DES MOINES – Iowans are invited to provide input on children’s mental health needs at regional listening posts scheduled statewide beginning Oct. 2.

The listening posts will be hosted by Iowa’s area education agencies on behalf of the Children’s System State Board established by Gov. Kim Reynolds through Executive Order 2 in April. The board is co-chaired by Iowa Department of Human Services Director Jerry Foxhoven and Iowa Department of Education Director Ryan Wise.

Board members will review information gathered from the listening posts as part of their charge to develop recommendations to create a children’s mental health system. The recommendations are due to the legislature on Nov. 15.

In our area, Listening post details are as follows:

Oct. 10, 5:30 to 7 p.m.
Green Hills AEA
257 Swan St., Creston

Iowa families who are unable to participate in the listening posts may provide input online in the following ways:

An online survey. The survey deadline is Oct. 12.

An online listening post will run from noon to 1 p.m. on Oct. 4. To join from a computer, visit: https://zoom.us/j/290354386. To join by phone, call 1-646-876-9923. When prompted, enter meeting code 290-354-386

For more information about the Children’s System State Board, visit the Iowa Department of Human Services’ website.