The Iowa Foster and Adoptive Parents Association (IFAPA) will provide a grant in the amount of $150 to foster/adoptive/kinship support groups when they become an affiliate and $100 per year thereafter, as funds allow.  The affiliate must renew annually.  Below are the responsibilities of IFAPA and the Support Group and the application.

Support Group Affiliate & Renewal Application

IFAPA’s Responsibilities to the Affiliate Organization Include the Following:

1) At least once each year an IFAPA representative will attend an affiliate meeting.

2) The IFAPA office will inform the contact person of any pertinent news regarding foster care and adoptive issues via mailings.

3) Area committee members and IFAPA Standing Committee members may ask for recommendations from the contact person or affiliate group members regarding development of programs, policies and legislative priorities.

4) IFAPA will inform newly licensed foster and adoptive parents of affiliate support groups in their area.

5) The IFAPA office and area committee will offer organizational support upon request; i.e., development of bylaws, and procedures for election of officers.

6) The Association will offer a variety of possible training opportunities for the affiliate.

Affiliated Parents Groups’ Responsibilities to IFAPA Include the Following:

1) Adopt the Mission and Vision Statements of IFAPA as a guide to activities.  The Mission and Vision statements are as follows:

Mission Statement: The Iowa Foster and Adoptive Parents Association empowers, supports and advocates for foster, adoptive and kinship families across Iowa.  IFAPA provides peer support, training and resources to promote safety, permanency and well-being for Iowa’s children.

Vision Statement: The Iowa Foster and Adoptive Parents Association's vision is to provide leadership in Iowa to insure that every child has a secure, loving and stable family.

2) Meet at least four times per year.

3) Identify a foster and/or adoptive parent designated as a contact person responsible for:                               

       a.  Reporting support group trainings and events to IFAPA office;

       b.  Reporting problems to IFAPA office;

       c.  Providing suggestions to area committees;

       d.  Contacting foster/adoptive parents in the area regarding legislation/rule changes.

4) Work together with other area IFAPA members and affiliates to elect area representatives from the affiliate group’s region to serve on IFAPA’s Board of Directors according to the Association’s Policy and Procedures.            

5) Encourage membership in IFAPA and support the Association’s goals and positions.

6) Encourage members to participate by attending IFAPA-sponsored meetings and conferences, serving on committees, providing recommendations, and/or contacting policy makers regarding issues of concern.

7) Share the affiliate group membership list with IFAPA.  Keep IFAPA updated as to the trainings, events planned and if desired, IFAPA can post this information on its website for foster, adoptive and kinship families.

8) Send copies of any newsletters printed to the IFAPA’s office and area committee chairperson.  This will fulfill the reporting requirement of line 3a. above.  Newsletters shall support the Association’s goals and positions.

9) Insure that all officers of the affiliate group are IFAPA members.

10) A support group accepting an IFAPA grant may be asked to provide the Association with an annual accounting report for the grant funds.

11) Obtain prior approval from IFAPA’s Executive Director before using IFAPA’s name in conjunction with affiliate group publications or activities.

12) Practice ethical confidentiality standards.

Please note:  IFAPA may revoke the affiliate status of a group if the Association determines for any reason, at its discretion, the need for revocation exists.