Iowa’s Citizen Foster Care Review Boards (ICFCRB or FCRB) provide independent third-party citizen review of cases in the foster care system.
About FCRB
Through joint efforts of citizens, the legislature, and the governor, the FCRB program was signed into law in July 1984. Not all counties in Iowa have a review board; some counties have more than one active board, and some boards review cases from multiple counties.
Local boards meet once a month to review the status of children who have been removed from parental custody. The FCRB serves as a less formal forum to hear about the progress or challenges families encounter as they work towards achievement of their case permanency plan goal. Local boards make findings and recommendations to move cases forward. The review process identifies systemic barriers to timely achievement of the child's permanency goal. The FCRB provides an opportunity for ordinary Iowa citizens to use their collective training, experiences and talents to positively impact case planning for children and families.
Volunteer Qualifications
FCRB volunteers have an interest in child welfare in their communities. They come from all walks of life, representing various socioeconomic, racial, and ethnic groups and occupations. Qualifications include:
Persons aged 21 and older can apply to serve.
Ability to maintain confidentiality, assess written and verbal communication, be objective and effectively communicate with persons who attend foster care reviews.
Ability to work as a team to formulate findings and recommendations.
Ability to learn how to access case file documents in a secured web-based data system.
Volunteers must be able to commit to a four-year term.
Pass criminal and background checks.
FCRB Volunteer
Volunteer with FCRB
Make a difference in the lives of Iowa children and join the Foster Care Review Board.
All FCRB volunteers are provided with an initial 15-hour training, which includes information regarding applicable laws, organizational information, and observing a local review board in action. All new FCRB volunteers join a board of seasoned volunteers who provide guidance as the new volunteers learn the role of board member. In addition, a facilitator leads every child’s review to assist the FCRB and to write the report to the Court.
Continuous learning opportunities are provided to keep volunteer up to date with current social work practices, new services and laws, and other topics of interest. Volunteers must complete six (6) hours of continuing education each calendar year during their term. Annual security awareness training is a program requirement.
Time Commitment
The FCRB time commitment consists of one daytime meeting per month and time spent reading case files in preparation for the meeting day.
Apply to Volunteer
Submit an application with three references.
Consent to background checks.
Participate in an interview with the local coordinator.
Complete Pre-Service Training:
Observe a Local Board
Module 1: Personal Study - Introduction to FCRB
Module 2: Introduction to Child Welfare
Module 3: FCRB Process
Security Awareness Training
FCRB Frequently Asked Questions
FCRB volunteers average approximately 10 - 12 hours per month fulfilling this volunteer role.
This varies considerably, depending on the number of children who are scheduled to be reviewed in a given month. During the first six months, additional time is generally needed to become acquainted with the specific cases of the children assigned to the board.
Each FCRB volunteer is assigned to an existing board, which meets virtually on a specific day of the month (e.g. second Tuesday). The meetings take place during the day, generally starting at 8:30 am and continuing until the agenda is completed. Agendas are distributed at least 21 days prior to the meeting. In addition to the meeting time, volunteers spend time on their own preparing for the meeting by reading the confidential documents that are provided, such as court orders, social histories and case plans.
There are five to seven volunteer members on each board, with a chair and vice chair designated. A staff person facilitates each board. There must be three board members present to have a quorum.
The Iowa Code lists the people to be notified. Invitations are sent to the child (age 14 and older), parents, placement, HHS social work case manager, service providers, guardian ad litem, child’s attorney, parents' attorneys, and the county attorney. We encourage attendance, because participation by all parties leads to a more rounded discussion and is helpful as we make findings and recommendations.
The number of children selected is dependent on the resources available to the specific county or cluster of counties. If all children cannot be reviewed, selection criteria have been developed in consultation with the judges and the Health and Human Services (HHS).
During the average 40 minutes allowed for the review, the focus will be on the progress being made on the issues of concern raised in the Case Permanency Plan. Each person present will be offered the opportunity to address any or all of the listed concerns. At the conclusion of the review, the Board will make findings and recommendations for the child’s best interest related to safety, permanency and well-being.
The FCRB reports, with recommendations, are sent to the juvenile court judge. Copies of the report are also sent to the parents, the foster parents, counselors, attorneys, the supervising agency, and other appropriate interested parties. The juvenile court judge will review the report and take into consideration the recommendations at the time of the next court hearing on the case. The FCRB makes recommendations that are advisory only.
The child's case no longer requires a review when the child: is successfully returned to live with the parent(s); is adopted; has reached the age of 18 or when the court relieves the FCRB of the responsibility or dismisses the case.
By attending foster care reviews, parents demonstrate their commitment to their child's wellbeing and future, actively participate in decision-making, and work towards a potential reunification. It is an essential step in ensuring the best possible outcome for your child.
Be sure to attend any court hearings concerning your child, contact your attorney, and make your opinions known.
Foster Care Review Board Districts
Support Our Mission
Friends of Iowa CASA and ICFCRB is a non-profit agency that partners with the Child Advocacy Board to promote and support volunteer advocacy for abused and neglected children and public awareness of the importance of safe and permanent homes for all children. Donations to Friends of Iowa CASA and ICFCRB are tax deductible and are used to support the recruitment, training and ongoing support and recognition of volunteers in the Iowa CASA and FCRB programs.
