H. Permanency/Transitional Planning:
Foundation two staff who are Self Sufficiency Advocates for the Iowa Aftercare Services Network
(IASN) program presented information about pre–PAL, PAL, and Basic Services at an AMP meeting
held in April. The Self Sufficiency Advocates regularly remind their current clients about the AMP
meetings and encourage their attendance. We have provided pre–PAL services to youth who attend
AMP and current IASN clients have attended meetings. One IASN accompanied her little sister to an
AMP meeting in order to help her feel more comfortable about attending the meeting.
I. Council Priorities:
Of course, it always an ongoing goal to be continuously recruiting new AMP youth as well as
volunteers. Foundation two has events throughout the year; the next two events that AMP staff and
youth can attend will be in the months of July and September. The AMP facilitator as well as AMP
youth will attend these events and set up an information booth as well as answer any questions the
public may have. We will continue to utilize the Facebook page as well as the website, to relay
upcoming meetings and AMP events.
Cherokee:
Submitted by Cheryl Ellis
Cherokee/Storm Lake Council
Section 1: Measure of Performance
A. Meeting Location/Meeting Day/Time
Meetings were not held in the first part of the year due to staffing change
April 24, 2012
Topic: Expectations and Goals for AMP Council
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Guest Speaker: none
Feedback Sheet Score:
Youth Leadership role: Heather: Meal Planning; Dallas, Greeter
Number of Youth attended: three
May 7, 2012
Topic: Managing Anger
Guest Speaker: AMP Education Packet
Feedback Sheet Score:
Youth Leadership role: Gabby, greeter
Number of Youth attended: three
May 22, 2012
Topic: School’s Out Party
Guest Speaker:
Feedback Sheet Score:
Youth Leadership role: Dallas, planning and greeter; Alyssa, sign in
Number of Youth attended: three
June 12, 2012
Topic: AMP and Web
Guest Speaker: Explored AMP website and resources available
Feedback Sheet Score:
Youth Leadership role: Berenice, meal preparation; Grace, meal cleanup
Number of Youth attended: four
B. Youth Leadership Titles:
Our Council has the following Youth Leadership Titles:
AMP CC: Berenice
AMP CC: Dallas
Greeter: Varies, just starting up
C. Youth Feedback Box:
Our Council has not yet added a feedback box. It will be put in place in July.
D. Recognition of Major Life Events:
Who: Berenice
Event: Quincinera
How it was recognized by AMP: Discussed importance of this step in the life of a Hispanic woman
E. Media Recognition:
N/A
F. How youth have benefited from AMP?
So far, just restoring our Council has given the girls that attend a way to get together outside the
home. They are excited about sharing their stories with the community as they are trained.
Section 2: Measure of Coordination/Collaboration
A. Collaborations:
Our Council has an ongoing relationship with the following community groups who provide us with
the listed service:
Oakdale E Free Church provides us with a facility and ongoing support.
B. AMP is represented on the following boards, committees, panels, meetings:
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C. AMP Council advocacy work:
The Cherokee AMP Council advocated for the following legislative issues locally. We attended the
AMP Day on the Hill in January to advocate for the AMP Legislative Agenda and we visited with
the following legislators.
Our local legislators that we have invited to our Council meetings are: Bill Anderson.
D. List Facilitator attended trainings for AMP:
Youth PQA Basics – February 17, 2012 – Cheryl Ellis
E. Requested Trainings for Facilitators/Support/Agency:
Mental Health First Aid
Amplify Your Voice
F. AMP Policy needs or policy implementations that have happened within your Council:
Section 3: Measure of Service Capacity
A. Staffing:
One
B. Volunteers/Adult Supporter:
Jen Rundall
C. Estimated time spent transporting by facilitator: 0 (not approved by Children’s Square at this time)
Estimated time spent transporting by support worker: 0 (she has been unable to attend Council)
Estimated time spent transporting by partnership agency:
D. Estimated number of miles traveled per month: 0
E. Estimated amount of time spent setting up/organizing a Council meeting: eight hours a month
F. Equipment:
The Carver Grant equipped all ten Councils with a laptop, projector, screen, recorder and more. In
our Council we have used the equipment to explore the AMP website and plan for our Council’s
future.
G. Website:
The AMP Website was fully operational on January 1, 2012. Our Council page is updated and
maintained by Cheryl Ellis. The youth report excitement about the website. In the future, we plan to
add a youth website maintenance position to keep the youth attentive to the website.
a. Website-Featured Youth Work:
There are two youth on the Council who write poetry who would love to have it featured on the
website.
H. Permanency/Transitional Planning:
Aftercare/PAL will be featured at a meeting in August for Back to School.
I. Council Priorities:
In the future, our Council will need increased volunteers/funds for transportation. Youth attend
from up to 70 miles away because it is the closest location.
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Council Bluffs:
Submitted by Joni Griffin
Council Bluffs Youth Council
Section 1: Measure of Performance
A. Meeting Location/Meeting Day/Time
January 3, 2012
Topic: Financial Aid Assistance Station, and Legislative Agenda Station
Guest Speaker: Facilitator Joni Griffin assisted with financial aid for interested AMP members and
veteran youth leaders Chris Weisenborn and Jenna Oliver discussed legislative agenda and tips for
speaking with legislators.
Feedback Sheet Score:
Youth Leadership Role: Chris Weisenborn and Jenna Oliver led legislative agenda discussion
Number of Youth attended: 12 youth attended this AMP meeting
January 17, 2012
Topic: Legislative Agenda Issues: Become Savvy! And youth led discussion on CAPS Project.
Guest Speaker: Facilitator Joni Griffin
Feedback Sheet Score:
Youth Leadership role: Five leaders: Chris, Kevin, Cody, Suzanne, and Star, attended the CAPS project
kick off. Conference in Council Bluffs (Collaboration for Agencies for Permanency and Stability) on
January 12.
Number of Youth attended: 15 youth attended this AMP meeting.
February 7, 2012
Topic: Your Voice Put Into Action: Outcome Results of Community Youth Voice Survey
Guest Speaker: Jessica Simons, LMSW, Youth Engagement Coordinator, Promise Partners
Feedback Sheet Score:
Youth Leadership role: Kevin made “Youth Made Meals” for last AMP meeting using funds from
community network grant. Chris, Becca, Kevin, Carol, and Suzanne represented AMP at AMP Day on
the Hill.
Number of Youth attended: 15
February 21, 2012
Topic: ACC Vote Night
Guest Speaker: Youth Members (and former ACC members) Chris and Jenna led discussion of “What
is ACC?”
Feedback Sheet Score:
Youth Leadership role: Chris and Jenna led discussion, Heather and Latisha made “Youth Made Meals”
using community network grant funds,
Number of Youth attended: 14
March 6, 2012
Topic: “Tour Council Bluffs Public Library and Teen Central”
Guest Speaker: Librarian and Teen Central Manager
Feedback Sheet Score:
Youth Leadership role: Kevin spoke on behalf of AMP at First Congregational Church, Becca, and
Carol attended the first Harrison County AMP meeting as leaders to support new youth,.
Number of Youth attended: 14 youth attended this AMP meeting
March 20, 2012
Topic: Learn about ”Wise Guys,” a group for guys to talk about reproductive health, sexuality….just for
guys!
Guest Speaker: Ejay Jack of Planned Parenthood” and leader of “Wise Guys” group. Also, “Aftercare
Panel– How Can it Help You?”
Feedback Sheet Score:
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Youth Leadership role: Chris, Jenna, and Latisha sat on Aftercare Youth Panel to lead discussion on
Aftercare Services, Kevin and Chris spoke at the Pottawattamie Youth Council Meeting, Chris
volunteered to attend as support to new youth at the Harrison County AMP Council meeting,
Number of Youth attended: 24 youth attended this AMP meeting
April 3, 2012
Topic: Conflict Resolution
Guest Speaker: Facilitator Joni Griffin
Feedback Sheet Score:
Youth Leadership role: Stormy, Avery, and Sheyenne participated in a conference call to create the
AMP Blue Page for System Change.
Number of Youth attended: 17 youth attended this AMP meeting
April 17, 2012
Topic: “Group Activity: What We Share.. An Exercise in Similarity and Shared Experience” also..
Becca and Katie (interns) interviewed youth individually for youth voice for website.
Guest Speaker: Facilitator Joni Griffin
Feedback Sheet Score:
Youth Leadership role:Chris spoke at a brown bag luncheon in Shelby County for Kids First Group.
Heather talked about upcoming opportunity to participate in Tivoli Fest, Jenna directed youth in and out
of interviews for our guest interviewers
Number of Youth attended: 22 youth attended this AMP meeting
May 8, 2012
Topic: No Topic – Cookout!
Guest Speaker: NA
Feedback Sheet Score:
Youth Leadership role: Chris chose the food as part of our community network grant making “Youth
Made Meals” and grilled, Kevin and Nick manned AMP booth at family fair, Heather, Latisha, Chris,
Cody, Kevin, and Jon attended the Risky Business Conference in Ames.
Number of Youth attended: 17 youth attended this AMP meeting
May 15, 2012
Topic: Smart Money Management
Guest Speaker: Scott Darrah, Financial Advisor, Ameriprise Financial.
Feedback Sheet Score:
Youth Leadership role: Chris, Latisha, Cody, and Heather met with YMCA director and youth leader to
arrange plans for AMP / YMCA Teen Night.
Number of Youth attended: 21
June 5, 2012
Topic: “How to Successfully Rent Your First Apartment”
Guest Speaker: Monte Wilson– first evening as new facilitator
Feedback Sheet Score:
Youth Leadership role: Six current AMP youth attended and served as leaders at our Community
Service Project; AMP/YMCA teen night. They were Chris, Kevin, Katie, Heather, Cody, and Shianne.
32 total kids were served in the community.
Number of Youth attended: 14
June 18, 2012
Topic: Game: Practicing our Public Speaking Skills and Telling Our Stories
Guest Speaker: NA– youth took turns telling stories and leading game.
Feedback Sheet Score:
Youth Leadership role: Chris and Richard represented AMP at a brown bag lunch of the Kids First
Group, primarily an audience of judges, lawyers, and CASA workers.
Number of Youth attended: 20 youth attended this AMP meeting.
Mike Barker, our agency CEO, attended the AMP meeting on May 15, 2012.
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B. Youth Leadership Titles:
Our Council has the following Youth Leadership Titles:
AMP CC: Heather Peterson
AMP CC: Latisha Roth
AMP CC back up: Cody Taylor
Greeter: Kevin, Jenna, Chris, and Cody all serve in this role at different times
Speaker: various
Website Supervisor:
Writer:
Older Youth Adult Support: Kevin Putney
C. Youth Feedback Box:
We did not have a feedback box. However, these are some comments received by the facilitator and
how they were addressed.
 Youth suggested more youth input for meals. Facilitator applied for community networking grant to
seek funds to allow youth to make menu, shop, prepare, and serve meals for one another.
 Youth suggested that “older adults” attending might not be appropriate in youth group – facilitator
spoke with ACC members and sought opinions of other adult leaders in AMP. Created role of
“Older Youth Adult Support.” This role is for anyone who is past the age of 25 but would like to be
involved not as a youth, but as an adult support for the group. They will be counted as a youth on
the attendance sheet but will be asked to help with other duties such as possibly transportation,
reminder calls, food preparation, etc., as needed.
 Youth suggested more outside summer activities – facilitator will be seeking youth vote on various
outdoor community venues and events for AMP’s participation.
D. Recognition of Major Life Events:
Graduation is our most commonly recognized event for youth. In May, when most graduations occur, a
cake is brought in and announcements are made to honor those who have recently graduated.
If a birthday is made known to the group, everyone joins in with Happy Birthdays and Cheering.
Individual Life Events are recognized with verbal expressions of support at every meeting during High’s
and Low’s.
E. Media Recognition:
AMP was recognized in the Daily Nonpareil, in the Lifestyles and Business section for being a recipient
of a Community Network Grant. AMP planned to use these funds to plan and implement a holiday
party for local foster teens, a meal preparation project for AMP meetings, and a Community Service
Project that would connect youth with their community.
F. How youth have benefited from AMP?
Youth in AMP gain a sense of family. They feel the support offered by their peers, by their community,
and by the agencies making a local AMP Council available to them. Youth are offered numerous
opportunities for educational discussions and presentations to inform them on topics that interest them.
They are also offered many opportunities for participation in fun activities and events in their
communities.
Section 2: Measure of Coordination/Collaboration
A. Collaborations:
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Our Council has an on–going relationship with the following community groups who provide us with
the listed service:
Promise Partners provides us with support in many ways each year. In this reporting period, they
awarded us a community networking grant. With this grant we were able to fund a holiday party for
AMP members and other local foster teens, fund a meal preparation project at AMP, and fund a
community services project which evolved at an AMP/YMCA Teen Night. Promise Partners also
included our youth in an opportunity to be heard about their opinions about our community. They were
asked about recreational opportunities, education, and future oriented projections about their
community. Promise Partners also provided funds for AMP youth to pay for the hotel and food cost for
a group to attend the Risky Business Conference in Ames.
Other supporting groups in this six-month period have included Our Savior Lutheran Church who has
provided meals in the past and who still provides occasional additions to our meal supplies. OSLC
contributes to our youth as well by offering “special perks” at their community food pantry. For
example, an AMP youth in need might be eligible for more frequent access than usual or larger amounts
of supplies than usual. In addition, Lee Leitoff of Legal Aid has offered free occasional miscellaneous
legal advice to AMP youth; Susan Pawloski of Lutheran Family Services has referred youth to AMP and
offered AMP youth special access to the family boutique program; Scott Darrah of Ameriprise Financial
has offered access to free financial advice tools for youth financial literacy; and, Ejay Jack of Planned
Parenthood has offered good advice in regard to sexual health.
AMP has completed the following service activities this report period:
AMP youth planned and implemented a holiday party for foster teens in our area in December. They
invited youth all over the county and even surrounding counties. They once again implemented the
same mailing list to invite foster teens in our community for an AMP/ YMCA Teen Night at the Y. A
subcommittee of volunteering AMP youth arranged a meeting to work with the Youth Services
Coordinator at the YMCA to put together an evening that would include basketball, dodge ball, and wii
tournaments, as well as swimming, dancing, and door prizes to be given out throughout the evening. The
idea of this project was to give back to our community by providing a safe, fun event for youth and
possibly a nice evening off for our dedicated foster parents. The event was free to youth and included
pizza, tacos, and soda. Several great door prizes were given away including an IPod at the end of the
evening.
AMP has completed speaking engagements as listed:
AMP youth spoke at two brown bag luncheons in this reporting period. Chris spoke at the first one in
Harlan, Iowa, in April and both Chris and Richard spoke at the second one in Council Bluffs in May.
The luncheons are sponsored by the Kids First group. This is a group of primarily court related
professionals such as judges, probation officers, GALs, CASAs, and human services workers.
AMP has also spoken at two PSMAPP classes (Joni, Shianne, Star and Joni, Cody, and Kevin), at one
IWCC human services class session (Joni) , and at the First Congregational Church of Christ (Joni and
Kevin).
AMP has also participated in one Family Fair. It was held at Woodrow Wilson Junior High School with
the objective of making families in the community more aware of resources available. AMP had a table
at this fair.
B. AMP is represented on the following boards, committees, panels, meetings:
Promise Partners Planning Committee – Joni Griffin
Kids First – Joni Griffin and Chris Weisenborn and Children’s Square CEO, Mike Barker
Teen Pregnancy Task Force Committee – Joni Griffin
Transition Team Committee – Joni Griffin and Mary Elks
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Aftercare Panel – panel developed at one AMP meeting for the purpose of AMP youth involved with the
Aftercare program to tell other AMP youth about this service.
C. AMP Council advocacy work:
The Council Bluffs AMP Council advocated for the following legislative issues locally:
Consistent curriculum and credit requirements, required in–service training for school staff members on
the special needs of youth in Foster Care, school systems offer more alternative educational options,
AMP youth request a full state appropriation to fund a minimum of 316 youth eligible for the PA, and
AMP youth request the “Child and Family Services Improvement and Innovation Act” passed by
congress and signed into law September 30, 2011 be fully implemented by the Iowa Legislature to
protect foster youth from identity theft. All of the AMP legislative issues are of utmost importance, but
these in particular have personal meaning for youth in our Council. We attended the AMP Day on the
Hill in January to advocate for the AMP Legislative Agenda and we visited with the following
legislators: Mary Ann Hanusa and Mark Brandenburg. Greg Forristal was not available for us on this
day, but he has listened to our requests in past years. We have invited these three representatives to our
Council meetings but still need to advocate for their attendance. Within our Council, we have the
following educational hurdles: We have several youth who will have to make decisions as to whether or
not to “sign themselves back in” to Foster Care after turning 18 to finish high school. Many youth who
do not choose to do this try to make it on their own in regard to finishing high school, but statistically
most do not. We would like to see legislation mandating that youth who have not graduated from high
school not be discharged from care.
D. List Facilitator attended trainings for AMP:
Children’s Square New Employee Orientation – January 9, 2012 – Joni Griffin
Open Table Community Training – Meeting The Needs Of Youth Aging Out Of Care – January 28,
2012 – Joni Griffin
Youth PQA Basics – February 17, 2012 – Joni Griffin
Cultural Competency Training – February 2, 2012 – Joni Griffin
Children’s Square Safety Training – February 7, 2012– Joni Griffin
Risky Business Conference – May 1, 2012
E. Requested Trainings for Facilitators/Support/Agency:
Mental Health First Aid
Amplify Your Voice
F. AMP Policy needs or policy implementations that have happened within your Council:
The Council Bluffs Council has implemented the current policies and procedures outlined for us in our
manual. We have maintained the philosophy that this is a youth driven group and followed youth made
rules during our AMP meetings such as cell phone calls kept to high importance only and taken out in
hall, and demonstrating respect for one another.
Section 3: Measure of Service Capacity
A. Staffing:
Joni Griffin (facilitator until June 30, 2112)
Monte Wilson (facilitator after July 1, 2012)
Jenna Oliver (co–facilitator until June 30, 2012)
Mary Elks – local supervising agency supervisor
B. Volunteers/Adult Supporter:
Julie Oliver, adult supporter
Kim Marks, adult supporter
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Joni Griffin, as of July 1, 2012, Monte Wilson will be new facilitator. Joni will remain as adult support
Jenna Oliver, as of July 2, 2012, Jenna Oliver will resign from co–facilitator role and remain as adult
support
C. Estimated time spent transporting by facilitator: three hours per week.
Estimated time spent transporting by support worker: two hours per week.
Estimated time spent transporting by partnership agency: 15 minutes for shelter staff to walk youth
to gym for meeting and walk back to shelter per meeting, and five hours for special event out of town.
D. Estimated number of miles traveled per month: averaged 110 miles per month between January and
June 2012
E. Estimated amount of time spent setting up/organizing a Council meeting: At least three hours are
spend on a Council Meeting day between food preparation and/or pick up and transporting youth,
organizing/gathering needed supplies or items for meeting. At least three hours per week are spent on
documentation, writing, and phone calls. At least three hours per week are spent on planning and
arranging speakers and activities. Special events take more time. I estimate easily 20 hours to include
all things done by a facilitator to make a meeting go in a two-week period. This does not include
community meetings, board meetings attended, committees involved with or other PR types of things
done to keep AMP in the public and business eye. If I could log every single thing I do, I would
estimate 20 hours per week.
F. Equipment:
The Carver Grant equipped all ten Councils with a laptop, projector, screen, recorder and more. In our
Council we have only used the equipment once so far, to allow a guest speaker to better provide his
training to our youth. We greatly appreciate this equipment and expect to get tremendous use out of it in
the upcoming months.
G. Website:
The AMP Website was fully operational on January 1, 2012. No one in our Council has yet been able to
commit the time to making this operational for our Council in particular and this is a goal in the
upcoming reporting period. It is hoped that the youth will report on the current events of the Council.
In the future, we plan to post events, happenings, schedules, speakers, and other need to know
information as well as writings, photos, and blurbs offered by the youth to keep the youth attentive to the
website.
a. Website-Featured Youth Work:
We hope to utilize youth poems, music, and other postings to make sure our website is youth driven.
H. Permanency/Transitional Planning:
The Council Bluffs AMP Council has several youth who are currently or have been in the past, served
by both the Aftercare program and Iowa Youth Dream Teams. Those who have aged out of care also
had a transitional meeting at some point as well. Facilitator Joni Griffin and Adult Support Worker Julie
Oliver, who have both served as Aftercare Self–Sufficiency Advocates, have brought many youth to
AMP via Aftercare. They have regularly referred their aftercare clients to AMP Council meetings. It
has been a seamless match to bring these youth from one program to the other.
One young lady has been a particularly good example of this. She was originally referred to AMP by
Aftercare Self–Sufficiency Advocate, Julie Oliver. She became an active participant in AMP, even
attending Reggie’s Sleep Out with the group. Soon after, however, she left town to move with relatives
out of state. Approximately one year later, she came back and sought out the assistance of AMP to help
her get back on track. She became enrolled to finish her high school diploma, linked with DHS to enter
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the Supervised Apartment Living program until she would graduate, and returned to AMP meetings.
Recently, she successfully completed her graduation. This was celebrated at AMP with cheers and
praise from all peers, and moved from being served by the SAL program, to being served by the
Aftercare program. During this same time frame, this young lady participated in a Dream Team
Gathering which has helped her to prioritize her action steps toward meeting the goals she has set to help
her reach her dreams. This young lady has aspirations to be a great mom to her baby and to get the
necessary education and training to run a home daycare.
Council Priorities:
The Council Bluffs AMP Council has a goal in the next six months to successfully transition with a new
facilitator, to begin to use our AMP website as a working tool for greater youth input, to use our new
electronic equipment to better capture youth interest and attention, and to continue to grow in size and
stability as a Council. We hope to utilize existing grants to best meet the needs of our youth and to
obtain additional grants to continue to fund special interests and projects driven by the youth themselves.
Davenport:
Submitted by Kim Arnold
Davenport Iowa AMP Council
Section 1: Measure of Performance
A. Meeting Location/Meeting Day/Time
January 12, 2012
Topic: Share your story
Guest Speaker: Scotty M tells his story
Feedback Sheet Score: Not provided
Youth Leadership Role: Scotty Meier leading a meeting.
Number of Youth attended: 22
January 26, 2012
Topic: Performance by AMP youth – musical, AMP on Hill Day presentation – youth shared about
AMP on Hill Day, Satisfaction Survey
Guest Speaker: Scotty M, Maranda E., Tristan A., Jason C., Arthur
Feedback Sheet Score: Not provided
Youth Leadership role: Maranda E. led meeting, Scotty, Maranda, Tristan and Jason presented, Arthur
led the musical group with Hakeem
Number of Youth attended: 16 plus four attended AMP on the Hill Day on January 24, 2012
February 9, 2012
Topic: Affirmations and Scents
Guest Speaker: Evelyn Garrison
Feedback Sheet Score: Not provided
Youth Leadership role: Jason C led the meeting
Number of Youth attended: 16
February 23, 2012
Topic: Life Choices
Guest Speaker: Dwayne Hodges
Feedback Sheet Score: 100 percent of the youth liked the speaker and information presented – a few
stated they would have liked more time to listen to the speaker.
Youth Leadership role: Keeman led the meeting
Number of Youth attended: 15
March 8, 2012
Topic: Addressing Conflict, IASN information
Guest Speaker: Kim Arnold– IASN Advocate
Feedback Sheet Score: Not provided
Youth Leadership role: German led the meeting
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Number of Youth attended: 14
April 12, 2012
Topic: Anger Management
Guest Speaker: None
Feedback Sheet Score: Not provided
Youth Leadership role: Arthur led the meeting, Tyler A. presenting to Teens for Tomorrow Grant
application
Number of Youth attended: 14
April 26, 2012
Topic: Voices Within– poetry
Guest Speaker: Wayne Cole
Feedback Sheet Score: 100 percent of the youth liked the speaker and information provided – several
youth requested AMP have him present again.
Youth Leadership role: Tyler led the meeting
Number of Youth attended: 12
May 10, 2012
Topic: Scott County Attorney meeting with youth
Guest Speaker: Khara Washington – Scott County Attorney
Feedback Sheet Score: 95 percent of the youth liked the speaker and information provided only a few
youth disagreed and none strongly disagreed.
Youth Leadership role: Heather led the meeting
Number of Youth attended: 25
May 24, 2012
Topic: State Representative – Open Discussion
Guest Speaker: Phyllis Thede– State of Iowa Representative
Feedback Sheet Score: Not provided
Youth Leadership role: Brady led the meeting
Number of Youth attended: 28
June 14, 2012
Topic: RAPF, Community Service projects, AMP giving back to the community
Guest Speaker: AmeriCorps members talked about community service project
Feedback Sheet Score: Not provided
Youth Leadership role: Ben led the meeting
Number of Youth attended: 37
June 21, 2012
Topic: Service Project Time!
Guest Speaker: AmeriCorps Members presented more on AmeriCorps during the service project,
provided handouts
Feedback Sheet Score: Not provided
Number of Youth attended: 27, CEO attended the AMP meeting
Cheryl Goodwin, our agency CEO, attended the AMP meeting on June 21, 2012.
B. Youth Leadership Titles:
Our Council has the following Youth Leadership Titles:
AMP CC: Maranda E.
AMP CC: Scotty M.
Greeter: Cedrick L. or AMP youth take turns
Speaker: AMP youth take turns
Website Supervisor: none assigned
Writer: none assigned – Davenport youth have limited access as they are in a residential facility
Clean-up: AMP youth as assigned take turns
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Chairs: AMP youth as assigned take turns
C. Youth Feedback Box:
Our Council feedback box has not been made.
D. Recognition of Major Life Events:
Who: Scotty M.
Event: Birthday
How it was recognized by AMP: Wal-Mart gift card.
Who: Keeman W.
Event: Birthday/Aging out
How it was recognized by AMP: Wal-Mart gift card
E. Media Recognition:
N/A
F. How youth have benefited from AMP?
Three groups of AMP youth have been able to present on AMP in the community– one group presented
on AMP at a Rotary meeting, another group presented at the Family Resources Supervisors meeting, and
another group presented at Foster Care training. The AMP youth after the presentations were asked
questions and responded well, giving the youth a chance to show their leadership skills. Additionally,
AMP youth presented on AMP for a grant application for Teens for Tomorrow. AMP youth also have
attended the Iowa Youth Dream Team Committee meetings and will continue to do so. The AMP youth
have expressed they like to come to AMP to be able to share their stories and show off their talents, as
youth have presented musically and through art work.
Section 2: Measure of Coordination/Collaboration
A. Collaborations:
The Davenport AMP Council is working on this area at this point in time.
AMP has completed the following service activities this report period:
AMP youth participated in assembling tie–together blankets for the Women’s Edgerton Clinic to present
to new mothers and their infants.
AMP has completed speaking engagements as listed:
To whom: Bettendorf Rotary
Approximate number in attendance: three AMP youth – 30+Rotary members
To whom: Foster Care Training
Approximate number in attendance: three AMP youth – 12 foster parents in training
To whom: FRI Supervisors Meeting
Approximate number in attendance: four AMP youth – 30+ Supervisors
To whom: Iowa Dream Team Committee
Approximate number in attendance: one AMP youth – 8+ Committee members
To whom: Teens for Tomorrow Grant Application
Approximate number in attendance: three AMP youth – four T4T Committee members
B. AMP is represented on the following boards, committees, panels, meetings:
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Iowa Youth Dream Team Committee – Kim Arnold and selected AMP youth (AMP youth rotate and
change as they serve on this committee).
Community Partnerships for Protecting Children – Kim Arnold and AMP youth as selected.
Muscatine Consortium – Kim Arnold
Transition Planning Committee – Kim Arnold
Human Trafficking Conference Planning Committee in Eastern Iowa – Kim Arnold
C. AMP Council advocacy work:
The Davenport AMP Council advocated for the following legislative issues locally – meeting with Iowa
Representative Phyllis Thede to advocate for youth educational credits to be the same all across the State
of Iowa and to have it be law that youth are to leave residential treatment with their social security card
and birth certificate (essential documents) in hand. We attended the AMP Day on the Hill in January
2012 to advocate for the AMP Legislative Agenda and we visited with the following legislators – Phyllis
Thede and other legislators.
Our local legislators that we have invited to our Council meetings are: Phyllis Thede. Thinking ahead to
next year, our youth have identified the following legislative issues: Making educational credits the
same throughout the State of Iowa for all youth and having it put into law that youth in residential
treatment leave treatment with their social security cards, birth certificates, and legal/court paperwork in
hand.
Within our Council, we have the following educational hurdles:
The educational hurdles that we have are that all of the youth currently participating in our AMP group
come from residential treatment. Those youth have difficulties in obtaining the credits they need in
order to complete their high school diploma and often age out of services without a GED or high school
diploma. It would additionally be beneficial for youth to leave services with their GED or high school
diploma, as through having that enables the youth to have a more strong approach in being successful
after being discharged from services.
D. List Facilitator attended trainings for AMP:
Youth PQA Basics – February 17, 2012 – Evelyn Garrison, Kim Arnold
Cultural Competency Training – January 2, 2012– Kim Arnold
Mental Health First Aid Training– April 5, 2012 – Kim Arnold
E. Requested Trainings for Facilitators/Support/Agency:
Mental Health First Aid
Trauma Informed Care
Amplify Your Voice
F. AMP Policy needs or policy implementations that have happened within your Council:
Section 3: Measure of Service Capacity
A. Staffing:
Davenport has lost the most recent facilitator to a full–time job in Des Moines and is currently looking
for a new facilitator. It is planned to have a committee of AMP youth help select the next facilitator (sit
in and help conduct the new facilitator interviews, discuss the applicants, and help make the selection).
B. Volunteers/Adult Supporter:
Margie Mitchell – adult attendee – helps with the meetings when she is available to do so – talks and
supports the youth. Many AMP youth know her as “Grandma.” We are currently looking for more
supports. Family Resources staff does attend AMP meetings with the youth to help monitor youth
behaviors and return youth to programs as needed.
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C. Estimated time spent transporting by facilitator: ten hours
Estimated time spent transporting by support worker: 0 hours
Estimated time spent transporting by partnership agency: 0 hours
D. Estimated number of miles traveled per month: 150
E. Estimated amount of time spent setting up/organizing a Council meeting: 15 hours+
F. Equipment:
The Carver Grant equipped all ten Councils with a laptop, projector, screen, recorder and more. In our
Council we have used the equipment to just start setting up our website– as we have lost our current
facilitator and not much time has been devoted to this new technology at this point in time.
G. Website:
The AMP Website was fully operational on January 1, 2012. Our Council page is updated and
maintained by Kim Arnold. The youth have not reported about the website. In the future, we plan to
have the youth help with the website more in order to keep the youth attentive to the website.
a. Website-Featured Youth Work:
The Davenport AMP Council plans to scan AMP youth’s art, stories and poetry to make them part of
the website once a new facilitator is hired. Additionally, if comments about the website are made,
the facilitator and supervisor will be monitoring the website to ensure the content is appropriate.
H. Permanency/Transitional Planning:
The Davenport AMP Council supervisor/current facilitator (until a new facilitator is hired) is also the
Iowa Aftercare Services Network Supervisor for Muscatine, Scott, Clinton, Cedar, Jackson and Louisa
Counties, Kim Arnold. Kim has been able to take AMP youth to attend Iowa Youth Dream Team
Committee meetings, recently participated in an Iowa Youth Dream Team meeting for an AMP youth on
June 26, 2012, and participated on the Transition Planning Committee on June 15, 2012, which is
ongoing monthly. Because of Kim’s connection to IASN and with her additionally being an IASN
advocate for Cedar, Muscatine and Louisa Counties, Kim is able to regularly talk to AMP youth about
the benefits of IASN participation once the youth age out of care. Additionally, Kim is able to regularly
encourage the youth to plan for their futures with the help of key AMP speakers such as Iowa
Representative Phyllis Thede, AmeriCorps representatives, and other youth–minded speakers. Kim has
also encouraged youth in treatment to return to AMP meetings after they are discharged to share their
stories of what it feels like to age out and be on their own.
I. Council Priorities:
The Davenport AMP Council needs additional AMP youth that are in Foster Care, have been in Foster
Care or a residential placement, or are members of the community and not solely residential youth. In
order to do this, the new facilitator (once hired) and supervisor are going to have AMP youth present
more in the community to help get more AMP youth involved with AMP that are not solely in
residential placement. The Davenport AMP Council is also going to prioritize getting AMP youth
involved more on the AMP website and seek youth input regularly.
Des Moines:
Submitted by Terri Bailey
Des Moines AMP Council
Section 1: Measure of Performance
A. Meeting Location/Meeting Day/Time
January 3, 2012
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Topic: Members had the option of joining the Republican Caucus that was meeting in Riverplace or
staying in the AMP room and helping the AMP intern create the new Facebook page. All youth chose to
attend the caucus. After the caucus, we brainstormed ideas for a new Vision Statement and gathered
stories to support topics on our legislative agenda for AMP Day on the Hill.
Youth Leadership Role: Setting up tables, chairs, snacks, agendas, youth facilitate highs and lows and
up–coming events, wrote on flip chart, shared experiences from last year’s AMP Day on the Hill and
how to fill out the pink sheet to talk to a legislator.
Number of Youth attended: 15
January 17, 2012
Topic: Practice for AMP Day on the Hill. Made Valentines for YSS donors.
Youth Leadership role: Setting up tables, chairs, snacks, agendas, youth facilitate highs and lows and
up–coming events, passing out art supplies.
Number of Youth attended: 18
February 7, 2012
Topic: AMP press conference at the Capitol video. Enjoyed photos from the Des Moines scrapbook and
our interview on Channel five news! Relationships: How do we treat the ones we love? Respecting
each other is an important part of every relationship.
Youth Leadership role: Setting up tables, chairs, snacks, agendas, youth facilitate highs and lows and
upcoming events. Youth shared their personal views of what respect means to them and how it feels to
be disrespected in a relationship. Older youth gave advice on how to handle a boy or girlfriend that
disrespects you.
Number of Youth attended: 18
February 21, 2012
Topic: Conflict Management/5 different styles that people use to manage conflict. Addictions and how
they affect everyone. Many teens live with a parent who struggles with a drug or alcohol addiction;
many parents are living with the same problem.
Youth Leadership role: Setting up tables, chairs, snacks, agendas, youth facilitate highs and lows and
up–coming events. Pass out pre-test/post-test and collect them. Youth shared personal stories to help
other AMP members and give support.
Number of Youth attended: 20
March 6, 2012
Topic: Bullying and LGBTQ issues. Introducing the new YSS tri–fold that gives definitions on culture,
ethnicity, and sexual orientation plus how we can be open to the diversity of others.
Guest Speaker: Ryan Roemerman and Dana Stuehling from Iowa Pride Network
Feedback Sheet Score: 80% strongly agree 10%; agree some youth didn’t vote
Youth Leadership role: Setting up tables, chairs, snacks, agendas, youth facilitate highs and lows and
up–coming events. Shared personal stories of bullying, respectful to speakers, older youth redirected
younger youth or asked them to rephrase their question if it sounded at all inappropriate (relating to sex
change operations for transgender individuals).
Number of Youth attended: 28
March 20, 2012
Topic: Meet the Des Moines Aftercare Advocates and youth in the Aftercare program.
Guest Speaker: Leah Lingren and one Aftercare youth discuss the program and one female youth talks
about being in Aftercare. Tolerance activity: Youth rate their tolerance to an item or concept on a scale
of 1–10 and see where they fall in relationship to their peers.
Youth Leadership role: Setting up tables, chairs, snacks, agendas, youth facilitate highs and lows and
up–coming events. A female AMP member sets up the tolerance activity by putting the tape on the floor
in staggered lines as a rating scale and assists the facilitator in a tolerance activity.
Number of Youth attended: 31
April 3, 2012
Topic: Opportunity Passport Program/Emergency Grant Funds/Surveys DueIowa’s Blueprint for
Forever Families – Youth brainstorm ideas for two AMP Bluesheets: one for youth by youth and the
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other for professionals by youth. AMP volunteered to stuff Easter Eggs for the CPPC Easter Egg Hunt
this Saturday.
Youth Leadership role: Setting up tables, chairs, snacks, agendas, youth facilitate highs and lows and
up–coming events. Youth recorded Bluesheet ideas on a flip chart. Two male AMP members gave a
report from the CPPC meeting on plans for the Easter Egg Hunt this Saturday. They asked for
volunteers to sign up to help.
Number of Youth attended: 25
April 17, 2012
Topic: Texting and Driving Laws – Don’t be distracted – Be safe! Prom Safety tips. Children and
Families of Iowa new teen program, WIA grant for youth age 14–18.
Special Guest: Lynn Melling Channel 13 news: Des Moines AMP was featured on May 10 in a piece
about foster youth “aging out” of the system in Iowa on Channel 17 news at 9:00 p.m.
Youth Leadership role: Setting up tables, chairs, snacks, agendas, youth facilitate highs and lows and
upcoming events. Five youth arrived early to be interviewed for the TV special. An alumni youth led
the ice breaker activity called “Famous Pairs” where youth try and find their match by reading the paper
on each–others back. Example: Romeo and Juliet, peanut butter and jelly
Number of Youth attended: 31
May 1, 2012
Topic: No Des Moines AMP meeting held, instead youth attended the Risky Business Conference in
Ames.
Youth Comments: Food was great! They really liked the domestic violence class but it hit close to home.
Loved the LGBTQ presenter, answered all our questions, and knew her stuff. Human Trafficking
presenter was really good, liked the info on how to keep myself safe from traffickers and how it’s really
in Iowa! I’m glad AMP goes to this conference every year, great topics and I get to see AMP youth from
other Councils across the state!
Youth Leadership role: Two Des Moines AMP CC members accompanied this facilitator to a retreat at
Riverside Bible Camp in Story City Iowa on April 30, 2012.
Number of Youth attended: 23
May 15, 2012
Topic: Draft form of the Bill of Rights for Youth In Care needed AMP youth approval.
Youth Leadership role: Setting up tables, chairs, snacks, agendas, youth facilitate highs and lows and
up–coming events. Eight youth from Farrand House and 1011 performed Youth YAK’s for the AMP
group. They have been working with the Des Moines Play House and did skits, scenes from plays;
Shakespeare speeches (to be or not to be) and one young man wrote and performed a rap song. Each
youth was awarded a Youth YAK certificate signed by the facilitator and program coordinator. Their
picture was taken but could not be posted on the website or Facebook for confidentiality reasons.
Number of Youth attended: 31
June 5, 2012
Topic: Graduation Celebration – Honor our 2012 Graduates. AMP website – What’s new?
Youth Leadership role: Setting up tables, chairs, snacks, agendas, youth facilitate highs and lows and
up–coming events. Two graduates but only one honored. One did not attend the AMP meeting. We
watched the video “Who I Am Makes A Difference”. Youth members told the graduate how she had
made a difference in their lives she had been coming to AMP. The youth graduate told the AMP
members what they mean to her. They were a support system when her life was a struggle; a safe place
to be when family situations were chaotic. The facilitator challenged all AMP members to make a
positive difference every day in the lives of others, that’s what we do here at AMP!
Number of Youth attended: 19
June 28, 2012
Topic: RAP for Youth at Pete Crivaro Park in Des Moines
Resources and Partners: AMP, Des Moines Aftercare, Youth Policy Institute, Opportunity Passport,
Iowa College Student Aid, DMACC, IFAPA Liaisons and KidsNet workers)
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Youth Leadership role: setting up food, games, agendas, youth facilitate highs and lows and up–coming
events. Two youth made 90 water balloons ahead of time and brought them to the park for water
balloon toss game. Youth helped clean up and load the van. Meeting and mingling with other youth
from Insight and Aftercare.
Number of Youth attended: 25
George Belitsos, Our agency CEO, did not attend a Des Moines AMP meeting this report period.
Youth Leadership Titles:
Our Council has the following Youth Leadership Titles:
AMP CC: Jacob
AMP CC: Robert
AMP CC Alternate: John
Greeter: Cristen, Kayti
Speaker: John, Robert, Jacey, Kayti, Jacob, Cristen, Melissa, Antania, Erik
DJ: Cristen
Meeting Leader: John, Jacey, Cristen, Robert, Jacob, Franceska
Those who come early offer to set up those who stay afterwards volunteer to clean up
B. Youth Feedback Box:
Our Council added a feedback box on June 5, 2012. It was made by Chelsea from Farrand House and
she received a gift card for her time and effort. Since then, zero comments have been received.
C. Recognition of Major Life Events:
We recognize youth at each meeting in our highs and lows. Half of our youth live in group care so we
celebrate level increases with applause and use positive reinforcement statements during meetings to
encourage youth. We have quite a few older youth in Des Moines AMP who struggle with employment,
finances and school (getting their GED) or college issues so we always mention when they succeed or
try to support them when they’re down. It’s important that the younger youth see the process of life on
their own, and that they learn that it’s ok to ask for help and just because you’re down it’s not failure.
Event: Cheryl Johnson and Terri Bailey attended an art exhibit and talent show at the Des Moines Play
House featuring the Farrand House and 1011 youth.
Event: Graduation Celebration
The
group
watched
a
video
called
“Who
I
am
makes
a
difference”
http://www.acknowledgmentmovie.com/ Three AMP members graduated from high school this year
and a fourth finished her special education program. All members are eligible for Suitcases for Success
as an AMP graduate but two do not have the need at this time, one received hers last year when the need
was more urgent and the other has left AMP and location is unknown. Kayti participated in the
festivities at AMP, Dakota did not attend, Matthew graduated high school from home school (didn’t find
out until after the graduation ceremony so facilitator hugged and congratulated him). We announced
Melissa’s accomplishment and everyone applauded.
D. Media Recognition:
AMP Day on the Hill – January 24, 2012 Fox 17. DVD–AMP Day on the Hill (sent to DHS)
Human Trafficking Law passed HF 2380 April 4, 2012 (Des Moines Register, Des Moines TV stations)
Des Moines AMP – May 10, 2012 Fox 17 9:00pm news (AMP website)
E. How youth have benefited from AMP?
Des Moines youth have benefited from AMP as a place to learn life skills and information they will need
to become an independent young adult. These youth are connected by a strong bond because a large
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percentage of them are veteran members of Elevate. There is true heart and passion among the older
youth and they lead with pride and inspiration. Leadership is the backbone of Des Moines AMP. Most
of the important committee work is in Des Moines, largest number of speaking events and conferences.
Recently we had an alumni youth from Cedar Rapids move to Des Moines and she called me excited at
the chance to speak for AMP. “I was told Des Moines is the place to be so sign me up!” Her goal in life
is to return to Cedar Rapids and be the facilitator there someday. Jacey said that she learned a lot of
positive skills growing up in the system, skills that help her be a successful college student, wife and
mother of two children. When Jacey moved to Des Moines, AMP found her furniture for her apartment,
provided food when she was unemployed. Opportunity Passport emergency grant funds paid the down
payment on her apartment and gift cards from AMP speaking engagements put gas in her car so she
could look for work. John is continuing his education at DMACC. His connection to Every Child
Matters and Tom LaPointe (worked with Tom on the caucus presentation for AMP) led John to travel
with Tom to other locations in Iowa and attend political functions. Robert is getting ready to graduate
this summer from DMACC with a degree in accounting. Cristen has gone back to school to get her
GED. She has become a strong advocate for youth rights as her sister’s rights were violated in shelter
care. Kayti signed up for Aftercare and has saved $2,000 in her Opportunity Passport account for a car.
Zach, a former Elevate member who left two years ago for treatment and has kept in contact with this
facilitator and support staff, returned to AMP and was welcomed by youth and adults. “Knowing I
could call you and tell you how I was doing meant everything to me!” This year youth made significant
changes in education reform. At the CAPS conference two Des Moines youth participated in
brainstorming ideas to improve school issues for youth. The new electronic record transfer has become
a reality this year as many youth in care move frequently between schools. Taylor represented AMP by
giving a speech on her educational experience once she entered Foster Care. After dropping out of
school her freshman year, Taylor entered drug treatment and group care in Des Moines and turned her
life around choosing sobriety. Now she is on track to graduate because alternative methods and classes
made all the difference. Des Moines AMP brainstormed ideas for the Bluesheets on transition tips for
youth and providers. This benefits our members because these sheets will be used to transition youth
statewide and their suggestions will guide adults on positive ways to work with youth as well as
understand their behaviors towards transition issues. The Bluesheet for youth will encourage youth to
take an active part in their transition process and inform them of options they can choose as part of their
transition plan. AMP members reviewed the draft version of the Bill of Rights set to replace the out
dated children’s rights in the DHS policy manual this July 2012.
Section 2: Measure of Coordination/Collaboration
A. Collaborations:
The Des Moines Council has an on–going relationship with the following community groups who
provide us with the listed service:
Grimes United Methodist Church: provide us with snacks on an ongoing basis every other month. We
received fruit, veggie trays and desserts. They always do party themes like on Valentine’s Day
everything was heart shaped. The ladies group is into crafts so they are very creative and the youth are
excited to see what they bring each time.
Support Volunteer/foster parent: Kathy makes our supper meal every AMP meeting. She uses the funds
from her stipend to purchase the food for the main dish.
Panera Bread, Target, Fareway: Donations from YSS in Ames are utilized for Des Moines AMP Council
meetings.
AMP has completed the following service activities this report period:
KHOI Radio – AMP youth and facilitator have worked with the radio staff five sessions on interview
skills and editing to create a product for the air on the local youth radio station. AMP has purchased
recorders for all Councils statewide so all youth have the opportunity to produce radio spots and email
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them to the radio station in Ames. These interviews will be distributed worldwide through Radijojo as
well.
AMP has completed speaking engagements as listed:
CAPS Conference Council Bluffs – January 12, 2012: Taylor’s speech – 500 people
Drake University Law Students – January 23, 2012: five youth panel 15 law students
AMP Day on the Hill – January 24, 2012: seven youth attended two youth gave speeches – 500
attendees
DMACC Class WDM – February 3, 2012: two youth spoke – 17 students
New DHS worker training Hoover – February 29, 2012: one youth spoke – eight workers
KidsNet Foster Parent Recruitment event in Creston – March 24, 2012: two youth – 34 people
CPPC Easter Egg Hunt – April 7, 2012: eight youth 50 community members
MSW Students at Papa John Center in Des Moines – April 9, 2012: four youth – 27 students
Light of Hope – April 19, 2012: two youth spoke – 74 attendees
Education Collaborative – April 20, 2012: two youth attended
New DHS worker Training Hoover – May 9, 2012: one youth spoke – ten workers
KidNet Foster Parent Picnic – May 31, 2012: five youth (spray painted kids hair)
Parent Partner Reunification Picnic – June 16, 2012: four youth (volunteered with games, food and
clean–up) – 100 parents and kids
AMP has co–hosted activities with CAPS Conference on January 12, 2012. Our part was to brainstorm
ideas on education reform from a youth perspective, record them on flip chart paper, and report them to
conference large group. Officials from the Department of Education took youth ideas back to the grant
committee for implementation.
AMP co–hosted an Easter Egg Hunt with CPPC. Provided candy and plastic eggs for the hunt and
stuffed them at AMP Council meeting. At the park AMP youth hid the eggs, led the games, and assisted
little ones at finding the eggs.
B. AMP is represented on the following boards, committees, panels, meetings:
Education Collaborative – Taylor, Jacob, Robert, Kayti and Jacey
Juvenile Justice – Jacey
CWAC – Jacob
Child Protection Council – Kayti
Dream Team – Kayti, Jacob, Franceska, and Clayton
CPPC – John and Robert
DMACC AMP Board
C. AMP Council advocacy work:
The Ames AMP Council advocated for the following legislative issues locally:
More shelter beds in Central Iowa, stricter laws for Human Trafficking criminals, education issues.
We attended the AMP Day on the Hill in January to advocate for the AMP Legislative Agenda and we
visited with the following legislators: Senator Jack Hatch, Ako Abdul Samad, Dick Dearden, Ruth Ann
Gaines, Pat Ward and Renee Schulte. We posed in a picture with Senator Jack Hatch; Des Moines AMP
is very close to him.
Our local legislators that we have invited to our Council meetings are: Jack Hatch and Ako Abdul
Samad. It was a busy session this year and they did not come to AMP but we did see them at other
events such as CPPC Easter Egg Hunt and The Light of Hope event at Blank Hospital in Des Moines.
Thinking ahead to next year, our youth have identified the following legislative issues:
Need more shelter beds in central Iowa
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Sealing juvenile court records
Uniform graduation requirements for all Iowa high schools
Within our Council, we have the following educational hurdles:
Lost records when moved
Lost credits when moved
Must stay in treatment/residential facility until the semester ends
Doing the same work over and over
D. List Facilitator attended trainings for AMP:
Youth PQA Basics – February 17, 2012 – Terri Bailey
Cultural Competency Training – February 2, 2012 – Terri Bailey
CPR/First AID – March 2, 2012 – Terri Bailey
Mandatory Reporter Training – March 3, 2012
Customer Service Training – April 13, 2012 – Terri Bailey
Safe Zone Training – June 26, 2012 – Terri Bailey
E. Requested Trainings for Facilitators/Support/Agency:
Mental Health First Aid – June 7 and 8, 2012 – Terri Bailey
Amplify Your Voice
F. AMP Policy needs or policy implementations that have happened within your Council:
We are always concerned with the safety of our youth, so during meetings we make sure youth are
monitored as they leave the meeting room to use the restroom or get a soda. The boys and girls from
group care are accompanied by staff and the two AMP support staff in the room are aware of safety
issues between the boys and girls. At times we have teens that are “dating,” so hugs and comments need
to be monitored. One youth in the single restroom during meetings with an adult outside is the protocol
to insure nothing happens to multiple youth in the restroom. At times we have youth attend AMP who
are sex offenders, so we notify people who may be uncomfortable by their presence that they are at
AMP and make sure youth with restraining orders do not attend. So far youth understand that the rules
were created to keep everyone safe.
Section 3: Measure of Service Capacity
A. Staffing:
Youth from two CFI group homes attend Des Moines AMP. Both bring staff to help supervise their
youth at AMP Council meetings and all staff participates in AMP activities. On an average, there are 25
youth per meeting, two group home staff, and two AMP support volunteers. YESS Shelter brings youth
but drops them off and picks them up after the meeting. Foster/adoptive parents attend the support
group in the same building so they are accessible if their youth are in crisis.
B. Volunteers/Adult Supporter:
Des Moines AMP has three support volunteer who transport youth to the Council meeting, take youth to
speaking events if the facilitator is busy, act as facilitator if needed and assist the facilitator with
activities, set up, projector, computer tasks and most importantly monitoring the youth during the
Council meeting. One support volunteer, the foster parent who provides our meal, joins the foster parent
support group in the room next door. She tells the parents what going on in AMP and answers their
questions or lets the facilitator know if there a specific training they need.
C. Estimated time spent transporting by facilitator: ten hours per month
Estimated time spent transporting by support worker: 15 hours per month (three support volunteers)
Estimated time spent transporting by partnership agency: Iowa Homeless Youth Center does not
transport youth from Buchanan House or the Light House to AMP
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D. Estimated number of miles traveled per month: 150
E. Estimated amount of time spent setting up/organizing a Council meeting: ten hours
F. Equipment:
The Carver Grant equipped all ten Councils with a laptop, projector, screen, recorder and more. In our
Council we have used the equipment to show videos on You Tube, play the AMP video, Show the AMP
website, research icebreakers and activities for meetings, edit audio files, record interviews about
weather, show music videos while we eat supper, show pictures on Facebook, show class options for
Risky Business, and print off Mother’s Day cards from the internet.
G. Website:
The AMP Website was fully operational on January 1, 2012. Our Council page is updated and
maintained by Terri Bailey. The youth don’t say much about the website. A large number of our youth
do not have access to a computer while in group care so they only see the AMP website when we show
it in Council meetings. They have asked to have the agenda posted on the website so they know the
meeting topic. In the future, we plan to create more interactive features and post more pictures to keep
the youth attentive to the website. We encourage them to join our Facebook page as well.
a. Website-Featured Youth Work:
Youth are featured on the website with photos and stories using special tabs for events to the left
of the Des Moines Council page. Taylor’s speech from the CAPS conference, the CPPC Easter
Egg Hunt at Evelyn Davis Park in Des Moines and the KidsNet Foster Parent Appreciation
Picnic.
Personal stories and poetry are listed under the “Our Journey” tab; they are combined with all
AMP members.
Youth who volunteer for videos can be found under “Shots and Clips.”
H. Permanency/Transitional Planning:
In the past six months I attended one Dream Team meeting in Polk County. Chelsea from Farrand
House had a very nice Dream Team and invited three AMP members plus this facilitator to attend. We
are blessed to have our DHS Transition Planning Specialist attend Des Moines AMP on a regular basis
and assist youth with any transition needs. Since we meet at Riverplace where her office is located she
has access to any form or resource a youth would need as she sees them during an AMP meeting. That
personal contact is the key to providing a reliable resource for youth as they transition from Foster Care.
New this report period is RAP for Youth which was designed by AMP and Aftercare as a collaborative
event where the community could learn about resources available to teens. This event was piloted in
Des Moines on June 19, 2012 and was poorly attended by foster/adopted families. Our goal was to
educate families on the resources available to them for teens in Central Iowa that can assist youth as they
transition out of Foster Care. AMP is encouraging other Councils to host a similar event in their
community to raise awareness about positive teen programing.
I. Council Priorities:
AMP is working to empower youth as they attend their transition meetings. Most youth are not prepared
for what will happen during their transition meeting. As we discussed material for AMP Blue Sheets we
realized that a goal for next year is to start work on improving the transition process. Begin earlier (age
14) and design a sheet that has goals for each high school year. Youth are visual learners, they need to
understand the process, view their choices.
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AMP and Aftercare advocates would like to be invited to the transition meetings in Polk County. We
are hearing that youth have no information about our programs or misinformation and we would like the
chance to give the correct information at transition meetings. Transition is all about youth voice and
youth choice, something AMP and Aftercare excel in! We want to be at the table supporting youth.
Des Moines needs to approach churches for assistance with snacks, volunteers to teach skills and places
to have holiday parties. Partner with youth groups on community service projects.
Dubuque:
Submitted by Jill Kluesner and Amanda Dellwo
Dubuque AMP Council
Section 1: Measure of Performance
January 10, 2012 – Multicultural Family Center – 6 to 8 p.m.
Topic: Putting Together Our Stories: New Member Training
Guest Speaker: NA
Feedback Sheet Score: NA
Youth Leadership Role: Youth Leaders (7) assisted with meeting set–up and clean–up. Five youth
leaders completed the New Member Training during this meeting, and three additional youth leaders
completed the training outside of the Council meeting on January 23, 2012.
Number of Youth attended: 7
January 24, 2012 – Multicultural Family Center – 6 to 8 p.m.
Topic: Sharing Our Stories, Reflections on Service, and Planning Ahead
Guest Speaker: NA
Feedback Sheet Score: NA
Youth Leadership role: Youth leaders (5) assisted with meeting set–up and clean–up.
Number of Youth attended: 5
February 14, 2012 – Multicultural Family Center – 6 to 8 p.m.
Topic: Exploring Self–Love, Respect, and Conflict Management (completed pre/posttests) and created
valentines
Guest Speaker: NA
Feedback Sheet Score: NA
Youth Leadership role: Youth Leaders (10) assisted with the program in helping with prep, exploring the
issues, creating valentines, and meeting clean–up
Number of Youth attended: 10
February 28, 2012 – Multicultural Family Center – 6 to 8 p.m.
Topic: AMP and Aftercare Unite with presentations from Youth Leaders
Guest Speaker: Teresa White (Four Oaks) and six Aftercare Youth Leaders
Feedback Sheet Score: NA
Youth Leadership role: Seven AMP Youth Leaders presented the AMP power point presentation and
facilitated the conversations during this meeting. Outside of this Council meeting, eight AMP Youth
Leaders planned and created the AMP presentation to be used for this meeting on February 20, 2012.
Number of Youth attended: 18
March 2012 – NA – No meeting on the second Tuesday of the month. The youth voted on
cancelling this meeting due to spring break.
March 27, 2012 – Multicultural Family Center – 6 to 8 p.m.
Topic: AMP Youth Input with DHS and exploring ways to work together
Guest Speaker: Traci Gael (DHS)
Feedback Sheet Score: NA
Youth Leadership role: Youth Leaders (10) gave feedback on teenage related programs and supports
DHS is providing.
Number of Youth attended: 10
April 10, 2012 – Multicultural Family Center – 6 to 8 p.m.
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Topic: Creating Letters to Future Foster Youth and Exploring Our Local AMP Transitions with Planning
Ahead
Guest Speaker: NA
Feedback Sheet Score: NA
Youth Leadership role: Youth Leaders (8) created letters to future foster youth as we explored what
those transitions were like for them. Also, youth gave input on our local transitions, as well as finalized
upcoming programs, events, and activities.
Number of Youth attended: 8
April 24, 2012 – Multicultural Family Center – 6 to 8 p.m.
Topic: Exploring Healthy Relationships and STI’s Workshop
Guest Speaker: Paula Paider Litch (Hillcrest Family Services)
Feedback Sheet Score: NA
Youth Leadership role: Two AMP Youth prepped meeting, ensured everyone signed in, facilitated highs
and lows, and administered the AMP Satisfaction Surveys. Youth Leaders (11) completed the surveys,
assisted planning for upcoming activities, and with meeting clean–up. Outside of this meeting, one
AMP youth leader presented about Foster Care and AMP at her high school on April 19, 2012.
Number of Youth attended: 11
May 8, 2012 – Multicultural Family Center – 6 to 8 p.m.
Topic: Exploring Anger Management (completed pre/post tests) and Planning Ahead
Guest Speaker: NA
Feedback Sheet Score: NA
Youth Leadership role: One Youth Leader presented on Foster Care and AMP to the Council. Two
Youth Leaders prepped meeting, ensured everyone signed in, facilitated highs and lows, and assisted
with facilitating the pre/post tests. Youth Leaders (6) assisted with planning ahead as well as meeting
clean–up.
Number of Youth attended: 6
May 22, 2012 – Multicultural Family Center – 6 to 8 p.m.
Topic: Exploring Personal Health and Contraceptives Workshop
Guest Speaker: Paula Paider Litch (Hillcrest Family Services)
Feedback Sheet Score: NA
Youth Leadership role: One Youth Leaders prepped meeting, ensured everyone signed in, and facilitated
highs and lows. Youth Leaders (6) assisted with planning ahead as well as meeting clean–up. Outside
of this meeting, five youth leaders planned and prepared the presentation for our Dubuque AMP Open
House (5/12/12). At our Dubuque AMP Open House, four Youth Leaders presented AMP and their
personal stories, and another three youth leaders assisted with the event (May 15, 2012).
Number of Youth attended: 6
June 12, 2012 – Multicultural Family Center – 5 to 7 p.m.
Topic: Cooking and Sharing a Meal Together and Exploring Our Upcoming Transitions
Guest Speaker: NA
Feedback Sheet Score: NA
Youth Leadership role: Youth Leaders (6) assisted with meeting prep, dinner prep, cooking all of the
meal, creating our local AMP mural, providing input into our upcoming changes, and meeting clean–up.
Number of Youth attended: 6
June 26, 2012 – Hillcrest Family Services Clinic – 6 to 8 p.m.
Topic: Exploring the Hillcrest Clinic and Negotiation Skills
Guest Speaker: Meeting was off–site at Hillcrest with Paula Paider Litch
Feedback Sheet Score: NA
Youth Leadership role: Youth Leaders (11) assisted with meeting prep, planning ahead, and meeting
clean–up. Outside of this meeting, one Youth Leader assisted with setting up our AMP Appreciation
Party (June 21, 2012).
Number of Youth attended: 11.
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B. Youth Leadership Titles:
During this time, Dubuque AMP Youth Leaders have shared responsibilities and designated leadership
within our local Council through our meetings, planning, and programs. At this time, we do not have
permanently assigned youth in specific Youth Leadership Titles.
C. Youth Feedback Box:
During this time, Dubuque AMP has not yet added a feedback box. However, we intend to do so in the
upcoming months. Although not having a specific feedback box, the Dubuque AMP youth have shared
and given insight into issues, improvements, and youth–driven programs during our Council Meetings
and AMP activities.
D. Recognition of Major Life Events:
Who: Kelsey
Event: Graduated from High School
How it was recognized by AMP: AMP Facilitator attended the graduation ceremony (May 27, 2012).
Kelsey was showcased for this accomplishment during our AMP Appreciation Party (June 21, 2012).
Who: Jasmine
Event: Graduated from High School
How it was recognized by AMP: AMP Facilitator attended the graduation ceremony (May 27, 2012).
Jasmine was showcased for this accomplishment during our AMP Appreciation Party (June 21, 2012).
E. Media Recognition:
Our Dubuque AMP Council has received some media recognition to be reviewed in the enclosed
attachments.
Attachments include the PDF entitled “46 CCC parent newsletter May–June 2012” and the word
document entitled “TA Partnership – Youth Matter – April–May 2012”.
F. How youth have benefited from AMP?
The youth have stated the following about AMP and how they have benefitted:
We work to Achieve Our Own Maximum Potential. We are Foster Care kids coming together, and
achieving goals together. AMP provides leadership, positive role models, support group, and we have a
voice. We are young people that are driven to make a difference and determined to make a change and
AMP helps us make that happen.
AMP is a youth engagement program where we help each other to get through tough courses/personal
challenges/inner demons. It’s like “helping hands” because we talk about what we do and what’s going
on in our lives. AMP gives support and helps us make good choices because it provides support systems
where we can reach out when needed and people are accessible. We are empowered to share our stories.
AMP drives us because we put ourselves out there and openly share ideas. It helps us develop skills that
we need and did not have when we came into Foster Care, especially social skills. We are learning to
give respect to get respect. AMP provides us with a different perspective on life and how to become
more open–minded. It helps us to learn and grow from meeting new people and expanding our
horizons, while providing peer support where we can openly talk about home and have people to listen.
AMP helps with our confidence in speaking in front of people
We can interact with other teens like us and it’s a positive way to stay out of trouble. We want to let
people know that the stereotypes aren’t true; we are not “bad kids,” but rather we are working on
making changes. AMP works to change systems because we can make a difference and make
connections. It gives us something positive to look forward to and we do fun activities and meet new
people. Overall, AMP benefits the youth because we learn and know that we can make a change in our
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personal approach, community involvement, personal skills and beliefs, and healthy choices and values.
Five words to describe AMP are determined, supportive, foster–care, goals, and fun.
Section 2: Measure of Coordination/Collaboration
A. Collaborations:
Our Council has an on–going relationship with the following community groups who provide us with
the listed service:
Community Circle of Care provides us with snacks each week. The Multicultural Family Center (MFC)
provides us with continued support in hosting our Council meetings and our additional events and
programs, i.e. planning meetings, our Dubuque AMP Open House, and our Dubuque AMP Appreciation
Party. In addition, AMP and the MFC have worked closely in providing support to the youth with
additional programming, i.e. service projects and educational programs. Norma, a member of the
DDCO (Downtown Dubuque Christian Outreach), provided us with the financial support to complete
the teambuilding program of painting pottery at the Dubuque Art Center.
Dubuque AMP continues to work closely with our local DHS office in strengthening support for youth
in care. During this report period, DHS presented during a Council meeting, and Youth Leaders worked
on a project for them during another meeting. Blush Acres provided AMP with the team–building
opportunity of horseback riding and has been supportive with other AMP events. Four Oaks, with
Aftercare and PAL, also has an on–going relationship with AMP as we have tried to connect the youth
with both programs, providing additional support and educational/transitional programming.
Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque provides us with community resources, referral, and
information on upcoming community events, as well as facilitates the Opportunity Passport Program.
We had three youth leaders successfully completed this spring Opportunity Passport Training.
Dubuque AMP completed the following service, educational, and teambuilding activities this report
period:
On January 16, 2012, five youth leaders, with the facilitator and support worker participated in the
communitywide MLK Junior Day of Service in which we completed janitorial and organizational work
at Audubon Elementary School. On February 20, 2012, eight youth leaders worked with the facilitator
to plan and create a PowerPoint and overall presentation for the Council meeting on February 28 in
which Aftercare and AMP united through youth–led program presentations.
On March 24, 2012, five youth leaders, with the facilitator, supervisor, and support worker completed a
team–building activity at Blush Acres in which we rode horses and then learned how to groom and take
care of them. On March 31, 2012, eight youth leaders, with the facilitator and support worker
completed community service with the Taste of the World event in which we assisted with event set–up
and tear–down.
In April, we had three youth leaders successfully completed the Opportunity Passport Training Program.
On April 22, 2012, seven youth leaders and the facilitator united with the Multicultural Family Center
and IBM to complete an Earth Day of Service at the Mines of Spain Recreation Area, in which we
completed park conservation and clean–up work. On April 28, 2012, six youth leaders, with the
facilitator and support worker, participated in the YP Dubuque Days of Caring in which we worked at a
service site for Hills and Dales completing renovation work in a home that they were creating into an
adult male autism home. Also on April 28, 2012, the same six youth leaders, with the facilitator and
support worker, participated in a team–building activity at the Dubuque Art Center in which we all
painted pottery together.
On May 1, 2012, four youth leaders, with the facilitator and support worker, participated in the Risky
Business Conference. On May 12, 2012, five youth leaders and the facilitator completed community
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service by participating in the Washington Neighborhood Spring Clean–up. Also on May 12, 2012, the
same five youth leaders and facilitator had a planning meeting in which all worked together in preparing
and finalizing our Dubuque AMP Open House. On May 15, 2012, we had our Dubuque AMP Open
House in which four youth leaders presented AMP to community members, and another three AMP
youth assisted with the event program.
On June 16, 2012, six youth leaders and facilitator complete community service with the Juneteenth
event in which we assisted with set–up and children’s activities. In June, we had three youth leaders
successfully become accepted into the Future Talk Program in which they will be crew member
throughout the summer as they complete conservation and natural ecosystem management work, as well
as additional community service and skill building. On June 21, 2012, one youth leader assisted
facilitator and support worker in setting up the Dubuque AMP Appreciation Party. This event was a
team–building activity in which we personally recognized and appreciated 11 AMP youth leaders (who
were present, and four who were absent), two foster families, our support worker and supervisor for all
of their support, advocacy, leadership, and involvement.
AMP has completed speaking engagements as listed:
AMP Day on the Hill – January 24, 2012
To whom: Pat Murphy and Chuck Isenhart Approximate number in attendance: eight total, with six
being youth
AMP and Aftercare Unite – February 28, 2012
To whom: Aftercare Coordinator and youth. Speaking engagement was a part of our Council meeting in
which 18 people were in attendance.
Foster Care/AMP Presentation – April 19, 2012 – youth leader presented to her teachers and peers
To whom: high school class at Senior High School. Approximately 30 people were in attendance.
Dubuque AMP Open House – May 15, 2012
To whom: community members, visitors, and guests to the event. We had approximately 50 people in
attendance in which four youth leaders presented on Foster Care, AMP, and their personal stories.
AMP has co–hosted activities with Four Oaks, via Aftercare and PAL for our youth–led presentations
during the Council meeting on February 28, 2012. We also co–hosted activities with the Multicultural
Family Center for the MLK Junior Day of Service, the Earth Day of Service with IBM, and Washington
Neighborhood Clean–up with Orange Park Neighbors, in which for all three service projects, AMP was
a part of planning the event and then completing each with youth volunteers.
B. AMP is represented on the following boards, committees, panels, meetings:
DDCO, Downtown Dubuque Christian Outreach – Amanda Dellwo serves on this committee
OPN, Orange Park Neighbors – Washington Neighborhood Group – Amanda Dellwo serves on this
committee
Disproportionate Minority Workgroup – one youth on workgroup
C. AMP Council advocacy work:
The Dubuque AMP Council advocated for legislative issues locally. We attended the AMP Day on the
Hill in January to advocate for the AMP Legislative Agenda and we with legislators, Pat Murphy and
Chuck Isenhart. Dubuque AMP had six youth leaders, one facilitator, and one supervisor attend AMP
Day on the Hill.
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Our local legislators that we have invited to our Council meetings and Council programs are Linda
Lucy, on behalf of Tom Harkin, Pam Jochum, Bruce Braley, Pat Murphy, Chuck Isenhart, and Dubuque
City Council Members.
Thinking ahead to next year, our youth have identified the following legislative issues:
Rights and opportunities regarding separated siblings in Foster Care and/or adoption being able to have
visitation, contact, and/or the support to reconnect. We also want continued advocacy for credit
transfers.
Within our Council, we have the following educational hurdles:
Youth within our Dubuque AMP Council have hurdles with truancy, standardized testing, credits
transferring, and the effects of being placed in shelter and/or residential treatment temporarily and then
returning to school. In addition, many of our youth are performing below their expected grade levels in
various subjects such as reading, writing, and math.
D. List Facilitator attended trainings for AMP:
Youth PQA Basics – February 17, 2012 – Amanda Dellwo
Cultural Competency Training – previously completed on October 3, 2011 – Amanda Dellwo
E. Requested Trainings for Facilitators/Support/Agency:
Mental Health First Aid – Jill Kluesner
Amplify Your Voice – N/A
F. AMP Policy needs or policy implementations that have happened within your Council:
At this time, have do not have any policy needs or implementation to report on.
Section 3: Measure of Service Capacity
A. Staffing:
Amanda Dellwo, Dubuque AMP Facilitator
Trish Taylor, Dubuque AMP Support Worker
B. Volunteers/Adult Supporter:
None at this time
C. Estimated time spent transporting by facilitator: Approximately two hours a month (some months
are more, some are less). The exceptions for this time period are transports for AMP Day on the Hill
and Risky Business.
Estimated time spent transporting by support worker: approximately one hour a month (some
months are more, some are less). The exception for this time period is transport for Risky Business.
Estimated time spent transporting by partnership agency: NA
D. Estimated number of miles traveled per month: Approximately 30 miles a month (some months are
more however due to additional programming and/or out of town commitments).
E. Estimated amount of time spent setting up/organizing a Council meeting: approximately five hours
F. Equipment:
The Carver Grant equipped all ten Councils with a laptop, projector, screen, recorder and more. In our
Council, we have used the equipment to help our Council run successfully. The laptop is used regularly
by the Dubuque Facilitator and the additional equipment is used when needed for programs and
activities. We plan to use all of the equipment even more in the upcoming months.
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G. Website:
The AMP Website was fully operational on January 1, 2012. Our Council page is updated and
maintained by Amanda Dellwo. The youth report that the AMP website is easy to use and navigate,
informative, uses good visuals/color, and is a positive way to share/spread the “AMP word”. In the
future, we plan to use our Council’s technology equipment more to help keep the youth attentive to the
website. We would like to utilize the website more with local submissions, as well as a tool for getting
more local youth involved.
a. Website-Featured Youth Work: The youth want to become more active with the website and our
Dubuque Council is currently working on a plan to better feature our youth on the website and to
provide this medium as an avenue for leadership and outreach. We hope to have youth submit
stories, artwork, photos, and announcements for upcoming activities.
H. Permanency/Transitional Planning:
Dubuque AMP Supervisor has been invited to be a part of two AMP youth Dream Teams.
I. Council Priorities:
Our most pressing Council needs and priorities are regarding our local AMP transitions as the new
subcontract holder, Hillcrest Family Services, goes into effect. We have been planning these transitions
with the youth, continuing seeking their input, for in addition to the new program administrator, a new
facilitator will be brought on as well due to our current facilitator moving in August. Our goals are to
have continued support from our community allies, the youth leaders currently involved, and the foster
families we work closely with. We hope to further expand and strengthen our local Council once the
upcoming transitions stabilize.
Fort Dodge:
Submitted by Maria Weydert
Fort Dodge AMP Council
Section 1: Measure of Performance
A. GRLS (Girls Remedial Learning Services) Program Library
2406 9½ Avenue South, Fort Dodge, Iowa from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m.
January 12, 2012
Topic: New Member Journeys continued and quick breads
Guest Speaker: Linda Cline, ISU Extension 4–H Leader
Feedback Sheet Score: N/A
Youth Leadership Role: Shawn – begin meeting with highs and lows; all youth – clean up
Number of Youth attended: eight community–based youth
January 26, 2012
Topic: HALO presentation, Choose to Be Happy project, and service activity
Guest Speaker: Cheryl Johnson, Children and Families of Iowa, HALO Mentoring Program
Feedback Sheet Score: N/A
Youth Leadership role: Mayte – begin meeting w/highs and lows, Ashley, Shawn, Shania, Hallie –
organized activities and clean up
Number of Youth attended:13 community and facility–based youth
February 9, 2012
Topic: Body Image DVD and discussion
Guest Speaker: N/A
Feedback Sheet Score: N/A
Youth Leadership role: Shania – snack and meeting prep., Clare, Mayte – lead discussion
Number of Youth attended: eight community–based youth
February 23, 2012 – canceled due to weather
March 8, 2012
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Topic: Service project – made six fleece tie–blankets to donate to locate shelters
Guest Speaker: Linda Cline, ISU Extension 4–H Leader
Feedback Sheet Score: N/A
Youth Leadership role: Clare – greeted new youth, Shane, Mayte, Tyler, Clare, Kelsey, Shawn – group
leaders
Number of Youth attended: 16 community and facility–based youth
**March 22 2012
Topic: Conflict Management
**Guest Speaker: Jim Seward, Director, Youth Shelter Care
Feedback Sheet Score: N/A
Youth Leadership role: Clare – begin meeting w/high/lows, Shawn– managed activity, lead discuss
Number of Youth attended: 19 community and facility–based youth
April 12, 2012
Topic: The five Aspects of Leadership
Guest Speaker: ISU Extension, Youth Development Specialist
Feedback Sheet Score: N/A
Youth Leadership role: Clare, Shawn, Ashley – managed groups during activities and assisted in clean
up
Number of Youth attended: ten community and facility–based youth
April 24, 2012
Topic: Anger Management, conference, and speaking event sign–up
Guest Speaker: N/A
Feedback Sheet Score: N/A
Youth Leadership role: Shawn – assisted youth in signing up for Risky Business Conference, Hallie
designed suggestion box and presented it during meeting
Number of Youth attended: nine community–based youth
May 10, 2012
Topic: Community Garden planting
Guest Speaker: Linda Cline, ISU Extension 4–H Leader
Feedback Sheet Score: N/A
Youth Leadership role: James, Shania, Shane, Hallie, Ashley – planted vegetables, watered soil
Number of Youth attended: 13 community–based youth
May 24, 2012
Topic: Transition planning, TIP Book, Aftercare, and college aid
Guest Speaker: Kathy Berns, DHS Transition Planning Specialist and AMP alumni member sharing
experiences
Feedback Sheet Score: N/A
Youth Leadership role: Clare – lead discussion, Shane – highs and lows
Number of Youth attended: seven community–based youth
June 28, 2012
Topic: Outing – Kennedy Park, fishing and canoeing outing
Guest Speaker: Erin Ford, Webster County Conservation Specialist
Feedback Sheet Score: N/A
Youth Leadership role: Jenny, Ashley, Shania, Shane – lead activity, all youth assisted with food
preparation and clean up
Number of Youth attended: 17 community–based youth
Jim Seward, our agency CEO, attended the AMP meeting on March 22, 2012.
B. Youth Leadership Titles:
Our Council has the following Youth Leadership Titles:
AMP CC: Shawn
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AMP CC: Shane
Greeters: Clare, Hallie
Speakers: Shawn, Shawn, Clare, Ruth, Dan
C. Youth Feedback Box:
Our Council added a feedback box on April 12, designed by member, Hallie.
D. Recognition of Major Life Events:
Who: Shalare, Kelsey
Event: high school graduation, May 2012
Both girls were provided a suitcase with various living supplies to take with them as they venture out to
begin college life.
E. Media Recognition:
The Fort Dodge Messenger recognized the Fort Dodge AMP Council in an article on April 30th
http://www.messengernews.net/page/content.detail/id/547776/Empowering–youth.html.
F. How youth have benefited from AMP?
These are quotes taken from youth:
"One thing I really like about AMP is that it's like our support system," said Hallie Ebner, an AMP
participant. "We get to see that there are other kids out there just like us; we aren't alone."
"We can tell our story without feeling judged or embarrassed about it," said AMP participant Shawn
Halbur. “If it wouldn't have been for AMP,I probably would have never told anyone the truth about my
life. I sure would have never had the confidence to get up in front of people and share my story. AMP
has made me feel better about myself and my future. ”
"We're just kind of like our own little family here," said Clarrissa Halbur.
“If it wouldn't have been for AMP,I probably would have never told anyone the truth about my life. I
used to lie about what happened to my parents. I sure would have never had the confidence to get up in
front of people and share my story. AMP has made me feel better about myself and my future. ”
Hallie Ebner states that “At 16, this was the first time I have ever looked through all the events in my
past and written them down on paper to share with someone else. I hope by sharing them, I can
influence other youth who have shared similar things.”
Section 2: Measure of Coordination/Collaboration
A. Collaborations:
Our Council has a relationship with Linking Families who has provided local DECAT funding for
snacks and supplies.
AMP has completed the following service activities this reporting period:
On March 8, our youth made fleece tie–blankets which were donated to community agencies serving
youth such as Upper Des Moines Opportunity. We have been growing vegetables in our community
garden plot which will be donated to the local Salvation Army for their free lunch program.
AMP has completed speaking engagements as listed:
Catholic Daughters of America – 10
Youth and Family Center – 20
Youth Shelter Care – 8
PS–MAPP Class – 30
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Webster County Interfaith Council – 10
AMP has co–hosted activities with CPPC (Community Partnerships for Protecting Children) for two
community events promoting positive family interaction and to provide community resource
information. We provided two fleece tie–blankets as give–away prizes and assisted families with
activities.
B. AMP is represented on the following boards, committees, panels, meetings:
Group name – TIPP (Teen Information Pregnancy Prevention), Webster County Family Development
Council
Board name – Maria Weydert, Secretary for Webster County Family Development Council
C. AMP Council advocacy work:
Three youth from our Fort Dodge AMP Council attended the AMP Day on the Hill in January to
advocate for the AMP Legislative Agenda and we visited with the following legislators: Senator Daryl
Beall and Representative Helen Miller.
Our local legislators, Senator Daryl Beall and Representative Helen Miller, are invited to attend our
Council meetings each month.
D. List Facilitator attended trainings for AMP:
Youth PQA Basics – February 17, 2012 – Maria Weydert
Cultural Competency Training – February 2, 2012 – Maria Weydert
E. Requested Trainings for Facilitators/Support/Agency:
Mental Health First Aid
Amplify Your Voice
F. AMP Policy needs or policy implementations that have happened within your Council:
Section 3: Measure of Service Capacity
A. Staffing:
Maria Weydert, Facilitator
B. Volunteers/Adult Supporter:
Joe Fisher, transporter for surrounding counties funded with Decat funds
Shauna Derry, Support Person
Nancy Hilpipre – Aftercare Specialist
Linda Cline, ISU Extension 4–H Leader
C. Estimated time spent transporting by facilitator: five hours a month depending on activities
Estimated time spent transporting by support worker: five hours a month
Estimated time spent transporting by partnership agency: five hours a month
D. Estimated number of miles traveled per month: 100 miles
E. Estimated amount of time spent setting up/organizing a Council meeting: 2–3 hours
F. Equipment:
The Carver Grant equipped our Council with a laptop, projector, screen, and recorder in June and our
plans are to record service announcements for upcoming awareness months on Domestic Violence and
other topics. We will also use this equipment to record youth “journeys” to assist with speech
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preparation. Any member who would like to present a topic to the group will also be able to use the
equipment during meetings.
G. Website:
The AMP Website was fully operational on January 1, 2012. In the future, we plan to have the website
up during each meeting for youth to view and add suggestions regarding content. I will attempt to
identify a responsible youth who would like to collaborate with me on updating the site periodically with
our Council activities.
a. Website-Featured Youth Work:
Currently our Council has several well–prepared speakers, and I would like to use the website to
highlight those youth presenting their journeys and to promote AMP state–wide. We also have some
very talented writers and I feel the website would be a great forum for their poems and writings.
H. Permanency/Transitional Planning:
There is ongoing informal discussion on this topic amongst members. Nancy Hilpipre is in regular
attendance of our meetings and the youth are aware of her position as an Aftercare Specialist. Youth are
familiar with the TIP Manual. There are no Dream Teams in our area.
I. Council Priorities:
I hope to get our local DHS more involved in AMP to help with ideas and expand on the things they feel
youth in our area placed out of the home need. I hope to have an open house event highlighting our
collaboration with Youth Shelter Care. I hope to improve and increase our collaboration with Rabiner
Treatment Center so that AMP can serve more youth in our area.
Sioux City:
Submitted by Mary Elks – New Facilitator is Jolene Dixon
Sioux City AMP Council
Section 1: Measure of Performance
F. Meeting Location/Meeting Day/Time
March 15, 2012
Number of Youth attended: 8
March 29, 2012
Number of Youth attended: 2
April 12, 2012
Number of Youth attended: 8
April 26, 2012
Number of Youth attended:2
May 10, 2012
Number of Youth attended: 2
May 24, 2012
Number of Youth attended: 3
June 7, 2012
Number of Youth attended: 0
June 21, 2012
Number of Youth attended: 0
In March we started to have meetings again, while we advertised for a new facilitator. Our meetings
were very basic, not much to them as we were unsure of attendance and we did change locations at that
time as well. Although the CEO has not attended any meetings, myself, and the Director of Residential
Services were running the meetings. We are now holding meetings on the first and third Thursdays of
the month from 5:00 – 6:30 p.m. at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in Sioux City. At this time we have not
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had any speakers attend, we have just been meeting and talking about locations and trying to get the
youth engaged. We have yet to have more than ten youth attend; most of the youth were from the Iowa
Aftercare program with the exception of one youth from Supervised Apartment Living (SAL).
We did have one youth who was trained on AMP while in placement on the other side of the state. He
was in the SAL program. We did give Branden the duty of contacting youth to let them know about
meetings and he enjoyed keeping Facebook updated as well. Branden did get his GED and moved into
the Aftercare program. We had another youth have a baby and we gave her a card and money for her
and her new baby. Because we are so new to AMP, we are still trying to learn the ropes, but we are
working on getting youth involved.
G. Youth Leadership Titles:
N/A
H. Youth Feedback Box:
N/A
I. Recognition of Major Life Events:
Who: Vanessa
Event: Had a baby
How it was recognized by AMP: Card with money.
J. Media Recognition:
N/A
K. How youth have benefited from AMP?
At this point I can only hope they are feeling a sense of belonging and there are adults who care about
them.
Section 2: Measure of Coordination/Collaboration
A. Collaborations:
Our Council has an on–going relationship with the following community groups who provide us with
the listed service:
Siouxland Human Investment Partnership who provide us with a grant for all aspects of AMP.
AMP has completed the following service activities this report period: N/A
AMP has completed speaking engagements as listed: N/A
B. AMP is represented on the following boards, committees, panels, meetings:
Siouxland Human Investment Partnership
C. AMP Council advocacy work:
N/A
D. List Facilitator attended trainings for AMP:
Youth PQA Basics – February 17, 2012– Mary Elks
Cultural Competency Training – Cultural diversity training on December 20, 2011–Mary Elks
E. Requested Trainings for Facilitators/Support/Agency:
Mental Health First Aid
Amplify Your Voice
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F. AMP Policy needs or policy implementations that have happened within your Council: NA
Section 3: Measure of Service Capacity
A. Staffing:
We did replace the facilitator in Sioux City. Jolene is just getting started. She is looking for a support
worker to help.
B. Volunteers/Adult Supporter:
Carol Marker and Jen Sjuts - help from the Iowa Aftercare Program in Sioux City.
transported some kids and attended a few meetings.
They have
C. Estimated time spent transporting by facilitator: 0
Estimated time spent transporting by support worker: 0
Estimated time spent transporting by partnership agency: we did give a ride home to one youth and
there were a couple of meetings the Aftercare worker gave someone a ride. Probably added up to a one
hour total.
D. Estimated number of miles traveled per month: Because of the special circumstance, we have been
traveling over 400 miles a month to run meetings.
E. Estimated amount of time spent setting up/organizing a Council meeting: at 20 minutes, but again
not realistic, because of our circumstances of just trying to get kids to come and meet.
F. Equipment:
The Carver Grant equipped all ten Councils with a laptop, projector, screen, recorder and more. In our
Council we have used the equipment to communicate via email with each other.
G. Website:
The AMP Website was fully operational on January 1, 2012. Our Council page is updated and
maintained by Jolene. In the future, we plan to talk about the website and teach them keep the youth
attentive to the website.
a. Website-Featured Youth Work:
N/A
H. Permanency/Transitional Planning:
N/A
I. Council Priorities:
Right now we need to try and get youth to our meetings. We are working with foster parents support
groups in the area and making phone calls to foster parents in the area with teens. We are also in contact
with Crittenton Shelter and they will hopefully be bringing youth. Our facilitator is working on a
support person as well; she has a potential foster parent with youth who might be interested. We have a
long way to go, but I feel we are moving forward. Because of our change in facilitators we did not hold
any meeting in January or February of 2012.
Waterloo:
Submitted by Teanna Smart
Waterloo AMP Council
Section 1: Measure of Performance
A. Meeting Location/Meeting Day/Time
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January 10, 2012
Topic: FAFSA/ETV Night
Guest Speaker: Julie Voss and Angela Weekley
Feedback Sheet Score:
Youth Leadership Role: AMP–CC Alma Avdic handed out all paperwork and attendance sheet
Number of Youth attended: 11
February 14, 2012
Topic: Valentine Party and Shared Our Journeys
Guest Speaker:
Feedback Sheet Score:
Youth Leadership role: AMP–CC was in charge of attendance sheets, setting up snacks and clean–up
Number of Youth attended: 13
February 28, 2012
Topic: Watched August Rush– a child estranged from parents then placed in Foster Care. August
searches for his parents until he finds them.
Guest Speaker:
Feedback Sheet Score:
Youth Leadership role: AMP youth sets up TV/DVD, attendance sheet, snacks and clean–up
Number of Youth attended: 12
March 13, 2012
Topic: We finished the August Rush movie
Guest Speaker:
Feedback Sheet Score:
Youth Leadership role:
Number of Youth attended: 12
March 27, 2012
Topic: AMP spoke to a class of sixth graders and teachers at St. Edwards Catholic School, about their
Foster Care experiences, needs/wants how to improve their life in Foster Care and plans after Foster
Care.
Guest Speaker:
Feedback Sheet Score:
Youth Leadership role:
Number of Youth attended: 14
April 10, 2012
Topic: Conflict Management Educational and Vocational Topic and Satisfaction Surveys
Guest Speaker:
Feedback Sheet Score:
Youth Leadership role: Attendance Sheet, handouts, snacks and clean–up
Number of Youth attended: 12
April 24, 2012
Topic: Game Night and Satisfaction surveys
Guest Speaker:
Feedback Sheet Score:
Youth Leadership role: Youth chose the games and activities, attendance sheet, snack and clean–up
Number of Youth attended: 12
May 8, 2012
Topic: AMP youth spoke to Stuff Etc. about donating proceeds to AMP, AMP set–up a clothing account
and items donated to AMP’s account the youth will receive clothing vouchers to purchase items from
Stuff Etc.
Guest Speaker:
Feedback Sheet Score:
Youth Leadership role:
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Number of Youth attended: 11
May 22, 2012
Topic: Financial Literacy and Money Management and Satisfaction Surveys
Guest Speaker: Angela Weekley
Feedback Sheet Score:
Youth Leadership role:
Number of Youth attended: 13
June 26, 2012
Topic: Anger Management Educational/Vocational Topic
Guest Speaker:
Feedback Sheet Score:
Youth Leadership role:
Number of Youth attended: 6
June 29, 2012
Topic: Governor’s Volunteer Award
Guest Speaker:
Feedback Sheet Score:
Number of Youth attended: 3
Jim Ernst, our agency CEO, attended the AMP meeting on June 26, 2012.
B. Youth Leadership Titles:
Our Council has the following Youth Leadership Titles:
AMP CC: Breanna Dailing
AMP CC: Alma Avdic
Greeter: Precious Coleman
C. Youth Feedback Box:
Our Council added a feedback box on July 1.
D. Recognition of Major Life Events:
Who: Precious Coleman and Alma Avdic
Event: Graduation
How it was recognized by AMP: Community Foster Care Graduation/Open Party and transition
suitcase: pillow, pillow case, comforter, sheet set, alarm clock, calculator, gift cards, Tupperware set,
tools, pot/pans set, dishes, bath towels, and dish towels.
E. Media Recognition:
Area Foster Care Youth Graduation/Open House article in the Waterloo/Cedar Falls Courier.
F. How youth have benefited from AMP?
AMP youth have benefited from AMP because of the various topics and information provided for them
at our meetings and events. AMP youth have made connections with area community for support.
Section 2: Measure of Coordination/Collaboration
A. Collaborations:
Our Council has an on–going relationship with the following community groups who provide us with
the listed service:
Transition Youth Initiative Advisory provides us with snacks each week.
University of Northern Iowa and Waterloo Schools Staff provides us with small gifts for various
holidays etc.
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AMP has completed the following service activities this report period:
AMP youth made tie blankets for area graduates.
AMP youth put together hair care packages for youth in Foster Care.
AMP has completed speaking engagements as listed:
To whom:
Approximate number in attendance:
Veridian Credit Union
13
Stuff Etc.
11
St. Edward’s Catholic School
14
Governor’s Volunteer Award Ceremony
3
AMP has co–hosted activities with Iowa Kids Net. Our part was set–up/clean–up and applying tattoos
on the kid’s faces.
B. AMP is represented on the following boards, committees, panels, meetings:
Transitioning Youth Initiative Advisory – Teanna Smart
C. AMP Council advocacy work:
The Waterloo AMP Council advocated for the following legislative issues locally. We attended the
AMP Day on the Hill in January to advocate for the AMP Legislative Agenda.
Our local legislators that we have invited to our Council meetings are: Deborah Berry, Bruce Braley,
Mayor Clark and Mayor Crews.
Thinking ahead to next year, our youth have identified the following legislative issues:
Sealing juvenile records when they turn 18, and uniform credit system for school.
Within our Council, we have the following educational hurdles:
Some educational hurdles that our Council has experienced are when the youth move throughout
different school systems, they lose credits which puts them behind in school/grades. The youth become
upset and discouraged, they start performing poorly in school, and they do not work to their full
potential.
D. List Facilitator attended trainings for AMP:
Youth PQA Basics – February 17, 2012 – Teanna Smart
E. Requested Trainings for Facilitators/Support/Agency:
Mental Health First Aid
Amplify Your Voice
F. AMP Policy needs or policy implementations that have happened within your Council:
Section 3: Measure of Service Capacity
A. Staffing: Teanna Smart
B. Volunteers/Adult Supporter:
Patricia Smart
Kathy Berns
Debbie Fitkin Harley Luck
Ellen Vanderloo
Deb Umbdenstock
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C. Estimated time spent transporting by facilitator: 1 hour each meeting
Estimated time spent transporting by support worker: N/A
Estimated time spent transporting by partnership agency: N/A
D. Estimated number of miles traveled per month:120–150
E. Estimated amount of time spent setting up/organizing a Council meeting: 2–4 hours depending on
the meeting
F. Equipment:
The Carver Grant equipped all ten Councils with a laptop, projector, screen, recorder and more. In our
Council we have used the equipment to assist our guest speaker present information to the youth about
financial literacy. The youth also plan to use the equipment to utilize the internet to fill out job
applications and search information on area colleges.
G. Website:
The AMP Website was fully operational on January 1, 2012. Our Council page is updated and
maintained by Teanna Smart. The youth report: about the website. In the future, we plan to have more
projects and stories from the youth keep the youth attentive to the website.
a. Website-Featured Youth Work:
Three youth were interviewed to share their stories on the website, but there have been issues with
getting signatures from parent/guardians or their worker is not in this area. Now that we have the
voice recorders for interviewing, there is now another alternative.
H. Permanency/Transitional Planning:
Our agency provides Aftercare/PAL services. DHS has continued Dream Team meetings with the youth
even though there isn’t an agency running the program. The area Transition Specialist has a great
relationship with the youth in our Council.
I. Council Priorities:
This Council needs to work on increasing the attendance. Some goals are to build more partnerships
with the community and area agencies. The Council would like to do more service projects in the
community. This Council needs more volunteers or mentors from the community to build life–long
connections.
This concludes the individual AMP Council reports.
2. Conduct an agency approved youth survey to measure Council participants' satisfaction of overall
Council operation annually and submit to the Agency within thirty days of the end of each annual
contract year. The survey will measure participant satisfaction with the Council and effectiveness of
Council projects and activities, including training received.
SEE ATTACHMENT 5: AMP YOUTH SATISFACTION SURVEY – June 2012
The Youth Policy Institute of Iowa conducted the AMP Youth Satisfaction Survey and compiled the results
in the attached report. 215 Surveys were completed. Interesting facts coming out of the report include:
48% of the youth have been with AMP less than six months.
22% of the youth have been with AMP over two years.
44% of the youth attend “almost every meeting.”
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This demonstrates AMP recruitment efforts to reach more youth are working and that AMP programing is
meeting the needs of a significant number of youth who are voluntarily choosing to attend for more than two
years.
Based on the report, over 99% of the youth feel welcome at AMP meetings and events. 97% of youth
members report treating each other with respect. One expects the adults to treat the youth with respect so
this percentage is high as well but the fact that the youth respect each other demonstrates the cohesiveness
of the group and how they relate to each other in their shared journeys. 100% of the youth report increased
knowledge of supports and services available to them once they attend AMP. That is a significant finding in
that we know AMP works to get information to youth. Knowing this is happening opens up AMP meetings
for many services to be featured and solidifies the information is getting to the right people.
The report also features responses based on leadership opportunities provided to the youth. If a youth has
been involved with AMP, 66% of the youth have accepted leadership opportunities. 40% of these leaders
are new to AMP. The fact they feel comfortable enough to step up and be a leader reinforces their safety
level and comfort level within the Councils.
The survey also has open ended questions that allow the reader to gain insight into AMP and youth. All the
contractual outcome measures (addressed later in this report) are met based on survey answers.
3. Develop a procedure for participants to formally offer suggestions and/or register written complaints.
Also, notice all participants of their right to do so.
AMP has a form with instructions posted on our website for easy access. It covers both options for
feedback and provides easy instructions to give feedback or make concerns known. To date, the comments
received have been primarily questions about accessing resources or locating resources. There have been
three requests from community people to be added to the agenda mailing list of a particular Council. There
have been no complaints reported. The website comments are fed directly into the YSS system and
distributed to the Statewide Coordinator to handle.
As you can see from the individual Council reports, some Councils have installed the feedback and
complaint boxes within their meeting site. To date, none of the messages have made it to the Statewide
Coordinator from the Council feedback boxes.
In testing our Facebook feedback loop, (AMP has presented questions through this medium), we could
begin to gather ideas from the youth with Facebook access to see what they suggest we offer all participants
for suggestions/complaints feedback and then incorporate those suggestions into future procedure. To date,
no feedback has been received from this option.
The final method we can develop procedure from with decent results is to host a Focus Group Call and ask
questions to create discussion. Focus Group calls were help again in March with information gathered
being incorporated into training materials and into research needed by collaborative partners.
1.3.1.6 Quality Assurance and Program Improvement Activities
1. Develop and implement an internal continuous quality assurance process using data analysis, process
and practice modification, supervision, and other methods.
With great appreciation and thanks to Carol Behrer, YPII Executive Director, and Consultant for AMP, an
ongoing evaluation process has been developed, presented, and implemented. YSS directed the Satisfaction
Survey to happen twice a year. The AMP plan is for October/November and April/May. Facilitators are to
make the forms available to all youth, at both meetings, for two months so that each youth has a chance to
reply to one survey. We know our attendance fluctuates so we want to gather from more than just one
meeting to gather the most information. They surveys are gathered and mailed directly to the Youth Policy
Institute of Iowa (YPII) for analysis.
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Additional feedback and evaluation tools developed by YPII include the: youth feedback opportunity —
general and youth feedback opportunity — guest speaker. These forms are given locally and processed
locally or they can be sent into the Statewide Coordinator for processing. The results of these forms are to
decide if programming is meeting needs and expectations. The Facilitator and agency staff would take note
of the results and can adjust programming before the Coordinator would need to take action.
2. Develop and implement a Quality Improvement System which involves input from participants, staff,
and collaborating partners.
AMP has a few quality improvement systems in development. First, the YPQA and the formal training of
AMP Facilitators on Positive Youth Development was trained by Amy Croll, LMSW, Executive Director,
Community! Youth Concepts (CYC). On February 16, 2012, the Council Facilitators and their Agency
Supervisors were trained by Amy in the YPQA.
This fall, the Councils with YPQA trained facilitators will have an evaluator attend an AMP meeting to
conduct the YPQA. The Facilitators hired since February, will attend the YPQA Basics Training with Amy
(set up by their agencies on various dates – various locations) and be evaluated next spring with the YPQA
Tool. The Statewide Coordinator has arranged to consult with Amy and connected Facilitators/Agencies to
the registration process. AMP believes the evaluations will go best if the Facilitator is knowledgeable about
Positive Youth Development and how the assessment tool measures the interactions. This being the belief,
it was put in the partnership contracts that the new Facilitators be trained by Amy this fall.
A second quality improvement system is discussed multiple times in this report as the work of Carol Behrer,
Executive Director, Youth Policy Institute of Iowa in the form of feedback surveys.
A third quality improvement system involves all the new options youth and others have to get feedback to
us. AMP now has an interactive website, a Facebook account and we are hosting focus group calls.
A fourth quality improvement system AMP is implementing is adding more protocol to our AMP
Operations Manual. This manual is currently under revision to make it more user–friendly and also to
upgrade it to CARF standards.
3. Provide access to monthly Clinical Supervision for Local Council Facilitators, volunteers, and
leadership staff involved with the Youth Council.
The AMP Statewide Coordinator has a Master’s Degree and 25 years in the field of social work. The
Statewide Coordinator is available to staff as requested. Additionally, AMP Facilitators and Supervisors are
requested on a monthly statewide conference call (the second Tuesday of each month) for an hour of
reciprocal updates. Additionally, AMP Facilitators and Supervisors attend a quarterly face–to–face meeting
where programming needs are addressed and where training is offered.
Since AMP is subcontracted to eight Partnership Agencies, each of the Council Facilitators and their support
staff are directly supervised by staff within the agency. To support the Facilitators and the Agencies, the
Statewide Coordinator is available for conference calls, meetings, and additional supervision requests as
needed.
Within YSS, the Statewide Coordinator has regular supervision with George Belitsos, CEO of the Lead
Agency and Terri Johanson, Rosedale/Aftercare Director and Ames Service Area Leader, on a regular basis.
Terri Bailey and the Statewide Coordinator are part of this supervision.
Additionally, the Statewide Coordinator, Terri Bailey, the Assistant Coordinator and Cheryl Johnson, the
Education/Vocation Coordinator at CFI meet for Supervision and AMP Planning at least twice a month and
we have multiple emails exchanged to facilitate fulfilling all programmatic needs. Cheryl seconds as the
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support worker for the Des Moines Council meetings so is directly involved with the largest AMP Council
and is the primary staff located in Des Moines for the AMP youth to access as needed.
4. Conduct and maintain records absent of any Criminal History or Child Abuse for all paid staff and
volunteers who work directly with Children and Youth.
This program requirement is carried out by all eight subcontractors for the staff and volunteers they have
involved in AMP.
YSS has a Volunteer Coordinator and a Human Resources Department that oversees all the files and safety
checks for Youth and Shelter Services. All staff files are checked and cleared before employment or
volunteering can begin. AMP is directly benefitting from having ISU interns. Last semester we had two
and we have one for the summer. This increases all we can do as more workers means more
accomplishments.
5. Maintain all programmatic and financial records related to the services funded under this Contract in
a secure physical location.
Response provided by Nancy Kaltenheuser — Chief Fiscal Officer
Clara Wendt is the AMP Financial Specialist. Clara is supervised by Nancy Kaltenheuser. Clara also
manages IASN, so her interactions with the partnership agencies are multi–faceted.
All financial records are maintained in the YSS Fiscal Office located at 420 Kellogg Ave, Ames, Iowa.
Records are kept in a locked file in the Fiscal Office. The office is locked when staff are not in.
6. Will facilitate up to three formal focus groups outside of regular Council meetings in the first year to
address a high priority issue(s). The Contractor and the Agency may collaborate to select a topic or
topics, with the Agency providing final approval.
AMP hosted two Statewide Focus Group Calls on March 14, and 15, 2012. December 28, 29, and 30, 2011.
Each call lasted one hour and was open to all youth in Iowa. The announcement of the scheduled call was
sent out to the Council Facilitators and the Partnership Agencies for distribution to their contact lists and
their youth, electronically. Call in instructions and topics were provided on the announcement.
March 14, 2012
4:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Call Facilitator: Becca T.
Topic: Father’s Rights – does he have any? Does he need more or less?
Conference Call notes for March 14, 2012: Father’s Rights
Also invited to share on the call: Roxanne Thompson and Kelly Malone
Roxanne Thompson FIP
 3– year grant started on October 10– When child (age 0–17) placed in Foster Care they are
assigned to someone in FIP so they can look for all relatives to connect with child. In over 26
counties in Iowa.
 AMP wants to be involved with FIP
 Think we should be looking for fathers earlier.
Discussion Questions:
When case plan opened was father included? How was he involved throughout?
 Father was forced to at first and was not very engaged, later on became more involved.
 Nicole– Dad gave up rights right away. Found her dad at Christmas time when staying with
grandma.
 Christian– Father signed away rights right away
Benefits of having involved father
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John– they can be a role model and you can grow from just being around them. Gives you better
outlook on life.
 Chris– Role model. They help and care about you.
 Randy– Role model and support system.
 Jake– Gave him normalcy. Had someone there for him for tough times.
 Nicole– Wish father would have stayed involved– Mom already going to prison so she needed
someone. She had to work even harder to stay connected to family.
Suggestions of how to stay connected or get connected
 Facebook and DHS, but DHS is always swamped
 Once rights are terminated with parents they don’t look for other family members.
 Important to look for family members right away.
 Roxanne’s project allows to look for father and also relatives of father.
 Should not contact any relatives without DHS’s approval.
 Some kids have used Google white and yellow pages to find addresses to write letters.
 Can also find them in prison– Google department of corrections to search
 Maps.com and enter parents’ information.
Why aren’t fathers involved?
 Some fathers are selfish, only care about themselves not children
 Some fathers pick addictions over their kids
 Safety issues
 Death
 Thought kids would run away
 Doesn’t want to be around the mother, or thinks the child is better off with the mother.
 Financial issues
 Father didn’t know where the children were
 Dads weren’t excited during pregnancy and Mother ended up trying to keep kids from seeing Dads.
 Some fathers have come back and said that mothers lied about them.
 Feel like both parents should have a chance to prove that they can parent– but some kids feel like
they would be trapped in the middle as a mediator.
 Sometimes there are too many barriers to allow fathers to be involved– not necessarily that they
don’t want to be involved.
What steps should a friend do if he found he was going to be a father?
 Go get a paternity test (many places to get one).
 Most of the guys on the call would want to know that their girlfriend was pregnant and would be
willing to take on the responsibility.
What should AMP advocate for on father’s rights at 2013 legislative session?
 Kids would like a filled out family tree in permanent file before parent rights are terminated so they
can look into their roots when they are old enough.
 Kids should have a choice before rights are terminated.
 Other states are allowing to have some documents stay open (not sure which ones, but medical
would be nice)
 What do the youth want to know about their biological family?
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March 15, 2012
8:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Call Facilitator: Terri B.
Topic: GAL / Attorney – different roles, different services, Advocacy????
Call Notes: AMP Call March 15, 2012 Lawyers and Guardian ad litem
Can be together or separate in a court case
Want youth to understand legal representation when going to court
Many youth don’t have contact or don’t know how to contact GAL
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Annie
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GAL or lawyer don’t have to be on approved call list
No GAL if you are in juvenile delinquency court
DHS case will automatically have one person assigned to case as lawyer or GAL
Attorney is for finding the legal way to get what client wants
GAL is to figure out what is in the youth’s best interest (what is best for child)
Will typically be the same person in the beginning
Becomes two different people when what the client wants and what is best for child is different
Lawyers can’t talk to people who have lawyers without permission of that person
GAL is responsible for interviewing the client prior to every hearing
No requirement of how many times they need to interview client, but needs to see each placement
that the client may go to
 Best place for youth to be is with the family as long as family is proven to be a safe environment
 Due to age a GAL may not be required to pursue a client
 DHS always looks at a relative placement first before other options
 Delinquency cases mostly kept separate from CINA case.
 Smaller counties have harder time getting GALs.
 Attorneys are assigned to several cases (200–250)
 Supervising attorney stays the same, but student attorney can change multiple times.
 Everything is confidential between client and lawyer, not necessarily with a GAL.
Has this information been helpful?
 Derek said it was helpful. Didn’t even know what a GAL was. Would feel comfortable asking a
judge for a separate GAL.
What is best way to get this information out to our youth?
 Maybe make it an ice breaker for meetings
 Make it a separate training or fun activity (skits)
 Write it up and send it out
 Use Middleton Center to set up a mock trial and put it on the website
 Word of mouth
What do you think that youth or AMP can do to make relationship better with GAL before you go to court?
 GAL not usually allowed at AMP meetings (confidentiality)
 Youth should call, email, or write the attorney themselves (makes it more personal)
 Youth need to initiate contact to build relationship
 Can Skype or video chat
Other Comments
 Deferments don’t usually show up on iowacourtsonline.com unless charges are filed.
As you can read, good information was gathered from youth. This information was shared with the adults
and leaders requesting it for programing needs. For AMP youth, legislative ideas were gathered and will be
re–addressed during our summer sessions to see if any of the issues presented would like to be advocated
for.
7. Youth Program Quality Assessment shall be used for all chapters and results will inform quality
improvement activities.
See Section 1.3.1.6 — Program Improvement Systems for the plan developed with Amy Croll, LMSW,
Executive Director, Community! Youth Concepts (CYC).
AMP Facilitators, staff and Partnership Agency Supervisors were trained in February 2012, by Amy on
Positive Youth Development and the YPQA concepts. YPQA Assessments will be completed in the fall of
2012.
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Upon completion of the YPQA and after obtaining the results and sharing those with each individual
Council, quality improvement activities will be planned and reported on by the Statewide Coordinator.
8. Staff training in cultural competency shall be provided annually. The Contractor shall provide
documentation that Council Facilitators and the Statewide Coordinator attend cultural competency
training annually.
Training on Cultural Competency was presented at the Annual Risky Business Conference in May 2012.
All AMP Facilitators and the Statewide Coordinator have been asked to attend this training and send the
Statewide Coordinator a copy of their certificate of completion. I have certificates or email documentation
from all but the newly hired facilitators.
AMP staff participate in the YSS Diversity Task Force which plans in house trainings and promotes
attendance at out–of–agency diversity conferences.
9. Participate in an annual all Contractors' meeting.
George Belitsos, CEO of YSS, lead agency of this contract, would be the one to attend this.
1.3.1.7 Evidence Based and Promising Practices
1. Utilize the federal Child and Family Services Review (CFSR) process and the accompanying Child
Welfare Outcomes and indicators.
Both AMP youth and staff have served on the CFSR review teams and worked in committee to discuss and
decide a path for Iowa to take in improving Iowa’s child welfare system. From these meetings, the PIP
(Program Improvement Plan) was developed. This 93 page document, which can be accessed at
http://www.dhs.state.ia.us/Consumers/ChildWelfare/BR4K/CFSR/ChildandFamilyServiceReview.html lists
the benchmarks and tasks for each area Iowa is targeting. AMP youth and staff are involved with each
individual benchmark that targets youth/child–welfare from definitions to a Bill of Rights. AMP applies the
quality assessments to our program just as they are required of Iowa.
The CFSR Outcomes are: Safety, Permanency, Academic Preparation, Skill Development, and Well Being.
Safety is achieved through safe meeting locations, a safety net within meeting of unconditional acceptance
and equality of attenders, phone, email and texting access to facilitators and statewide coordinator, all staff
are trained as mandatory reporters, all attendees are supported equally in goal–setting, and goal–
achievement without prejudice. One of the leading messages within AMP is that we are all connected by
the journey’s we are on. Being on that journey, makes all of us accountable to each other as well as to
ourselves so staying within the youth–driven model, AMP has safety from the youth by the youth for
accountability in the pursuit of healthy goals.
Permanency is achieved based on each youth’s definition of the term and how they pursue this as a goal.
AMP accepts permanency to one is not permanency to all so each youth is supported in setting their path,
and guided with resources, supports, and directions when asked as they pursue long–term permanency.
When AMP was known as elevate, a DVD was made on “What Is Permanency” by the youth and it remains
available to educate others.
Academic Preparation is achieved in multiple ways. First, each Facilitator has access to Cheryl Johnson,
Education/Vocation Specialist. Cheryl’s position does education and vocation outreach in each Council’s
community to assist in information gathering and distribution. For more information see Cheryl’s report
included. Second, each Council has access to an IDHS Transitional Living Specialist that can meet with
youth, provide resources and hands–on support to assist all youth in setting goals, forms, options,
explanations and more. These individuals frequently split their time between a Council or two so all the
attenders meet them. Third, AMP has hosted college visits, virtual tours, computer access to the
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Department of Education information, form-filling–out evenings for youth to work together as well as
linked work with financial options by the Iowa College Aid Commission. See individual Council reports
for more each one offers in this area.
Skill Development is achieved primarily through the program portion of each Council meeting and through
the speaking engagements AMP youth participate in. It is said by most that with each activity, there is
reciprocal learning and skill development that happens. AMP youth report this outcome and frequently ask
for more opportunities and activities. From meeting and greeting each other, to computer use of the website
to public and media presentations, skills are promoted, developed, and demonstrated. Each retreat focuses
on additional skills the youth have requested to learn. AMP is committed to increasing opportunities for
more youth to build as many skills as we can expose them to.
Well Being is achieved within AMP by equality, acceptance, recognition, praise, belief and promotion of
each youth, at their own comfort level, to advance healthy goals they setting. Please refer to program
outcomes for youth’s comments on the impact AMP has had with them.
2. Align activities with the Agency's Model of Child Welfare and Juvenile Justice Practice and embrace
the Family Interaction strategy.
AMP works in collaboration with the Children Justice Initiative about issues and activities related to
juvenile court. During the report period, AMP completed and submitted for approval two Blue Sheets that
expand the work and direction of the Children’s Justice Initiative.
SEE ATTACHMENT 6: BLUE SHEET – FROM YOUTH FOR SYSTEM CHANGE
SEE ATTACHMENT 7: BLUE SHEET – IDEAS BY YOUTH FOR YOUTH
In regards to family interaction, AMP is open to parent or foster parent attending with their youth, brothers
and sisters attending together and advocating for all youth as they interact with the child welfare system.
Through the “Get It Right” guidebook AMP youth brought to life the issues that youth in care encounter:
lack of basic knowledge of the DHS and Court system, adult roles, youth rights within the system, and who
to contact if their rights are not being met. Parents are offered trainings and support at several partner
agencies where AMP Councils hold their bi–monthly meetings, these training occur at the same time as
AMP so it is convenient for parents to attend. Family interaction is a pathway to permanency for youth and
keeping those connections to family are very important. AMP youth understand the need for permanency
and often say that AMP is their family.
AMP also is working in collaboration with the Parent Partner Program in all the counties it is currently
located in and AMP has advocated for Parent Partners to be expanded.
AMP advocates for the Kinship Care and Kinship Placements. AMP has worked closely with Roxanne
Thompson, Finding Families for Iowa Children (FIC) that promotes the location of at least one supportive
adult for each of Iowa’s hard to place children. Permanent connections are the goals for this program and if
those connections are relatives, it is a double win for the youth involved. AMP is working with FIC to also
connect the youth to AMP so they have supports and resources with other youth that can relate to their
experiences.
3. Develop a program which reflects the racial, cultural, ethnic diversity of youth in Foster Care.
All AMP Councils reflect the diversity of youth in Foster Care, depending where each Council is located in
the state. Urban Councils are more diverse because their members come from cities where the population
consists of multi–racial youth and varied cultures depending on the location within the state. AMP is open
to any youth who wants to attend.
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Under development at this time is a Native American webpage for the AMP website that will connect
Native youth to resources and services just for them. This too is a service AMP is providing as we know
transportation and large group gatherings are not feasible for all youth.
Also answered in Section 1.3.1.2 answer 1 and 2
4. Develop a program which provides access to youth from all levels of Foster Care.
AMP is structured using local agencies who are already connected to shelter, residential, treatment, group
care, foster /adoptive parents and kinship providers. The employees of the local agencies all work with
youth in the placements previously listed so they can refer teens to the AMP program on their caseloads.
Several agencies also subcontract for Aftercare and PAL services with YSS and this reaches the age 18–21
youth.
Also answered in Section 1.3.1.2 answer 1 and 2
5. Promote significant adult relationships by involving foster parents, biological parents, and other
adults as appropriate.
See response in Section 1.3.1.2 answer 1 and 2. Additionally, AMP has reached out to both the Iowa Foster
and Adoptive Parent Association and Iowa KidsNet Project to educate, offer training, and offer
articles/advertisements. AMP has submitted articles to the IFAPA newsletter and those are printed when
space allows.
AMP youth developed a permanency DVD that was purchased by Iowa KidsNet and written into the PS–
MAPP Curriculum. AMP staff heard that some trainers use the DVD. AMP continues to offer to personally
attend a session of PS–MAPP, if invited and available, to expose incoming foster/adoptive parents to AMP
and encourage them to consider accepting teens into their care. This DVD has been updated now in at least
two formats for website sharing and is featured on the AMP website for free viewing and showing.
AMP has worked with the Parent Partner (PP) program in Polk County to promote retaining ties to
biological families whenever possible and gave voice to the benefits for youth who need this hope in their
lives. It is well documented that many youth explore their roots after being in the system. AMP youth
concurred with PP philosophy that healthy connections can be learned and developed no matter what the
past has held for families.
One ongoing benefit to community adults and resources that AMP directly benefits statewide from is
provided to us through an interagency agreement with Children and Families of Iowa for Cheryl Johnson,
our Education/Vocation Specialist. In the past she has overseen the Apartment Make–Over Project, the
expansion of the Art Spoken Project for AMP Youth Artwork as well as providing measurable education
tools/subjects for AMP meetings. Her report follows.
Educational/Vocational Specialist Summary Report
Submitted by Cheryl Johnson
January – June 2012
The following is a summary of the projects and work groups the Educational/Vocational Specialist and
Educational/Vocational Assistant have been working on during this reporting period:
Education/Vocation Topics: During this reporting period, all Councils provided information to youth on
“Conflict Management” and “Anger Management”; pre– and post–tests were administered on these two
topics. A total of 83 youth received training on “Conflict Management.” According to pre– and post–tests,
76 youth improved their knowledge or stayed the same. Sessions were also conducted on “Anger
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Management,” with pre– and post–tests administered. Tests are still being gathered and scored from the
chapters at this time. At submission time of the previous report to DHS, pre and post tests were being
gathered from the sessions on “Taking Responsibility For Your Own Happiness”. Of the 90 youth who
received this training, 85 reported scores that were the same or better. Next quarter’s topic is focused on the
use of the “Virtual Access Point technology” – the computerized system being used by Iowa Workforce
Development to replace the workforce offices.
Elevate Our Youth to Adulthood/Transitioning Youth: During this reporting period, we began our fifth
annual Elevate Our Youth to Adulthood project. This project matches transitioning youth in Des Moines
with community group sponsors. This year we are providing a variety of options for sponsors: groups can
either do bedroom makeovers for AMP youth in CFI group care (and provide them with items they will
need in their transition from Foster Care), provide suitcases full of items needed by transitioning youth,
assist in making over bedrooms at the Family Violence Center, or in making over CFI visitation rooms.
Extra items gathered during the makeover process have been shared with many other AMP youth in
transition as well.
HALO Mentoring Program: During this reporting period, HALO (Helping And Loving Others) Mentoring
Program training occurred in Davenport on June 15–16 and in Waterloo on June 30.
Opportunity Passport: This worker has continued as the Opportunity Passport Provider for AMP youth that
are enrolled in the Opportunity Passport program, facilitating new youth eligibility requests, matched and
unmatched savings withdrawal requests, youth grant fund requests, twice annual survey completion, etc.
Community Resource referrals: This worker has continued to provide information about and referrals to a
variety of community resources for youth as needed, including Sequel Care, Goodwill, Freedom for Youth,
Planned Parenthood, Mainstream Living, Adult Services, Optimae, Job Corps, Iowa Workforce
Development, Buchanan House, food and energy assistance programs, etc.
Group Home Youth: This worker has conducted weekly life skills group sessions for AMP youth in CFI
group care, providing training at both the girls’ and boys’ program (average: 15 youth per week). Trainings
were provided on the value of money, banking basics, checking, resources, paying bills , meal planning on a
budget, thankfulness, family planning, riding the bus, DART bus route schedule planning, starting your own
holiday traditions, New Years’ resolutions/changes, job applications, resumes, preparing for AMP day on
the Hill, uncommon uses for common household items, finding resources in the phone book, inexpensive
dates and fun, job interview questions/role play, roommate issues, food cost comparisons and taste testing,
tenant rights, first aid, mental health wellness, career interest inventories, behavioral job interviewing
questions, what NOT to say in job interviews, miscommunications–how to give complete directions, etc.
Additional individual work has been done with a variety of these youth also, on specific skills needed for
independence. This worker has attended two DHS Transitional staffings this period to provide additional
assistance to youth, and has attended one Iowa Youth Dream Team.
College and Vocational Training Database: Work continues on keeping youth and Council facilitators
updated on scholarships and internships available to foster youth. This worker continues to assist youth
with college visits, college, and financial aid applications.
Training: This worker attended the CAPS conference on January 11–12, IFAPA annual conference on
February 2–3, Youth Program Quality Assurance training on February 16, Hague adoption training on April
24, 12 hours online training through Adoption Learning Partners, and the Risky Business Conference on
May 1.
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New Member Training and Council Visits: This worker visited the Fort Dodge AMP on January 26. This
worker continues to be the designated support person for the Des Moines AMP Council, and attended the
overwhelming majority of Des Moines AMP meetings this period.
Youth Work Readiness Program: CFI received a grant from Iowa Workforce Development to provide
educational and vocational support and training to youth age 14–18 in an eight county region. This worker
has been integral in the design of this new program, which is set to begin on July 2. Many AMP youth in
Des Moines and Ames are expected to qualify for this extra support.
The following are active work groups in which the Educational/Vocational Specialist has continued to
participate:
 Model Court: This worker has attended the regular Polk County Model Court meetings.
 Kinship Subcommittee: This Model Court subcommittee group meets regularly and primarily
focuses on the creation and testing of the Passport to Adulthood tool.
 Intentional Pregnancy Prevention Subcommittee: This Model Court subcommittee group meets
periodically to discuss the underlying reasons for such high rates of intentional, multiple pregnancies
with the youth we serve. Future goals include public awareness and education techniques.
 Adoption Saturday Subcommittee: This Model Court subcommittee group meets periodically to plan
Adoption Saturday events.
 Education Collaborative: This work group is a collaboration of DHS, DOE, and other professionals
focused on improving educational outcomes for foster youth.
 Transition to Adulthood/Community Partnership meeting: This group focuses on sharing resources
around youth transitioning into adulthood and meets quarterly to semi–annually.
 Speaking Engagements: AMP youth are frequently invited to share their stories and insights into the
world of Foster Care. This worker helped support a variety of these speaking engagements and
community events with appropriate youth participating, including the CAPS conference, AMP Day
on the Hill, etc.
 Policy and Outreach Work: This worker has continued to assist as needed, in writing or proof–
reading policies and procedures, the Get It Right Handbook, AMP Council Facilitator conference
calls and meeting minutes, AMP legislative agendas, email letters to state legislators, etc. This
worker has also continued to attend other meetings in addition to the committees listed above, to
help support the AMP mission, including meetings with Child and Family Policy Center, DMACC,
Parent Partners, etc.
6. Utilize youth development methods and approaches that nurture in participants a sense of
competency, influence, belonging, and value.
AMP youth come from a wide array of racial, cultural, ethnic, and religious backgrounds. All are
encouraged and welcome to join. AMP youth regularly share that they feel accepted in AMP, no matter
what their background. For many of our youth, this type of acceptance is new to them.
AMP youth are encouraged to express their individuality in many ways, including the recent addition of
“Youth Yak” to some of our Council meetings. Youth can volunteer to prepare a Youth Yak segment,
which allows them to showcase their talent, interest, hobby, or belief during a portion of the Council
meeting.
Additionally, all Councils begin each meeting with participants sharing mandatory “highs” and optional
“lows.” This has proven to be an informative part of all Council meetings, with youth frequently sharing
experiences that reflect their unique heritage and belief system. Many of the items shared have led to
requests from other AMP participants for additional information on the topic, often related to religious or
cultural experiences, or lifestyle choices.
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All Council Facilitators have been given information about diversity and group activities that help to
recognize and celebrate cultural differences in their participants. Further training on diversity is always
offered to youth and Facilitators at the annual AMP conference; for the second year AMP participants may
attend the Risky Business Conference to satisfy this training requirement.
7. Engage youth in decision making at all levels, to instill confidence and allow youth to develop
leadership experience.
All youth who have been in out-of-home placement at any time are welcome to attend AMP. AMP is
advertised through PS–MAPP classes — when foster parents are first getting trained, and through IFAPA —
which provides training and support to all interested foster and adoptive parents. AMP youth and staff train
new DHS workers about what AMP can do for youth on their caseload, and are increasingly reaching more
Juvenile Court personnel as well. AMP Facilitators maintain large agenda email lists, which advertise local
meetings to a wide variety of community and system involved professionals, encouraging them all to bring
youth to meetings. This is in addition to the multiple media (radio and newsprint) features completed this
report period as well as all the youth speaking engagements.
AMP has made important strides in reaching out to shelter, residential and group care facilities throughout
our coverage areas, encouraging them to bring youth and/or to allow AMP staff to come in and educate the
youth about what AMP can do for them. The continued expansion of the AMP website and Facebook page
are expected to increase the base of youth who are able to access our services. Some youth are not able to
attend meetings, but may be able to access the internet, allowing them to have a voice in issues regarding
Foster Care and to benefit from any information published on the website.
AMP has incorporated the following youth driven opportunities:
 At Council Meetings youth brainstorm ideas, discuss options, justify perspectives, and vote. All youth
have the same voting power within the Council.
 At AMP–CC Retreats — the same process occurs where youth voice is shared, options discussed and
challenged and a vote taken. These youth are their Council’s representatives and they hold this position
for a year before the next set is voted in by the local Council attenders.
 Focus Group Calls — Facilitated conversation on a current topic to gather youth perspective and gain
direction. In time, it is hoped youth will facilitate the calls.
 Facebook — Questions/answers and voting also available here.
 Website — Blogging is available.
 Youth decided name, colors, logo, vision, motto, and mission.
 Youth interview and vote on Council Facilitators and AMP Staff.
 Youth decide what topics and activities they what provided at Council meetings.
 Youth decide the Legislative Agenda.
 Youth decide the rules/procedures/protocol for AMP.
 Youth decide who represents them at AMP–CC.
 Youth decide who they want to address and how they want the message to be presented.
 Youth decide the strengths and needs of all aspects of the system and if changes are needed.
 Youth decide how to be recognized and they will decide the criteria for recognition for the next two
forms AMP is planning.
 Youth decide by vote on retreats, locations, foods provided, times of meetings, and almost every part of
the scheduling process.
 Youth decide “who” to share “what” with and “when” they want to share it.
 Youth write the ideas and sometimes the scripts for the DVD’s. Some DVD’s are not scripted.
 Youth brainstorm and then write the training materials AMP presents.
 Youth brainstormed how to recruit more youth.
 Youth brainstormed how to retain youth; to keep the meetings interesting enough to attend.
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

Youth define their own terms and how they want terms used or not used with them. They then take the
responsibility to educate others on their thinking.
Youth are writing a Recognition Plan for AMP youth, adults and others to be honored with more than
just gift cards.
This list could go on for many more pages. The process AMP has in place is to ask youth for any and all
decisions youth can make. Staff are allowed to challenge youth decisions by exposing them to different
facets of an issue or through education. In short, the AMP process is to provide as many leadership
opportunities as possible for AMP youth. AMP program leaders are to provide as many options as we have
youth; to allow each participant to gain confidence through success at what they are good at. AMP knows
one success is the foundation for the next one.
1.3.2 Performance Measures
Performance measures and targets are included as part of this Contract and will be used to assess the
Contractor's performance towards meeting the desired results. The performance measures and targets
included are the minimum performance expectations. If the methods or definitions in the performance
measures need clarification, the Agency and the Contractor may determine definitions and methods in
collaboration, with the Agency providing final approval. The performance as indicated below shall be
monitored by the Contractor and performance reported semi–annually in the semi–annual report (Scope
of Work Section 1.3.1.5) and will drive certain questions on the youth survey (Scope of Work Section
1.3.1.5.2). At minimum, the results of this Contract are:
1. Performance Measure 1: Youth will develop an Improved Support System.
a. At least 80% of participants report the Council has informed them about supports and services, as
indicated by survey response.
Answer: Of 215 Responses: 100% of youth Surveyed indicated AMP informs them of supports and
services available to them. Goal Achieved.
Source: ATTACHMENT 5: AMP April–May 2012 Survey Results
At least 80% of participants report the Youth Council, when surveyed by the Contractor, report
the Council staff understand the Foster Care System.
Answer: Of 215 Responses: 98.1% of the youth Surveys reported their facilitator understood the Foster
Care system. Goal Achieved.
Source: ATTACHMENT 5: AMP April–May 2012 Survey Results
2. Performance Measure 2: Youth will contribute to improvements in the Child Welfare System.
a. Youth participation in the Council will increase during each Contract year by at least five
percent:
During the negotiation process the agreed upon baseline was: July 2011, 176 youth attending.
Through the month of November 2011: AMP had served 1,161* youth.
Through the month of June 2012: AMP has served 2,809* youth. (Increased 1,678 youth since
November.) Goal Achieved.
*This number does include duplicated youth if they attend both meetings per month.
2,809 (total number of youth attending) / 94 (total meetings held in report period) = 29.88 youth
attending/meeting which meets contract requirements. Goal Achieved.
b. MEASUREMENT: The Contractor will measure participation using Local Council meeting sign
in sheets and will utilize previous year average Council participation as a baseline.
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Beginning in January 2012, the sign–in sheet noted new youth attending. Our records show a total of
250 new youth signed in January 1, 2012 to June 30, 2012** (when our numbers were available).
Goal Achieved.
Source: ATTACHMENT 3: AMP Attendance Report
3. Performance Measure 3: Youth Development
a. More than 50% of youth will experience a leadership role during the Contract year, as indicated
by a Contractor administered youth survey question, "In the past year, has the Council given you
at least one experience where you practiced leadership?"
Answer: Of 215 Responses: 66% say they have been in a leadership role. Goal Achieved.
Of those attending six months of more: 88% say they have been in a leadership role. Goal Achieved.
Of those attending six months of less: 40% say they have been in a leadership role.
Please see the list of leadership activities in the Survey. It is noted that many of the youth marked more
than one leadership opportunity they have been involved in.
Source: ATTACHMENT 5: AMP April–May 2012 Survey Results
4. Performance Measure 4: Permanency
a. At least 80% of participants will identify a Significant Adult Relationship during the Contract
year.
Answer: 89.6% of youth responded they have at least one significant, positive relationship with an adult
through AMP. Goal Achieved.
Source: ATTACHMENT 5: AMP April–May 2012 Survey Results
ATTACHMENTS:
1. MAP OF THE TEN ORIGINAL AMP COUNCIL LOCATIONS
2. MAP OF THE 14 AMP COUNCIL LOCATIONS
3. AMP ATTENDANCE REPORT
4. 2012–2013 RECRUITMENT PLAN
5. SEMI–ANNUAL SATISFACTION SURVEY – APRIL/MAY 2012
6. BLUE SHEET: FROM YOUTH FOR SYSTEM CHANGE
7. BLUE SHEET: IDEAS BY YOUTH FOR YOUTH
8. LAWS PASSED WITH AMP SUPPORT
Please note: there were many print media, television interviews, radio interviews and public presentations by
AMP youth, staff, and advocates submitted to DHS as they happened. Those have not been re–submitted with
this report due to space limitations however; many referenced within the Individual Council Reports as they
were activities and leadership opportunities.
Respectfully submitted,
Ruth I. E. Buckels, LMSW
AMP Statewide Coordinator
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MAP OF THE TEN ORIGINAL AMP COUNCIL LOCATIONS
 to  indicate
DHS Service Areas
USA
YSC
USA
U of I
FO
YSS
F2
IHYC
FR
USA
AHFA – American Home Finding Assoc.
Ottumwa
Council
(not
yet
operational)
USA – Children’s Square
Cherokee Council
Council Bluffs Council
Sioux City Council
FR – Family Resources
Davenport Council
SS/AMP/AMP Report 6-30-12
F2 – Foundation 2
Cedar Rapids Council
FO – Four Oaks
Waterloo Council
IHYC – Iowa Homeless Youth Centers
Des Moines Council
U of I – University of Iowa (Community Circle of Care)
Dubuque Council
YSS – Youth and Shelter Services
Ames Council
YHFS – Young House Family Services
Burlington Council (not yet operational)
YSC -88
Youth Shelter Care of North Central Iowa
Fort Dodge Council
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MAP OF THE 14 AMP COUNCIL LOCATIONS
 to  indicate
DHS Service Areas
FLYS
USA
HILL
YSC
USA
FO
F2
YSS
F2
IHYC
FR
USA
AHFA
YHFS
AHFA – American Home Finding Assoc.
Ottumwa Council (New 9/12)
USA – Children’s Square
Cherokee Council
Council Bluffs Council
Sioux City Council
FR – Family Resources
Davenport Council
F2 – Foundation 2
Cedar Rapids Council
Iowa City Council (New 7/12)
FO – Four Oaks
FLYS – Francis Lauer Youth Services
Mason City Council (New 12/12)
HILL – Hillcrest Family Services
Dubuque Council
IHYC – Iowa Homeless Youth Centers
Des Moines Council
YSS – Youth and Shelter Services
Ames Council
YHFS – Young House Family Services
Burlington Council (New 10/12)
YSC - Youth Shelter Care of North Central Iowa
Fort Dodge Council
Waterloo Council
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AMP ATTENDANCE REPORT
Agency
Children’s Square
(Cherokee)
Children’s Square
(Council Bluffs)
Children’s Square
(Sioux City)
Comm Circle of Care UI
(Dubuque)
Family Resources
(Davenport)
Foundation 2
(Cedar Rapids)
Four Oaks
(Waterloo)
Youth and Shelter Care
(Fort Dodge)
YSS – DM
YSS – Ames
Total
JULY
AUG
SEPT
OCT
NOV
A/1 A/2 A/1
DEC
JAN
A/1
A/2
A/1
A/2
A/1
A/2
10
C
5
2
5
2
C
C
C
C
2
C
0
9
10
10
17
17
28
4
0
14
23
22
31
5
C
4
1
C
8
4
0
2
1
1
6
C
4
8
C
C
2
6
3
7
17
30
17
22
13
15
15
16
16
9
11
C
C
15
16
11
25
0
4
4
10
14
15
10
6
9
10
12
9
13
18
22
17
26
27
20
23
19
10
15
100
109
90
108
115
FEB
MARCH
APRIL
MAY
JUNE
A/2 A/1 A/2 N A/1 A/2 N A/1 A/2 N A/1 A/2 N A/1 A/2 N A/1 A/2 N A/1 A/2 Total
C
C
0
C
C
3
3
C
C
47
0 12 15 0
13 15
0
14
24
3
17
21 3 17 21 6 14 20
400
1
0
C
C
C
C
4
8
2
0
8
2
1
2
3
0
C
C
57
10
H
1
7
5 11 10 18
0
C
10
1
8
11 1
6
6
1
6
11
144
H
21
20 15 22 20 3 16 15
5
14
C
8
14
12 12 24 28 11 37 26
430
13
11
7
12
2 18
0
6 13 19
1
17
15
4
13
9
18
18
H
11
13
0 10
C
1
C
11
0
C
10
1
10
13 0
10
11
10
H
11
10
3
13 0
8
C
11
16
19
1
10
9
21
21
22
22
21
17
29
5 15 18 7 18 20 10
28
31
4
24
21
22
27
C
40
35 14 14 15 14 22 17
27
142
98
120 125
63
142 151 40 106 86 42 100 115 36 124 129 50 140 139 36 120 118 46 121 148 2809
8
C
0
0
C
5
1
3
3 10
3
4
4
C
7 10 12
266
C
C
3
C
6
177
2 13
7
4
C
17
231
25
31 1 23 24 1 19 25
540
18 25 32
31 12 22 26 9 31 31
542
New
250
A/1 = attended first meeting
A/2 = attended second meeting
N = New
H = Holiday
C = Cancelled
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2012–2013 RECRUITMENT PLAN
Target Date
Activity / Action
Spring 2012
Youth–written letter sent to DHS social
workers via Central Office / SWA’s inviting
and urging them to visit the AMP website and
refer their clients to AMP.
AMP Website – all Councils advertise and
update their own pages and announce their
activities
Monthly
Per meeting
Weekly (as
space allows)
Quarterly
10X/year (as
scheduled)
Quarterly
June 2012
August 2012
Each youth is asked to bring / invite other
system youth to Council meetings. Gift cards
are provided by AMP (per facilitator
discretion) for the first visit.
With IFAPA:
Weekly Word
With IFAPA:
Quarterly Newsletter Articles
Asking resource parents to encourage their
youth to attend AMP and providing them
transportation. Family and youth also
encouraged to contact AMP through phone,
email or website for advantages
With IFAPA:
Get it Right Training
With Aftercare Services Network:
Quarterly meetings – encouraging referrals to
AMP and reviewing the benefits. Also
Providing training.
RAP for Youth
Collaboration with PAL, Aftercare, Dream
Team, Iowa KidsNet, IFAPA, AMP, Insight,
Iowa College Aid Commission, and partner
agencies
Youth Letter to all 365 school districts in
Iowa introducing AMP and asking for
connections for youth in that school to our
AMP website. (Education Collaboration – sent
by Dept. of Ed. to school principals)
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Outcome / Results / Evaluation:
What works? What doesn’t? What is the
next step?
No feedback on this has been received to
date.
To date, this is working for most Council’s.
Youth have not responded as though to the
blogs or to the information gathering
questions. Community members have made
positive comments and others have
volunteered for various Councils statewide.
Overall, very positive. Not fully utilized yet
but still developing.
AMP is organizing and requesting
donations for this in Ames (7/26) and Des
Moines (6/19).
This has been written, approved and turned
over to DHS. Distribution set for second
week of August.
071012/CM
Target Date
Activity / Action
Summer 2012
Assistant Statewide Coordinator will set up a
writing committee to draft 5–6 letters of
invitation and announcement for the targeted
populations AMP wishes to connect with.
AMP Staff and ISU Interns to locate email
addresses to all the service clubs in each of the
Council cities. A Youth–developed letter will
be sent to the service clubs asking for
community supporters while also offering the
AMP speaker’s bureau
AMP Staff and ISU Interns will locate email
addresses to all churches/youth groups in
each Council city. A youth–developed letter
will be sent to the pastor in each church asking
for referrals and offering a speaker’s bureau.
AMP Statewide Coordinator will work with
YSS Public Relations to insert a connections
page on the AMP Website to Native Youth
addressing any special opportunities and
invitations. Coordinator will connect with 1–2
tribal leaders and brainstorm further steps to
engage Native American youth within the
Foster Care system.
AMP Statewide Coordinator and ISU Interns
to research and identify all tribes within Iowa
and a contact person / Tribal Council address.
Intern will send a youth–written letter
introducing AMP and connecting them to the
website. This letter will also ask for any
advocacy issues AMP could assist with.
Cedar Rapids Council will reach out to the Sac
and Fox Settlement with an invitation/letter
and referral to website.
Sioux City Council will reach to the Sioux
Tribes with an invitation/letter and referral to
website.
Summer 2012
Summer 2012
Summer 2012
Fall 2012
Fall 2012
Fall 2012
Ongoing
(scheduled by
each Council –
once / year)
Spring 2012
Outcome / Results / Evaluation:
What works? What doesn’t? What is the
next step?
Writing Committee meeting on 6–12–12.
Started June 2012
Started June 2012
June 2012 this was developed and contacts
made within DHS and the Native
populations. Page is being developed and
will be out in July 2012.
Started June 2012
Writing Committee to meet on 6–12–12.
CEDAR RAPIDS LETTER
Writing Committee to meet on 6–12–12.
SIOUX CITY LETTER
Writing Committee to meet on 6–12–12.
AMP staff and youth trained in LGBTQIA
(the pink triangle) as well as terminology.
Youth letter provided to all our Partnership
Agencies to place in their “discharge packets”
inviting all transitioning youth to a local AMP
Council once they are settled.
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Writing Committee to meet on 6–12–12.
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Target Date
Activity / Action
On going
AMP Transitional Suitcases given to any youth
transitioning out of care. Many of these are
stored in Ames however, they are available
statewide. Partnership agencies are
encouraged to reach out to community service
groups to have these suitcases purchased and
filled for transitioning youth. This is a dual
awareness and recruitment activity for AMP as
an invitation to AMP is included within each
suitcase.
AMP Speakers Bureau – available by request –
AMP youth or staff will address a variety of
system and legislative issues (including
inviting youth to AMP).
On going
Outcome / Results / Evaluation:
What works? What doesn’t? What is the
next step?
This is helpful to the youth who needs to
supplies but to date has not increased
attendance to any Council.
Writing Committee to meet on 6–12–12.
Highly effective – frequency of requests
vary. Some Councils have many; others
none at all. All Councils have trained
youth.
Communities tend to support programs that
educate and can show/tell of change.
On going
Yearly
Ongoing
This was reported by the Fort Dodge
leadership as an excellent opportunity to
educate others and impress them with the work
being done.
AMP leadership develops training materials
and offers them to the community (and
IFAPA) as a means of advertising and
educating about system youth.
Each Council will host a COMMUNITY
EVENT (like an open house) where
foster/adoptive families, parents, community
members, legislators, local facility staff and
others are invited to “experience AMP”. This
will feature AMP youth planning, inviting,
presenting, set–up/clean–up and thanking.
Door prizes and food/drinks are needed via
donations – thus involving community
members again.
For youth identified as “unsafe” to mix with
minors. AMP will keep important information
and contact information on each Council’s
website for easy calls or e–mails to keep all
parties safe.
If it is known that a person is violating any
legal restrictions, AMP adults would turn the
person into the authorities.
AMP has an open door policy but healthy
boundaries and safety of all youth are
imperative.
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This has proven to be highly effective in
educating foster/adoptive parents about
AMP and the services AMP does for youth
and for those parenting them.
Highly successful in the Councils that have
done them. This was recommended by
several Councils as their favorite
recruitment tool.
CB reported ten new attenders with five of
youth continuing to attend six months later.
To date, we have three Councils where
youth with sexual boundary issues have had
to be addressed. All three now access AMP
via the website. When a conversation about
safety happens with a youth, a team of
adults is called in. The team shared the
rules of AMP as requiring healthy
boundaries for all AMP youth – in and out
of the meeting time. Violations of this
would be made to the facilitator and the
partnership agency and statewide
coordinator would be consulted.
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Target Date
Activity / Action
Ongoing
AMP Staff will travel to youth, or to youth
facilities, to reach youth as requested when the
youth are not able to be transported or
supervised in a group setting. This is by
invitation from the facility. The statewide
coordinator is the primary staff to offer this
targeted group meeting.
AMP staff will travel to youth in a
foster/adoptive setting to make a face to face
connection on a one time basis to reach youth
and help them get connected. Part of this
meeting is to demonstrate to the youth how to
access the website for information if there is
not a local Council. It is also a time to make a
connection to those parenting the youth so they
understand the goals and value of AMP.
AMP Brochures are available to all Councils,
DHS offices, JCO offices and other system
involved parties as well as community
members.
AMP will post on the website the DVD’s
describing “What is AMP?”, “Snapshots of
AMP” and “Get it Right – AMP speaks”. A
few copies will be made available. The
website will offer FREE downloads.
AMP will provide each Iowa KidsNet – PS–
MAPP Trainer a DVD “What is AMP?” to be
shown during session nine to all incoming
resource families. This educates the new
families.
Ongoing
Ongoing
Fall 2012
Fall 2012
Outcome / Results / Evaluation:
What works? What doesn’t? What is the
next step?
Quarterly
AMP Staff are featured on KASI Radio in
Ames at least four times/year.
Various
ALL Councils need to make contact 2–3 times
a year with their local Radio spots for
community education purposes. May and
November (National Foster Care Month and
National Adoption Month respectively) are
great times.
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Each Council now has a laptop computer to
travel with and demonstrate on.
Over 10, 000 are currently distributed with
more available.
DVD’s are in production and due to us by
early July 2012.
Best way to reach new resource families
with education materials. HURDLE: not all
the trainers will take the time to share the
DVD. Iowa KidsNet has written it into the
curriculum. Compliance by training teams
is needed.
More informative to the listening audience
then a recruitment tool however, listeners
could refer so it fits here.
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Target Date
Activity / Action
Various
AMP has been featured on Channel eight and
Channel 13 in the Spring of 2012 to advance
the Human Trafficking agenda.
In May, 2012 the Des Moines Council was
featured by Channel 13/17.
Various
Ongoing
May 2012
May 2013
May –
Annually
November –
Annually
All Councils are encouraged to use TV Media
as often as they can.
All Councils are encouraged to use print media
for AMP education and exposure of Council
activities and our legislative agenda.
AMP has featured youth stories on the website
to recruit other youth to attend meeting. Youth
reading about others like them normalizes the
experience and allows the youth to come
together on common ground.
AMP will attend and support the Risky
Business Being a Kid Today Conference for
youth and adults in the field. This is the
largest youth–tracked conference in Iowa and
AMP fully supports it with both youth and
staff as presenters. Professionals witnessing
AMP youth in action make referrals to local
Councils.
National Foster Care Month
AMP youth and Staff participate in planning
and hosting, attending the Foster Care
celebration events (picnics, pool–parties etc.).
Some AMP youth provide childcare while
others are the entertainment for both adults and
youth attending.
National Adoption Month – National Adoption
Saturday: AMP youth and Staff support this
event with speakers, extra hands, and any
requested supports the committees ask for –
across the state. This event happens in
multiple DHS Areas so local Councils cover
their area.
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Outcome / Results / Evaluation:
What works? What doesn’t? What is the
next step?
Many calls and a lot of support were
gleaned from this exposure.
3 calls were generated from this exposure,
one of them from a person willing to work
with us to make more DVD’s. Follow–up is
currently happening.
To date, AMP has had over 30 articles/print
media stories in 2012. Copies are kept by
local Councils as well as the AMP office.
Youth stories are very successful and have
been cited as a reason for new youth to
come to meetings since they read a story
and it “sounded like them”.
Highly successful. Facilitators report youth
telling them their worker was at Risky
Business and saw youth present. They then
refer their caseloads to AMP.
May 2012
May 2013
Local Councils support their community
celebration.
November 2012
November 2013
Local Councils support their community
celebration.
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Target Date
Activity / Action
Outcome / Results / Evaluation:
What works? What doesn’t? What is the
next step?
Youth
generated
slogans for
recruitment
campaigns:
Recruitment Campaign Ideas:
“Got a voice?”
“Get Loud! Be Proud!”
“Be Heard”
“Making your voice count”
AMP has and will continue to update and build the website by adding on topics for youth of all ages, but
particularly topics for those youth transitioning. We will keep accurate information on the website year around
as we know youth transition in all seasons. Education and Vocation information; housing information, current
job openings (per location if we have this information given to
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SEMI–ANNUAL SATISFACTION SURVEY – APRIL/MAY 2012
AMP member satisfaction surveys were completed during local Council meetings in April and May 2012. A
total of 215 surveys were completed anonymously by AMP members and sent by Council facilitators to the
Youth Policy Institute of Iowa for data entry and analysis. The 215 surveys completed represents a 63%
increase in the number of youth completing surveys from an initial effort in December 2011 when 132 youth
completed surveys in a pilot of the survey instrument and process. The youth survey is used to measure Council
participants’ satisfaction with overall Council operation and to provide AMP members with an opportunity to
provide suggestions on ways to improve implementation. Conducting such a survey annually is a requirement
of the Department of Human Services contract with Youth and Shelter Services. Moreover, results from the
survey can be used by AMP leadership and facilitators to improve the quality of the experience for young
people.
COUNCIL’S RESPONDING
There were ten AMP Councils operating around the state in April and May when the survey was administered.
Surveys may have been administered at more than one meeting of individual Councils. Facilitators were asked
to have each young person complete the survey only once, but there is no assurance that the surveys are from
completely unduplicated youth. However, there is no reason to believe that substantial numbers of youth
completed the survey multiple times or that the results would be significantly different even if there was some
duplication. The two largest Councils (Ames and Des Moines) accounted for nearly half of the surveys
completed, but surveys were completed by youth at all the local Councils.
CHARACTERISTICS OF YOUTH
Surveys were completed anonymously by youth and limited demographic information was requested, including
age, gender, how long they had been involved in AMP, and how frequently they attended AMP meetings as
these factors could potentially impact how youth perceive their experience with the organization.
AGE: AMP is intended for youth ages 13 and up who have been involved in Foster Care, adoption or other
out–of–home placements. The ages reported by survey respondents ranged from age ten to 25, not including
one outlier with a reported age of 40. Most youth (71%) surveyed are between the ages of 14 and 17.
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GENDER: Both boys and girls participate in AMP. Of all those responding to the survey, 47.1% were male
and 52.9% were female. Two Councils had significantly more boys than girls respond to the survey (Sioux City
– 71% and Davenport – 79%); while four Councils had higher representation of girls (Cedar Rapids – 70%;
Dubuque – 82%; and Cherokee and Waterloo, both 100% girls). Girls were somewhat more likely to report
being involved with AMP for six months or longer than the boys who participated in the survey (see chart
below). Of youth involved for at least a year, 62% were female.
DURATION AND FREQUENCY OF INVOLVEMENT: About two–fifths (42%) of respondents have been
involved in AMP (or its predecessor elevate) for at least a year, while nearly half (48%) have been involved for
less than six months. Of those who responded, 69% attend AMP meetings almost all or most of the time.
Among those who have been involved for at least six months, 84.7% reported that they attend meetings or
activities all or most of the time, indicating a high level of attachment to the Council, especially among those
who have participated for a longer period of time. This, in part, reflects the voluntary nature of AMP; those
who are not as attached or satisfied after a few months simply do not come back.
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POSITIVE YOUTH DEVELOPMENT APPROACH
The survey included a series of statements that reflect a positive youth development approach to youth
programming and the skills and abilities of the AMP facilitators. As shown in the following table, the vast
majority of respondents (90% or more) indicated that they “strongly agreed” or “agreed” to these statements.
Answer Options
I feel welcome at AMP meetings and events
Strongly
Agree
Agree
Disagree
Strongly
Disagree
77.6% (166)
21.5% (46)
0.9% (2)
0% (0)
I have a chance to express myself at AMP
65.9% (141)
meetings
31.3% (67)
2.8% (6)
0% (0)
My AMP facilitator treats me with respect
79.9% (171)
17.8% (38)
0.9% (2)
1.4% (3)
64.0% (137)
33.6% (72)
2.3% (5)
0% (0)
72.6% (154)
27.4% (58)
0% (0)
0% (0)
75.7% (162)
22.4% (48)
0.9 (2)
0.5% (1)
67.1% (143)
22.5% (48)
7.5% (16)
2.3% (5)
71.4% (152)
26.3% (56)
2.3% (5)
0% (0)
AMP youth members treat each other with
respect
AMP informs me of supports and services
available to me*
My local MP facilitator understands the Foster
Care system*
I have at least one significant, positive
relationship with an adult through AMP*
My local AMP facilitator lets youth make
decisions
*DHS contract performance measure
LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Another contract performance measure relates to whether or not young people experience a leadership role
through AMP. The question dictated by the DHS contract is “In the past year, has the Council given you at
least one experience where you practiced leadership?” In the April–May 2012 survey, 65.5% of young people
answered “yes” to this question, while 34.5%% answered “no”. Responses to this question varied considerably
by length of involvement. Of those involved in AMP for at least six months, 88.2% indicated they had been
given leadership responsibilities, while only 40.4% of those who reported being involved for less than six
months responded that they had a leadership experience with AMP. It should be noted that several young
people noted that they were attending their first meeting when responding to the survey.
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The survey also asked the type of leadership activities in which the youth had personally been involved over the
last year. Respondents could check all those that applied. Many youth checked all or nearly all of the options.
OPEN ENDED QUESTIONS
The survey gave youth the opportunity to respond to two open–ended questions: “What do you like the most
about being a member of AMP?” and “What would make AMP even better?” The most frequent response to
what youth like most were references to meeting new people or to the friendships they had made through AMP.
In response to the question about making AMP better, many youth answered nothing or that it is fine the way it
is, but some mentioned more activities, more people, or wanting more time together. The full list of comments
is attached.
Responses to Open–ended Questions: April – May 2012 AMP Survey
What do you like most about being a member of AMP?
IDK Meet new people I guess
Maria
Talking and doing stuff
Hallie. Just her
You get to express how you feel
Getting to know people and how their stories are like yours
with friends
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The activities and the things we learn
It makes me feel welcome
giving ideas
Being with people who understand/care
learning and activities
meeting new people
Being AMP – CC
Having fun and talking about what happening
food
Being with friends
Having a family that cares about youth
I like meeting new people. I also like expressing myself and letting other people know my talents. I love the
support
We enjoy helping
I like social interactions, and discussing laws about Foster Care. I like meeting new people and hanging out
with the people that are in AMP
The opportunity to be a positive leader in the community.
Well I'm new but so far I like a lot and everything about AMP and being around other teens.
the activities that we do, volunteering, and doing projects (everything) I get to be with TRISH and AMANDA,
they are fun to be around
I like most about AMP is being with others in my situations. I like being welcomed
That I can be open and honest about what I am feeling.
I liek being a member of AMP because I get to meet new people and create/build relationships with other
people.
I like to be in AMP because of the fun things we do.
I like that I get to talk because I really need help in that area.
I have friends here
I can use my voice to help others
The amount of freedom and individuality that it lets me express. The fact that it is a home away from home.
In helping plan the graduation party next month! I like that we help run the meetings
The feeling of belonging
The fellowship
I got to perform my rap song
Everyone listens to what you have to say; you get your questions answered
Being able to speak my opinion on Foster Care; and being able to learn about my rights
I like how you got your own voice and you can talk from your own experience
learning new experience
helping Terri turn off the lights when she shows videos
it is where I can be myself, and its fun
Everything
Everything
meet new people
to help and have fun
Be who you are
I like retreats and community events
hanging out
Youth Yak, food and friends. It's fun!
I get listened to and informed
I learn a lot of experiences
Well you get to talk to people you know or you get to know others
The people and other.
I like the helping people who don't come to AMP learn about it.
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I feel like I belong
sense of family
coming here
Interest and meeting people
Everything
I like how everyone is nice at AMP
I get to be around more kids/people my age
Everyone understands me
I feel connected to the group,. I believe in what AMP stands for and how we help each other
learn a lot of stuff
that you have a lot of fun...
having fun
The connections
food
The power it gives the youth
Being with others like me
It's really fun and helpful!
Not much; it's fun honestly
Having people to talk to around your same age and going through some of the same stuff
I get to use my voice even though I'm a teenager and people are willing to listen
having candy
like the food
it's awesome
coming to AMP
being around new people
It feels like a family
The encouragement of others
Amazingness
Coming to AMP
IDK today is my first time at a meeting
it's fun! everyone is comfortable
Its fun
food and I get to leave Rosedale
Food, leaving Rosedale for a lil bit
food and get out of Rosedale! Today's my first time
a lot of food
food; express self
meeting new people and being able to speak up:)
I get to express my feelings
Volunteered at YSS event for George's doctorate
Making art projects. Good food too!
Pop and brownies
Making Mother's Day cards and flower baskets. Learning stuff and going to events
Food – Pumpkin bars are the bomb!
knowing I can do some good and helping people
They listen
Knowing there are others out there who understand my situation
That it gives me something to do instead of sitting at home and I t reminds me about the consequences I could
run into
I like that I get to contribute ideas. I like that others can relate to me. The environment is very friendly.
I'm a new member tonight
The food
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First time being here
Being able to share our feelings and being able to communicate with each other
Being an advocate for the youth helping them with problems and encouraging them in their goals.
The collective creative minds that come together each time we meet
The support! :)
being a voice, and all the activities there are. making friends
everything
The people and gaining the knowledge that is estinal for my future
The people and the advice they give us and information
I can be myself
all the support
The useful information that I have learned and the important social networking people we meet
meeting new people; having fun
meeting all kinds of people that are in Foster Care or were
It gives me time out the house.
I can be me!
Gives me advice to get ready to live on my own
My friend
I like that what we say is confidential so nobody will or can say anything else about what we say.
acceptance
They give me opportunities to be a leader
a lot of people
Voting
I'm welcome
Lets me express myself
Being able to express myself
That we can spress our self
Everything
The time with others
It gets me out of the cottage
The support i receive from our peers and adults
They are nice
meeting new people that come to the meetings
I could talk to people about my life
Being able to share my feelings
Being able to talk about my life it's been really really fun
We get to discuss situations and find solutions
Makes me know I have people that are like me and people I can talk to
I like that is gets me out of my house and talking about anything and everything.
The stories
What I like about AMP is that it gives youth a chance to express themselves.
Everything because I like expressing myself and sharing with each others
I can express my feelings and I can release my talent
I get to talk to others and get to get out of the cottage
That I get alot of respect here
get snacks and drinks
I get to come meet new people
The fun activities
That I'm here with everyone in it makes my day feel alot better
everything
I don't know
Everything
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It feels like home.
Be able to be myself
The people
That its a positive place for people who are/used to be in Foster Care to go. That it provides leadership
opportunities, meals, and provides positive supports.
the people
Food
They are nice
Alot
1. We all have a voice and we can share if we want. 2. It's like a support group
Positive environment
I like what AMP is about and I like how they strive to better the Foster Care system.
What would make AMP even better? (excludes answers of N/A, nothing, or I don’t know)
More fun
going swimming
more funnier stuff and less worksheets
If Hallie came more
N/A – everything is great
too long sometimes
go do a lot more fun activities
more field trips
No, thanks.
More get–togethers with other AMP members outside of Iowa.
more time and more group participation
meet more often
Nothing that I've seen today. :)
Nobody leaves (facilitators)
I like to see nothing to change.
I think that time to talk about our lives would make AMP better.
I would have more art/creativity activities. I think that we should have more creative / different activities (such
as drawing, making posters, etc.)
We need to have more males at the meeting.
If I could come more often
Nothing. It's perfect the way that it is.
More funding and more people!
More meeting times
more AMP youth
having it every week
it is as good as it is right now
show more videos and movies
nothing, just more members and more AMP chapters
more money
paying attiar(?)
I like how it is
more activities
more meeting times
I don't really know, I can't imagine it any better. it's great already.
Having more fun stuff like group activities
Nothing its good the way it is.
more people
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nothing but more funding
Leadership and more involved with community
I think AMP is good now. More fun activities
I don't really know
more AMP Councils across the state!
stay the same
having more people
nothing, its great
more time together
more food
its fine
More time to get to know people
Nothing. it's cool enough as is
If more kids would be involved with AMP! :)
Not having to speak in front of everybody
talk to teenage girls
Better food
doing more things
longer meetings
more funding
Better food
idk, its pretty good
I do not know
McDonalds
pizza
If more people/youth got involved.
everything is perfect
More activities this summer
If we had movies, went bowling and swimming this summer.
doing more fun things this summer
more activities to do
music
Pizza
Physical activities
If I could participate more. Being in shelter limits my participation.
More activities
Games
First time being here
More activities
Doing Big Brothers/Big Sisters; more volunteering in the community. Mentoring foster youth, talking more to
foster parents about fostering older kids. More legislator trips. Educational outings museums, etc. Doing a
mural with art and poetry. Creating a book with our stories and something to share our hobbies or song, poem,
art work, talent, enrichment activities.
more participation from AMP youth
Thats hard...well nothing. Wait, have it more often:) !
more events and more meetings
having more meetings
If we had more activities outside of Childrens Square
Go more places
more calming meeting
More explanations on the expectations on being an AMP Central Council member beforehand
bringing more people
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Nothing its awesome as it is
no F2 staff!
New facilitator
I don't even know.
order
If it was longer
more food
More people to come
More singing
Nothing it will always be good the way it is
more fun; gift cards to wal–mart
to get more people to come to the AMP meetings
if people would not mess around
Everyone to attend and bigger group
More activities outside the meetings
More boys, more interactive (getting up) types of games.
I think having more adult ex–foster children in AMP would be better.
Nothing, doing it more often
more music and more people
get more clients to come to it.
I honestly don't know
Nothing It's awesome.
If it was longer
Going on trips
More people
Nothing. it's fine the way it is.
the location, more members
public meetings
more activities
Attendance
better community outreach
CONCLUSION
As in the pilot administration, the overall responses to the AMP youth survey were quite positive. While the
short survey cannot provide detailed feedback to AMP leadership or the Department of Human Services, it does
provide a quick snapshot of the level of attachment and satisfaction young people involved in AMP have to the
organization. This survey should be supplemented with other evaluations by young people and reports from
facilitators.
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Practical
Application
of Iowa’s
Blueprint
Permanency
Practical
Application
of Iowa’s
Blueprint
for for
Permanency
Ideas
from
Youth
System
Change
Spring
2012
Ideas
from
Youth
for for
System
Change
Spring
2012
The Blue Sheet
BLUE SHEET: FROM YOUTH FOR SYSTEM CHANGE
Every child deserves a forever family! Achieving permanence requires an unequivocal commitment from all
sectors to ensure that every young person served by Iowa’s child welfare and juvenile justice systems leaves
those systems with safe, loving, and enduring relationships that are intended to last forever. Iowa’s Blueprint
for Forever Families 2011 presents a framework and recommendations to guide permanency efforts.
Moreover, it is a call to action for all partners to contribute to achieving permanence for children and youth.
This supplement to the Blueprint builds on ideas generated at the May 2011 Children’s Justice
Permanency Summit. It identifies concrete actions that we, would like to see taken by others to help us
achieve permanence.
Family and Youth Engagement
Every family and youth should have a voice. Outcomes improve when youth and their parents are active
participants in their own planning and service provision. When parents are empowered, guided, and supported
in their parenting, and when youth’s opinions are valued and fostered, lines of communication open up and
more candid conversations about issues and barriers to safe case closure can be dealt with in a strength–based
environment.
What you can do…
 Don’t use your big system words. We don’t understand and we may even agree to things we do not fully get.
Take the time to explain issues to us otherwise we may not even know enough about to ask the right
questions.
 We get scared or shut down when we disagree or think you’re jumping to conclusions. Keep listening and
give us a chance to correct miscommunications. We will share our thoughts and concerns when they are clear
to us.
 We act out when we feel hopeless or helpless – help us to see there is still hope. Make sure the adults you
are sending in to support us are truly invested in helping us, are non–judgmental and hopeful. When we
think you are invested; we will invest too. We are not just a job!
Family Preservation
First and foremost children belong with their birth families. In most cases, children and youth are best served
by preserving and supporting families. Family preservation efforts include short–term, family–based services
designed to assist families in crisis by improving parenting and family functioning while keeping children and
communities safe. In juvenile justice, diversion strategies and home–based services recognize that youth can be
rehabilitated and communities can be safe without separating youth and their families.
What you can do…
 Hold each one of us accountable for our words and our actions. We are communicating with you even when
we are silent.
 Let us talk to our family. It can hurt and we may get angry, but knowing what is happening is better than
imagining what is happening. Know this: We will go back to see our “roots”. We need to do this to
understand in our own minds what is real and what is not. We need to decide what happened so we do not
carry the blame and guilt. Otherwise, these bad experiences will be used as we decide on our futures.
Workers: please set up plans for “what to do when…” as someday we will need to be prepared to handle the
feelings that come up for us when we re–connect with family.
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Placement and Reunification
Regardless of the reason, children are traumatized by removals from their home. When out–of–home
placement is necessary, it is critical for everyone involved to engage immediately, adopt a sense of urgency, and
utilize all services and individuals connected to the family to launch the reunification process. When
reunification is not possible, it is critical to ensure that the youth is connected to at least one committed
relationship with another loving, caring adult.
What you can do…
 Don’t give me or my family so many chances that it defeats us. It is hard to go through this the first time, let
alone to keep the drama going on for years. I am not a boomerang.
 Let me talk to someone that’s “at that place you want me to go” or let me visit so my fears are lessened.
Change is overwhelming, even when it is good change. We are scared and overwhelmed–help us learn to cope
and not act out.
 Keep us as physically close to our families as possible so we can connect with guidance and support.
 Listen to our actions, not just the words of the adults. Not all placements are good. Not all staff are good. Not
all resource homes are good. We act out when we are in places that are not good places for us.
Adoption and Guardianship
Children in out of home placement who cannot be reunified need permanency. Adoption and guardianship are
preferred permanency options as opposed to long–term Foster Care. All children and youth can be adopted
regardless of their age, race, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, special need or sibling group size. When
individual circumstances determine that adoption is not the best option, guardianship is another avenue to
permanency.
What you can do…
 We know families that we fit into and we like. We are glad that you look for kinship homes first, but also let
us choose a family, friends, or a supportive adult and then you can supervise us there. Being and feeling
accepted is permanency to us.
 Being adopted is great! However, it still triggers a loss for us and we have mixed feelings to deal with. Let
us set the time table for permanency to happen.
 Adoption is not always the answer. Too many adoptions are disrupted because people do not understand we
have strong ties to our past. We do not always understand or feel grateful for what we have gone through
and we need help adjusting. Loyalty is an issue for all of us. We have connections to many people and
things, and those are important to us. Adding more connections is great, but that does not mean we will let
go of the others.
 Support whatever home you put us in. The better you take of the adults in the home you place us, the better
they take care of us.
Transitioning to Adulthood
It is never too late to achieve permanence. Older youth face a unique set of challenges and risks as they move
into adulthood. When youth age–out of Foster Care they often lack the financial, emotional, educational, and
protective support typically provided to young people in permanent, intact families. Permanence remains a vital
and critical need for these young adults.
What you can do…
 Give us good adult role models to lead us into adulthood. When we are scared, confused or conflicted we
make impulsive decisions. Help us by leading us through the changes.
 Define terms and give us meanings of the words you use. Stop saying we are “on our own” and then telling
us we have all these options/programs/supports. It is a mixed message and we get confused by what is “on
our own” and what we “have support with.”
 Help us learn about all the information on the programs available. Introduce us to the people that will be
there for us once “18” or “graduation” happens. Make the parents/staff/system worker accountable for
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teaching us, exposing us, going with us to our areas of interest. A paper plan is not enough! Transitioning is
not optional for us, nor was placement; guide us, even when we do not know how to ask you for it.
 When adult supports are identified, enlist them to get us ready. This conveys to us that we are worthwhile
and valuable. We need this all the time and sometimes need to hear the same things over and over.
 Call us, text us, keep tabs on us and ask how we are doing. We do not always need big meetings, sometimes
a few words of advice or support are all we need. We WANT to hear from you!!
 Keep support/advocacy groups like AMP going so we have a place to contact when more information is
needed. The website is a great option, too, but help us get to a meeting if we want
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Practical Application of Iowa’s Blueprint for Permanency
Ideas from Youth for System Change
Spring 2012
The Blue Sheet
BLUE SHEET: IDEAS BY YOUTH FOR YOUTH
Every child deserves a forever family! Achieving permanence requires an unequivocal commitment from all
sectors to ensure that every young person served by Iowa’s child welfare and juvenile justice systems leaves
those systems with safe, loving, and enduring relationships that are intended to last forever. Iowa’s Blueprint
for Forever Families 2011 presents a framework and recommendations to guide permanency efforts.
Moreover, it is a call to action for all partners to contribute to achieving permanence for children and youth.
This supplement to the Blueprint builds on ideas generated at the May 2011 Children’s Justice
Permanency Summit. It identifies concrete actions that youth can use to improve their own permanency
outcomes, as well as permanency outcomes of their peers
Family and Youth Engagement
Every family and youth should have a voice. Outcomes improve when youth and parents are active participants
in their own planning and service provision. When parents are empowered, guided, and supported in their
parenting efforts, and when youth’s opinions are valued and fostered, lines of communication open up and more
candid conversations about issues and barriers to safe case closure can be dealt with in a strength–based
environment.
What you can do…
 Talk to your case workers, family, friends or other trustworthy people about your problems or they can lead
to more serious problems. Listen to their ideas for improvement.
 Let other youth know that they too have the ability to get involved in their case and ask for help from people
like DHS, counselors, etc. Encourage them to let these people help them.
 If you have a worker and you aren’t getting along with them, it is okay to speak to their supervisor.
 Ask your case worker to explain how often meetings will happen and how often you will get to see your
family. This will help you reduce negative feelings like being angry, nervous, or sad.
 When you feel like shutting down, you may not want to talk but make sure you still have your ears open and
are listening to what they say. You still may need to hear what’s being discussed!
 Find something or someone that will get you through the tough times. This person or thing will help show
you permanency even if everything else is constantly changing.
Family Preservation
First and foremost children belong with their birth families. In most cases, children and youth are best served
by preserving and supporting families. Family preservation efforts include short–term, family–based services
designed to assist families in crisis by improving parenting and family functioning while keeping children and
communities safe. In juvenile justice, diversion strategies and home–based services recognize that youth can be
rehabilitated and communities can be safe without separating youth and their families.
What you can do…
 Stay in touch with your biological siblings if possible – you can’t replace these connections. However, if
there wasn’t an appropriate/healthy relationship before, don’t be forced to continue that relationship.
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 Even though your parents may be struggling with their own problems, you are still very important to them
and the relationship can be beneficial for all of you. If there is limited contact with parents and/or siblings
you deserve to know why. Ask your worker for an explanation!
 It is ok to finally be the child rather than the parent. Try to step down and let others help you out – it may feel
like you need to protect your siblings, but it is good for you to be the child once again.
 Openly communicate with your family about what you both expect and need – calmly talk and work things
out with each other, but if things get worse or difficult, don’t be afraid to seek outside help.
 Your problems will not disappear when you run away, they will still be there when you come back. Listen to
those who are trying to help you by giving you suggestions – even though it is sometimes hard to hear.
 Make a plan with the people at your placement for what you can do when you need a break. When tensions
are high, you can step back and take some time to cool off.
 Change isn’t always a bad thing – it can be good. If there is too much going on at once and it is
overwhelming, talk to someone about how to cope with that change.
 Youth need to be asked who is in “their family” however they define it. If under 18 you should get to voice
your opinion about who you want to stay with.
Placement and Reunification
Regardless of the reason, children are traumatized by removals from their home. When out–of–home
placement is necessary, it is critical for everyone involved to engage immediately, adopt a sense of urgency, and
utilize all services and individuals connected to the family to launch the reunification process. When
reunification is not possible, it is critical to ensure that the youth is connected to at least one committed
relationship with another loving, caring adult.
What you can do…
 DHS’s main goal is to reunify you with your birth family, but that doesn’t always end up happening. Ask to
keep other family members involved in your life too. Know your family tree, where people live, and how to
get in touch with them.
 Before going to a new placement, do some research to see if it will be a good fit for you. Talk to other youth
who have lived there and see if they could vouch for the placement. Clearly communicate how you feel to your
worker.
 If you are at a placement that you don’t think is going well, ask for help before it becomes unworkable.
Adoption and Guardianship
Children in out of home placement who cannot be reunified need permanency. Adoption and guardianship are
preferred permanency options as opposed to long–term Foster Care. All children and youth can be adopted
regardless of their age, race, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, special need or sibling group size. When
individual circumstances determine that adoption is not the best option, guardianship is another avenue to
permanency.
What you can do…
 Adoption does not change who your biological family is, it just brings in new people who are willing to help
out. They are not trying to take your biological family’s spot, but instead just want to help you.
 If being in a family isn’t dangerous or hazardous in any way, you should give it some time to see how you
will like it. Try to not have negative opinions about the home before you really give it a fair chance.
 If you are thinking about being adopted, make sure it feels right and is what you want. If it isn’t, then talk to
your worker and see if any changes can be made.
Transitioning to Adulthood
It is never too late to achieve permanence. Older youth face a unique set of challenges and risks as they move
into adulthood. When youth age–out of Foster Care they often lack the financial, emotional, educational, and
protective support typically provided to young people in permanent, intact families. Permanence remains a vital
and critical need for these young adults.
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What you can do…
 The thought of turning 18 is really scary because you don’t know what will happen or what changes will
occur. It’s okay to share these feelings with others. Don’t feel like you have to hide your emotions.
 If a family member seems like they are upset with you or are distancing themselves, understand they may be
trying to help you become more independent. Don’t assume – ask them.
 Ask for information on different resources like Aftercare. Get information you need before your file is
closed. Ask for help. Don’t close doors or try to just rely on yourself – be absolutely certain that you don’t
need the help before you refuse it.
 Take the initiative and help prepare yourself for the next step in your life. Teachers, case worker, social
workers, counselors, internet, friends, etc. can help you with this process. There are lots of people and groups
that will help you, but it is up to you to ask for the help.
 Once you turn 18, keep going and trying – finish high school, go on to college, apply for scholarships. Even
though things maybe haven’t worked out in the best way for you so far, persevere through it and allow
yourself to succeed. Don’t just stop and give up.
 Support and advocacy groups like AMP aren’t just for when you go through the process of aging out, but
they can be there after you are living independently to make sure you succeed.
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LAWS PASSED WITH AMP SUPPORT
Laws that elevate has helped to get passed into law
2006
1. Preparation for Adult Living (PAL) Program (Iowa Law)
This law was written by other parties, but elevate youth helped to educate legislators about the importance of
supporting youth from ages 18-21, while they get on their feet. This program provides a monthly stipend to youth
who are working and/or attending college for a combination of 30 hours per week. Youth are required to check in
with an assigned worker to verify their employment/school status and to budget. (Renewed, but no money added in
2009.)
2. MIYA – Extends Title 19 to age 21 for former foster youth (Iowa Law)
Previously in Iowa and currently in most other states, young people lose their access to Medicaid after they leave the
system. This can place them at risk for losing jobs, flunking out of college, etc. when they are unable to treat
ailments that basic medical care could prevent from becoming a significant issue.
2007
3. Sibling Visitation Bill/Grandparent Visitation Bill (Iowa Law)
The Department of Human Services is mandated to place siblings together whenever possible, even if it means
working harder than they previously would have, to place siblings in the same home. Suitable reasons for not
placing siblings together include one sibling being hurtful to another or the siblings being together causing them
additional difficulties beyond what they would incur if placed apart. If siblings cannot be placed together, the
Department of Human Services is to show the court, in writing, why this is not a possibility at the current time.
Regular reviews are to include the possibility of moving siblings back together. When siblings cannot be placed
together, visits are to be facilitated as often as possibly between the siblings, NOT continent upon parent visits.
Reasons acceptable for visits to not occur are the same as the reasons for placement together to not occur. DHS is
again required to provide, in writing, to the court, why the children are not being given visits and again, reviews need
to happen regularly to reevaluate the possibility of safe visits. Money, time, and distance are not acceptable excuses
to deny siblings visits. The grandparent visitation bill was attached to this document and provides grandparents with
similar visitation rights as siblings.
4. All Iowa Foster Youth Opportunities Grant (Iowa Law)
After talking to elevate youth, Senator Jack Hatch of Des Moines realized that too many youth were being denied the
opportunity to attend college and post-secondary training. This bill includes funding above and beyond the federal
Education and Training Voucher for foster youth to receive a post-secondary education. This is one of the few bills
related to foster care that also includes graduates of the state training schools in Toledo and Eldora. These youth,
while considered foster youth, are not eligible for most other programs because Eldora and Toledo are considered
part of the state penal system. After talking to youth in elevate, who found this alarming, Senator Hatch included
graduates of the training school as potential recipients. (Money added in 2009)
2008
5. The Department of Human Services or a designee of the department on or before the date the child reaches
age eighteen must provide to the child a certified copy of the child's birth certificate and to facilitate securing
a federal social security card (Iowa Law)
The fee for the certified copy that is otherwise chargeable shall be waived by the state or county registrar.
6. If a child is of an age appropriate to attend the hearing but the child does not attend, the court shall
determine if the child was informed of the child's right to attend the hearing by their attorney/guardian ad
litem. (Iowa Law)
Previously it was assumed that attorneys were doing this and it was not happening. Many young people were
unaware of when court was happening and of their right to attend proceedings.
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7. Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act of 2008 (Federal Law)
When elevate youth attended the National Foster Parents Association Conference in May 2007, one of the things
they did was visit the office of Iowa Senator Charles Grassley. The young people spoke with the senator and his
staff about changes they would like to see to foster care. The following year, Senator Grassley invited a number of
Iowans, including an elevate chapter facilitator who is a foster care alum, to the roll out on The Hill of the Fostering
Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act of 2008. The bill passed and was signed into law in October.
While elevate youth did not help to write the law, their words to Senator Grassley in May 2007 are clearly echoed in
the law.
2009
8. Immediate transfer of educational records – when a child is placed in foster care; school records need to be
immediately available to DHS. This allows the child to be enrolled in their new school immediately.
(Iowa/Federal Law)
Iowa is addressing this problem through new policies to comply with the federal mandates in the “Fostering
Connections” legislation passed October 7th 2008. Elevate staff and youth are on the education committee
developing a process where DHS, Juvenile Court and Education can communicate electronically to speed up school
enrollment for foster youth.
9. Emancipation - youth who are 16 years or older can be emancipated if they ask for it but they must be able
to demonstrate they can support themselves and can handle the responsibilities of living on their own to a
judge. (Iowa Law)
PASSED! Bill was signed by Governor Culver May 26, 2009
10. Guardianship - relative or long term foster families can become guardians to youth who don’t want or
aren’t eligible for adoption or termination of parental rights. Guardians would be able to get monetary
assistance and youth would get medical coverage. Guardians could sign papers that up to now only DHS or
biological parents could sign. (DHS Policy/Iowa and Federal Law)
DHS revised the current guardianship program to reflect most of the changes suggested by elevate youth in the
survey given to chapters this spring. Changes include:
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youth any age are eligible for guardianship
youth have input on who is their guardian
the law requires a youth age 14 or older to consent to the choice
foster parents can be guardians
the decision is made by the team & finally the judge
The youth could be eligible for Chafee services (Aftercare and ETV) if the guardianship is finalized at age 16
or older. The youth would not be eligible for PAL
Once the guardianship is finalized, a yearly report is required by the guardian to be filed with the court.
Once the guardianship is finalized, the CINA should close and DHS would be relieved of supervision. The
only ongoing responsibility for DHS would be to approve payments and to review the yearly report. It is
modeled after adoption subsidy so there is no ongoing service case but there is still a worker who issues the
payments.
2010
11. Transferring of Guardianships from Juvenile Court to the Probate Court – this legislation allows a
juvenile court judge who has placed a child in a guardianship with a relative or other suitable adult to
transfer the case to probate court and close the juvenile case.
This allows the youth to have the courts, social workers and everyone else “out of his/her life” after a permanent
placement with a relative or other adult. The guardian will fill out a form each year to report on the well being of the
youth and the youth can contact the court at any time if the living arrangement isn’t going well. (Passed 3/23/10)
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12. Ensuring that Children Over the Age of 14 are Allowed to Attend Meetings Affecting Them Unless Good
Cause Warrants Exclusion - This legislation insures that youth in the foster care system over fourteen years of
age are allowed to attend family team meetings, staffing, transition and other meetings involving discussions
of placement options or services to be provided to the youth.
This would be required unless the Department of Human Services finds it is not in the best interest of the child. If
the child is excluded, a written record, including reasons for exclusion will be required to be kept and the record
shall be available to the child upon that child reaching age eighteen. (Passed 3/19/10)
Partnership of Iowa Foster Care Youth Councils
Youth & Shelter Services
13. Child Pornography/Human Trafficking - This legislation allows prosecutors to file multiple charges
against defendants for possession of multiple computer images of child pornography, in the same way that
current law provides for multiple charges when the images are in other forms. For example, if a defendant
had 100 Polaroid pictures of child pornography in a shoe box, he could be charged with 100 counts.
This law adds the above offense to list of offenses covered by sex offender registry requirements. It makes clear that
the definition of human trafficking includes the knowing purchase of services involving commercial sexual activities
from a victim or another person engaged in human trafficking. It also makes clear that a mistake of age defense is
not available to a defendant in a human trafficking case. A defendant would not be able to claim “the victim looked
older” or “showed me an ID.” It adds a provision making it clear that the solicitation of minors under the age of 18
(or the solicitation of a law enforcement officer representing himself or herself to be a person under the age of 18) to
engage in commercial sexual activity is a human trafficking offense. Under current law, human trafficking means
participating in a venture with two or more persons. The reason to add this provision is that a single individual could
be soliciting a victim under 18 to engage in commercial sexual activity. An example would be a strip club owner
recruiting under-age sex performers. Under the crime victim compensation program, compensation is denied when a
victim consents or assists in a criminal act. This provision makes clear that compensation cannot be denied to a
victim of human trafficking who is under the age of 18. The assumption is that a victim of human trafficking (such
as a prostitution ring) is forced to consent and assist in the criminal act under threat from the captor. (Passed 4/4/12)
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