Support for Survivors
IowaVINE
The IowaVINE system is a service through which survivors of crime can use the telephone or internet to search for information regarding the custody status of their offender and to register to receive telephone and email notification when the offender's custody status changes. The toll-free number for IowaVINE is 888-7-IAVINE or 888-742-8463. This service is provided to assist survivors of crime who have a right to know about their offender's custody status.
Iowa Aftercare Services Network
It's Not About Where You Have Been... It's About Where You Are Going!
On your own, but not alone is the philosophy behind the Iowa Aftercare Services Network (IASN). IASN is a statewide initiative funded by the Iowa Department of Human Services to address the needs of young adults who have aged out of foster care.
IASN can help former foster care recipients who may have had services in a Family Foster Home, a Group Home, or through a DHS supported Independent Living Program. The youth must be at least 18 years of age but not yet 21 years old and have left foster care at age 17 or older. The youth must also continue to live in Iowa to be eligible for the program.
Trained professionals work with young men and women through IASN to work on select goals. The primary purpose of IASN is to help them find a safe place to live. There is money to help pay for emergency and unexpected bills. Workers also help them locate a doctor, dentist, or mental health counselor. Participants in this program may choose to go to college or get job training to find a job or career. A worker may also help youth connect with community resources and opportunities that they can utilize.
Youth leaving foster care after turning 18 may be eligible to continue receiving a medical card each month until age 21. To qualify, he or she must continue to live in the state of Iowa. The Medicaid card may help pay the cost of medication, health care, and substance abuse or mental health treatment.
Preparation for the Adult Living (PAL) is an additional program or component of IASN. Aftercare participants who left foster care after May 1, 2006, were at least 18, and have a high school diploma or GED may be able to qualify for a monthly stipend to live in an approved living arrangement such as former foster parents, in an apartment or a college dorm. To qualify for the stipend, a PAL participant must be attending college, be in a work training program, or be working. Regular meeting with a Self Sufficiency Advocate are also required.
Subsidized apartments, or direct rent subsidy, are overseen by the Iowa Finance Authority (IFA) for IASN as another component of services offered. This program was designed for aftercare participants who did not qualify for PAL. The IFA may be able to subsidize an apartment up to $350/month. Participants in the program are responsible for paying the remainder of the rent.
A youth's tuition, books, and other related expenses may be covered by Education & Training Vouchers (ETV) program. In order to qualify for this component of IASN, the youth must complete an application form through the Iowa College Student Aid Commission in order to determine eligibility. ETV can pay up to $5,000 per year through age 23 towards university, community college, or trade school education.
If you or someone you know could benefit from the IASN program, call 1-800-443-8336 to receive a referral or locally call Family Resources at 563-263-0067.