The Johnson County Decategorization Program is seeking volunteers to serve as members of the Decategorization Board. Vacancies exist for persons categorized as community-at large and individuals representing mental health, research, community organizing, and the faith community. Individuals living in rural Johnson County, persons of color, and English Language Learners are encouraged to apply.

The purpose of this program is to implement Iowa’s Child Welfare Decategorization Program. Decategorization of child welfare and juvenile justice funding is designed to redirect child welfare and juvenile justice funding to services that are preventive, family-centered, and community-based in order to reduce use of restrictive approaches that rely on out-of-home care. The Decategorization Board partners with community stakeholders to develop service alternatives that provide less restrictive levels of care for children and families within Johnson County. Duties also include analyzing community needs, allocation of funding, contract oversight and fiscal management.

The Decategorization Board meets monthly from 1:30 to 3 p.m. on the third Monday of the month.

Application forms are available on the Decategorization Board webpage of the Johnson County website at www.johnsoncountyiowa.gov/social-services/decategorization-board. Application forms can also be requested by contacting the Social Services Department at 319-356-6090 or [email protected] and requesting an application be mailed to you. 

Completed applications must be submitted by 4:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 12, 2021, to Laurie Nash in the Social Services Department.