Category Archives: Program News

Phones for Families Update February 2022

One of the funding streams will run out for the Phones for Families program effective March 31, 2022. Continued eligibility for the Phones for Families program will depend on the type of program each family is enrolled in (FSSD, FaDSS, or MIECHV).

FSSD, FaDSS, and other family support programs:
Phones for Families funding for FSSD and FaDSS programs will expire on March 31, 2022. As of March 31, 2022 all phones distributed to families enrolled in these programs will be disconnected.

MIECHV Programs:
Phones for Families funding for MIECHV programs will continue using funds from the American Rescue Plan. For this reason, it will be important for Phones for Families and MIECHV programs to track which phones are given out to MIECHV families. MIECHV programs that have unused phones need to submit a request for a phone before distributing it for tracking purposes.

IFSC Webinar – Standard 8: Health Services

Join us for the next IFSC Webinar in our series where we break down each Iowa Family Support Standard and provide details on how to address each standard in policy, procedure, and practice.
The webinar will be recorded for those that are unable to attend.

February 24, 2022 from 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88587134231?pwd=ZXpxS29xd1ozU1VIUEI4R3JRMUc1dz09
Meeting ID: 885 8713 4231
Passcode: 808457

Phones for Families Update

Under the original funding source, Phones for Families will continue to be able to provide phones to families enrolled in Family Support Programs, including MIECHV, FSSD, and FaDSS programs.

FSSD, FaDSS, and other family support programs:

Phones for Families funding for FSSD and FaDSS programs will continue for a limited amount of time until funding runs out.  We currently expect funding to last until December 2021 but the exact date will depend on how many phones are being used.

MIECHV Programs:

Phones for Families funding for MIECHV programs will continue beyond the expiration of the funds for all family support programs due to a new funding stream that will be coming in soon.  For this reason, it will be important for Phones for Families and MIECHV programs to track which phones are given out to MIECHV families.  MIECHV programs that have unused phones need to submit a request for a phone before distributing it for tracking purposes.

Link here for more information

Phones for Families Sample Policy, Procedure, and Forms

Phones for Family Program Survey

This program is a joint collaboration between MIECHV, ECI, and LSI in response to COVID-19.

Programs are responsible for developing policy and procedure on who is eligible for receiving phones, how phones will be distributed, and how phones will be returned.

Programs are also responsible for the maintenance of the phones, including updates as necessary and management of participant’s personal information which may become stored on the phones.

Sample Phones for Families Policy, Procedure, and Form

You do not have to utilize this specific policy. Instead, we have provided you with a template that each program may implement, adjust, or toss out altogether. Once you have received your phones, it will be at each individual program’s discretion to loan them out as they see fit as the phones will be your property upon delivery.

Please contact Risa Ergenbright at Risa.Ergenbright@lsiowa.org if you have any questions.

Updated Iowa Family Support Standards

Hopefully by now you have heard that the Iowa Family Support Standards have been updated effective 8.1.2019.  We have several documents that will help you become more familiar with the new standards as well as a link to a webinar that recently covered the updated standards and discussed the changes that need to be addressed in policy in practice.  Please see the links below.

Updated Standards Webinar

Updated Iowa Family Support Standards Webinar Slides

Iowa Family Support Standards – August 2019

Guide to Changed Standards – August 2019

 

Iowa Family Support Standards – September 1, 2019 Update

Effective August 1, 2019 the Iowa Family Support Standards have been updated.  Any program currently in TA or that has submitted their application for renewal may use the version of the standards they have been working off of (September 2016).  For any new programs who have not submitted an application for renewal or an initial credential as of August 1, 2019 they will use the updated standards.

Linked below you will find the new standards as well as a document that will help to figure out which standards have changed and how they have changed.

As always if you have any questions please don’t hesitate to call or email me.

Iowa Family Support Standards – August 2019

Guide to Changed Standards – August 2019