Initiatives Currently Underway
Initiatives
On January 6, 2023, a suit was brought against the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services on behalf of Medicaid-eligible children with serious mental and behavioral health needs, which asserted that Iowa administers an inadequate mental health system that does not provide children and youth with legally required services.
To address these issues, HHS has launched major transformations through the Mental Health and Disability Regional structure to provide core services to children in Iowa and will continue to improve the state’s mental health system specifically for all Iowans.
Press Release: HHS Enters Interim Settlement Agreement
Complaint: 4:23-cv-00009-SHL-HCA - childrensrights.org
The following are resources regarding a class action suit at the Boys State Training School (BSTS) in Eldora, Iowa. We are actively making changes to address the concerns raised in the suit. We’re committed to sharing information and updates as we make progress. The Iowa Department of Human Services continues its commitment to an open dialog with all stakeholders and building trust through transparency.
Summary of the Class Action Suit at the Boys State Training School (BSTS) in Eldora
The following are resources regarding the Department of Justice (DOJ) investigation(s) at the Glenwood and Woodward State Resource Centers, and the closure of Glenwood Resource Center.
Just as we have since the investigation(s) began, we will continue to keep all stakeholders updated, including the families of our clients, legislators and the public. Our highest priority is the care and well-being of those we serve.
Glenwood Resource Center Closure
- Press Release
- Closure Timeline (Updated January 2024)
Glenwood Employee Resources
- GRC Retention and Incentives
- GRC Retention Pay Policy
- GRC Closure and Staff Retention FAQs (5-5-22)
- GRC AFSCME Town Hall Meeting Responses (6-1-22)
- Agreement for Receipt of Recruitment and Retention Pay
- Retention Payment Calendar
- Employee Assistance Program Summary of Services
- Employee Assistance Program Managing Stress During Transition
Court-appointed Monitor Reports
Court-Appointed Monitor Reports are published unredacted in response to a court order and pursuant to 45 CFR 164.512(e)(i).
DOJ Investigation Materials
- DOJ Consent Decree Summary
- DOJ Consent Decree
- DOJ Proposed Consent Decree
- DOJ Press Release announcing Proposed Consent Decree
- GRC Actions and Improvement
- DOJ Summary of Findings December 2021
- DOJ Report of Investigation of GRC and WRC December 2021
- DOJ Report of Investigation of GRC and WRC Cover Letter December 2021
- DOJ Summary of Findings at State Resource Centers
- DOJ Findings Related to GRC December 2020
- DOJ Findings Related to GRC Cover Letter December 2020
- DOJ Notice of Investigation of GRC and WRC November 2019
The portion of the DOJ investigation focused on community integration is still ongoing.
Current Assessments
Additional Resources
Department of Public Health and Department of Human Services Alignment
The Iowa Departments of Public Health (IDPH) and Human Services (DHS) are becoming one, single, department. IDPH and DHS will fully transition into the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) by July 1, 2023.
The legislature has directed the transition accomplish the following:
- More efficiently and effectively manage health and human services programs that are the responsibility of the state.
- Establish a health and human services policy for the state.
- Promote health and the quality of life in the health and human services field.