The Iowa Aftercare Services Network (IASN) is a group of 8 nonprofit organizations across the state that support youth who have aged out of foster care or another out-of-home placement. We serve more than 500 young adults between the ages of 18 to 23 each year, helping them navigate a successful transition to adulthood. YSS has served as the lead agency of the IASN since 2002.
Our Services:
Pre-Aftercare – Youth who have experienced foster care can begin preparing for the transition to Core Aftercare several months prior to aging out of the system. Youth aged 17 or older can meet with a Self-Sufficiency Advocate (SSA) to begin exploring options.
Core Aftercare – Aftercare supports young adults aged 18-21 who experienced court-ordered placement as a teenager. The program is completely voluntary. Participants work with a SSA to identify individual needs and work toward their goals in education, employment, housing, health, life skills and relationships.
Preparation for Adult Living (PAL stipend) – Youth may be eligible for financial support in the form of a monthly stipend. To qualify for the Preparation for Adult Living (PAL) stipend, youth must have exited placement at age 18 or older, be enrolled in secondary or postsecondary education or work training program, and/or be employed.
Extended Aftercare – Extended Aftercare is available for young adults that are 21 or 22 years of age. Extended Aftercare includes life skills training, periodic check-ins, and referrals to needed services. Program participants with demonstrated financial need may be eligible for limited financial assistance.
If you are interested in learning more about Aftercare services, explore our frequently asked questions page or reach out to our team.
Staff:
Joan Havel, LBSW
IASN Coordinator
Joan Havel, LBSW, received her bachelor’s degree in social work from Mount Mercy College in Cedar Rapids, IA. She has 30+ years of experience in the human service field, which includes services to people with developmental and mental disabilities, teens in the criminal justice system, and families and children in residential and community-based services. Joan became the Iowa Aftercare Services Network (IASN) Coordinator in 2005 and continues in that role with ISU’s Child Welfare Research and Training Project since August 2022. Joan is excited to formally be a Cyclone and enjoys watching sports with her husband and children.
Joanna McCaffery
IASN Communications Director
Joanna earned her Bachelor of Science degree in communications from Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa, in 2001, and began her career working as an intern for the Institute for Physical Research and Technology (Ames Labs). She now has more than 20 years marketing communications experience in both corporate and nonprofit environments. Joanna became the Communications Director for the Iowa Aftercare Services Network (IASN) in 2010 and continues in that role with ISU’s Child Welfare Research and Training Project as of August 2022. She is responsible for internal and external marketing communications, brand development and management, and digital promotions for the statewide Network.