IFAPA - A Resource for Iowa’s Foster, Adoptive & Kinship Families
The Iowa Foster and Adoptive Parents Association is a non-profit organization serving as a resource to foster, adoptive and kinship families in Iowa. Membership with IFAPA is free for Iowa's foster, adoptive and kinship families. IFAPA provides training, peer support and resources to promote safety, permanency and well-being for Iowa’s children. Read more »
Upcoming Training Schedule
SATURDAY, JUNE 8
"Where's the Map?" - Helping Your Child/Teen Navigate the Social World*
AMES, 9am-4:30pm (6 hours credit)
Decoding the Mystery of ADHD*
CEDAR RAPIDS, 9am-12:15pm (3 hours credit)
Worrywarts and How You Can
Help Them: Understanding
Anxiety Disorders in Children*
CEDAR RAPIDS, 1:30pm-4:45pm (3 hours credit)
CPR & First Aid
DAVENPORT, 1:15pm-5:30pm (4 hours credit)
CPR & First Aid
SIOUX CITY, 1:15pm-5:30pm (4 hours credit)
SATURDAY, JUNE 15
"Don't Worry About It!!"
Anxiety, Panic and OCD*
ANKENY, 9am-4:30pm (6 hours credit)
Movin' on Out...
Preparing Teens for Life on Their Own
COUNCIL BLUFFS, 9am-4:30pm (6 hours credit)
SATURDAY, JUNE 22
Six Principles of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
CEDAR FALLS, 9am-12:15pm (3 hours credit)
An IEP on IEPs: Parents as Partners in Process and Product
CEDAR FALLS, 1:30pm-4:45pm (3 hours credit)
Managing Your Child/Teen's Behavior:
7 Ways to Foster Love, Respect and Communication*
SIOUX CITY, 9am-4:30pm (6 hours credit)
To register for one of the above classes,
call
800-277-8145 ext. 1 or register here.
* Classes also approved for SW CEUs
Current News
Caring for Children Who Have Experienced Trauma Educational Forums
July 19 & 20, 2013 - Cedar Rapids
Aug. 2 & 3, 2013 - Des Moines
Many children in the foster care system have lived through traumatic experiences. Understanding how trauma affects children can help you to make sense of your child’s sometimes baffling behavior, feelings, and attitudes. Once you understand why your child behaves the way he or she does, you’ll be better prepared to help him or her cope with the effects of trauma. This two-day educational forum is worth 14 hours of foster parent credit. more info>>
NEED A BREAK?! Have You Used Your 5 Days of Adoption Respite?
Adoption Respite is a program available to adoptive families for their subsidized adopted children. Respite care provides adoptive parents with a break from the constant demands of caring for their special needs adopted child. Each adopted child who receives a subsidy is eligible to receive five days of respite care per fiscal year at $17 per day. After respite services have been provided, the adoptive parent should complete the Adoption Respite Billing Form and submit to IFAPA. The current fiscal year for the Adoption Respite Program runs from July 1, 2012 to June 30, 2013. All respite days must be used during these dates and the form must be submitted no later than July 5, 2013. more info>>
Free Booklet from IFAPA
Our booklet "Foster Parents and the Courts" was written in order to help foster parents understand the court process. It provides valuable information about a foster parent's rights and responsibilities, the role of key participants in the court process, and how to advocate for the best interests of the children in their care. To request a free copy of this book, please e-mail Crystal Thomason or call 800-277-8145 ext. 5. Iowa social workers can also request free copies of this book to distribute to families.
