This state level interagency initiative is a network of state agencies and community partners committed to improving results among Iowa’s youth.  Over the last several years, ICYD has participated in a variety of state and national youth initiatives and continues to serve as a multi-system forum for the development and coordination of state youth policy programs.  The goals of the initiative are to promote the use of positive youth development principles in state policies and programs and to facilitate the use of effective youth development practices in communities throughout Iowa.  YPII has been instrumental in the creation and on going activities of this initiative.   Project Brief:  Iowa Collaboration for Youth Development (pdf)

The Iowa Aftercare Services Network (IASN) is a statewide major initiative funded through the Iowa Department of Human Services to assist youth transitioning from foster care to independence. Eleven Iowa human service agencies form the network that provide support and services to youth and young adults ages 18 to 21 who exit foster care near or after their 18th birthday.  The Youth Policy Institute of Iowa provides coordination, quality improvement, technical assistance, and evaluation services for thestatewide Aftercare Network.

The Youth Policy Institute is one of ten sites, nationwide, testing a model to help youth and young adults leaving foster care become successful, productive adults. The model involves engaging young people, brining together public and private partners for system reform efforts, using data to drive decisions, and galvanizing public support in order to improve policy and practice.  Within this broader context of systems improvement, YPII also implements a very focused strategy that offers young people the Opportunity Passport ™ which builds financial literacy skills, connects young people to mainstream banking, and offers matched savings of participants toward the purchase of approved assets in the areas of education, housing, health, and micro-enterprise.  

Project Brief:  Jim Casey Youth OpportunitiesInitiative (pdf)

The Community Partnership Board provides active commitment, participation and leadership for the local Initiative.  Membership of the Community Partnership Board is comprised of representatives from public and private community sectors including child welfare, judiciary, human service provider/partner agencies, foster parents, banking, housing, health, education, employment, adult services, community resources, United Way, local government, and staff directly connected to the implementation and administration of the local Initiative.

The Rural Homeless Youth Project is a local community-based collaborative organized with the intent to influence policies, programs, and practices that affect the design and delivery of services to homeless youth, ages 16-21, in Transitional Living Programs (TLP), as well as youth aging out of State child welfare systems and into Independent Living Programs (ILP).  This federally-funded project is designed to create and enhance connections for homeless or vulnerable youth in a rural area in ways that will improve their chances for successful transitions towards independence and for achieving social, civic, and economic success. The demonstration site in Iowa is Boone County.