The Youth Policy Institute of Iowa is the grantee for the Polk County implementation of the Jim Casey Youth Opportunities Initiative.   Polk County is one of twelve sites around the country piloting this approach to help youth in foster care make successful transitions to adulthood and self-sufficiency.  Local partners include:   United Way of Central Iowa, Iowa Department of Human Services, Humans Services Planning Alliance, Bankers Trust and Multiple Youth-Service Agencies and Organizations.

MOVING ON UP! Passport to Independence (the local name for the Initiative) is working to improve outcomes for youth in foster care in five priority areas:  Employment, Education, Connections to the Community, Housing, Physical and Mental Health.  The primary components for the Initiative include:  a Youth Leadership Board, a Community Partnership Board, and Opportunity Passport.™