Iowa Senate News Release
State Senator Janet Petersen: (515) 991-6311
For Immediate Release: September 9, 2013
September 17th meeting of Senate Oversight Committee
will focus on improving conditions at Iowa Juvenile Home
State Sen. Janet Petersen, D-Des Moines
(Des Moines) On Tuesday, September 17, the Iowa Senate Oversight Committee will gather the latest information and recommendations from state officials and advocates regarding the Iowa Juvenile Home in Toledo. The meeting will be held in Room 116 of the Iowa Statehouse from 8AM to Noon.
“Legislators want to learn more about the policies and procedures the Department of Human Services and Department of Education are following to care for and educate our children living at the Iowa Juvenile Home in Toledo. The focus should be on identifying problems and finding solutions,” said Janet Petersen, the chairwoman of the committee.
“We know the majority of these kids do not come from safe home environments. Yet, the Governor’s Department of Human Services has them placed in a similar situation in a facility which is understaffed, ill-equipped and lacking sound policies, procedures and effective oversight. Iowa can and must do better for our children.”
Presenters at Tuesday’s meeting will include:
- Jane Hudson, Executive Director, Disability Rights Iowa
- Sue Lerdal, Disability Rights Iowa
- Chuck Palmer, Director, Department of Human Services
- Rick Shults, Division Administrator of Mental Health and Disability Services
- Brad Buck, Director, Department of Education
Meeting agenda: https://www.legis.iowa.gov/DOCS/LSA/SC_Agendas/2014/SADFK000.PDF
Senate Oversight Committee home page: https://www.legis.iowa.gov/Schedules/committee.aspx?GA=85&CID=538
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