FAQ

How do I get on the food program?

1. First you need a valid Registration with the state and at least 1 daycare child in your home.
2. Then call CACFP Receptionist at 286-2136 and we’ll assist you in the process.

What questions will I be asked?

The following questions will be asked:

• Name
• Address
• Phone #
• Social Security #
• Registration ID#
• They need to know what Category they are A, B or C.
• Registration end Date (Found on the seal)

How many times a year does someone come out to visit?

Our program has 3 trimester visits a year. Our program begins October 1 and ends September 30th every year.

Do we provide insurance?

No, we don't offer it, but providers can purchase their own. There is a union for in-home child care providers that are working on providing insurance.

How much paperwork is involved?

A sample of the paperwork includes:

• Enrollment of children in your care
• Written menus (what you serve)
• Recording meals that each child is served daily
• Recording attendance of children, the times they arrive and leave

Is there a simpler process?

We offer on-line claiming. You must have internet explorer 6.0 or higher, a valid e-mail address, working printer and computer skills.

How much training do I need for the food program?

You need 2 hours each year of Nutrition training for the food program. It must be completed annually between October 1st and September 30th each program year. CACFP training hours can also be used to meet part of the 12 hours of annual training required to maintain your registration.

How are we reimbursed?

Payment is based on the number of children, meals by type, and the number of days recorded each month.

Can I claim my own children?

If you meet the income eligibility, then we can reimburse you for your children under 13.

How do I get a list of child care providers in Polk County?

This request is handled by Child Care Resource and Referral. They can be reached at: 515-246-3560. Their website is: www.iowaccrr.org

If I am disabled, can I participate in this program?

If you are 60 and meet income guidelines, yes. The eligibility guidelines do not make an exception for people with disabilities under the age of 60.

What do I need to sign up?

All we need is an ID that includes your birthdate (driver's license, State ID, birth certificate) and your monthly income. (This is self-declared and no proof is necessary)

Does this program have any extra benefits for veterans?

No. This program helps all people who meet our guidelines equally.

What if I can't make it in to shop?

Delivery is available, at no cost, for those with health or transportation issues.

Why are you closed the last 2 working days of every month?

We are closed for product rotation and inventory purposes.

Can you assist me with property damage?

No, unfortunately we do not provide any monies for assistance. Please call us at 286-3600 so that we can talk about how we can assist you as a victim of crime.

I am the victim of domestic violence and the police told me to call you for help. What can you do to help me?

We are glad the police directed you our way. There is a shelter and services for victims of domestic violence but please call us at 286-3600 so that we can talk with you about how we can help.

I got these papers in the mail. Did you send them?

Yes, we send out mailings to victims of crime offering our services.

Where did you get my name and information?

From police reports. We work collaboratively with the police department to ensure that all crime victims know our services are available.

My glasses were broke when this guy hit me, can you help me get them replaced?

No, unfortunately we do not provide any monies for assistance. Please call us at 286-3600 so that we can talk about how we can assist you as a victim of crime.

I have an old cell phone that I don't use anymore, where can I take it?

You may bring your old cell phones with chargers to our office for distribution to victims who need to have access to 9-1-1 for emergencies. The Polk County Sheriff’s Department also takes used cell phones.

Do you offer groups?

Yes, we have several groups available to people. Please call our office at 286-3600 so that we can talk with you about how we can help.

What are the fees for your services?

All of our services offered are free, voluntary and confidential.

I have this kat shaped key chain and I would like to have another one, do you still have them?

Unfortunately we do not have these anymore; there is a website that you may access to purchase additional Key Kats. The website is http://www.selfdefenseproducts.com/Wild-Kat-Keychains-p-16464.html

Where is the Family Enrichment Center located?

The Family Enrichment Center is located at Polk County River Place, 2309 Euclid Avenue, Des Moines.

Contact The Family Enrichment Center at 515-286-3406 for more information.

What is the Family Enrichment Center?

The Family Enrichment Center is a family support program for families who are receiving FIP benefits. The program is administered by the Department of Community, Family and Youth Services with local funds from Polk County and a FaDSS grant from the Department of Human Rights.

What is FaDSS?

FaDSS stands for Family Development and Self Sufficiency. It is a program which is funded by the Department of Human Services as a support service for families who are receiving FIP and who need assistance in achieving self sufficiency and independence from public assistance.

What services do the Family Enrichment Center provide?

The core service of the program is case management/family support which is provided through home visitation. Services and resources are individually determined based upon the needs and resources of families.

Who is eligible for services at the Family Enrichment Center?

Polk County residents who are receiving FIP benefits are eligible to enroll.

How do I apply?

You may be referred by your PROMISE JOBS or DHS worker, other professional, or you may refer yourself.

Where do I apply for emergency assistance?

You need to apply at the General Assistance office located at Polk County River Place West, 2309 Euclid Avenue, Des Moines.

Who is eligible?

Polk County residents who have an emergency need and who meet eligibility guidelines are eligible for assistance.

What is required for me to apply?

A picture ID and Social Security card are required. Depending upon the type of assistance requested, additional information will be needed.

What type of assistance is available?

If eligible, vouchers may be provided for shelter, utilities, food and personal items. Limited assistance is also available for special needs such as transportation and health needs.

How do I know if I am eligible?

Eligibility is determined through an interview process at the General Assistance office and is based upon income, resources and individual circumstances.

What are the hours for the PEER Advocate Program?

Monday - Friday (8:00am - 5:00pm)

Do I have to pay my property taxes back?

https://www.polkcountyiowa.gov/treasurer/property-tax/property-tax-faqs/#Property%20Tax%20Suspension

I own a mobile home. Do I qualify?

https://www.polkcountyiowa.gov/treasurer/property-tax/property-tax-faqs/#Property%20Tax%20Suspension

I don't qualify for the suspension program. Are there other property tax credits I can take advantage of?

https://www.polkcountyiowa.gov/treasurer/property-tax/property-tax-faqs/#Property%20Tax%20Suspension

I rent my home/apartment. Is there any assistance available to me?

If you own or rent your home or apartment, you may qualify for assistance through Polk County General Assistance with help paying a portion of your rent/mortgage.  You may also be eligible for utility assistance if you are in threat of having your utilities disconnected or turned off.  You can apply in person at Polk County General Assistance, 2309 Euclid Avenue or online. 

What do I do if my property taxes were sold at tax sale?

If your property taxes were bought at tax sale and the buyer has been issued a tax sale certificate, you may qualify for payment of your past due property taxes to redeem the tax sale.  Please contact Polk County Adult Services at 515-286-3205 to see if you qualify. 

What is available for older adults in Polk County?

There are a variety of facilities that host meals, recreational, educational and volunteer opportunities for people 60 and older across the county. Cultural opportunities and travel are also available to people age 55 and older also.

How many sites are there and where do I attend?

There are seven full time multi-purpose community and senior centers open from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and 9 sites open 4 hours a days Monday – Friday. You may attend any site you wish as long as you can transport yourself. If you rely on transportation, you will be taken to the site nearest you.

Do you provide transportation to the centers?

Transportation may be available to the center closest to your home. By calling the center nearest you the site staff can assist you with the application process.

What kind of meals are provided at the centers?

A hot lunch is served at these centers meeting 1/3 of the RDI (Recommended Daily Intake) for adults.

How much do the meals cost?

If you are 60 years of age or older or married to someone that is the age of 60 there is not a fee for the meal; however donations are welcome.

I am 55. Can I come to the center?

You are welcome to attend the centers however you will have to pay for the meal or help share costs in the activities you participate in.

If I am disabled can I eat free?

The basic criteria to have a meal at no charge at the centers is the age of 60.

How do I become a member?

Just by attending a center makes you a member. There is a short form to complete asking for some very basic information.

Click here for the form

I am 60 but my spouse is not, can they attend?

People age 60 and their spouses are eligible, no matter what their age.

Can I take a meal to go?

No. All food provided as part of the meal program is served as dine in only.

If the meals are free, how is the cost covered?

Meals are provided with support from the Federal Government (Older American's Act Funds), Polk County and donations given by program participants.

Who plans the meals?

The menu is planned by a county staff member and approved by a registered licensed dietician to make sure all meals meet 1/3 Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) established by the Food and Nutrition Research Council of the National Academy of Science.

Are there diet meals available?

All meals are prepared using limited salt and being conscientious of fat intake. There are calorie controlled ADA, Fat Restricted and soft bland diet meals available upon request by your physician.

Is there a fee to use the exercise equipment?

No, there is not a fee to use the exercise equipment. Just a note from our physician stating you are able to use the equipment as directed.

What type of activities do the centers have?

Each site is responsible for their own programming, so every site is different. A variety of exercise, recreation and wellness activities are available.

Are there costs to attend classes?

There may be. Certain classes may have a fee, but a good share of them are available at no cost to participants.

Can I volunteer at the centers?

Volunteers are welcome at all the centers. Volunteering helps keep the programs running and is essential to every center's success. There are many different volunteer opportunities available from teaching classes, to serving meals to serving on boards and committees. Let us know your skills or interest area and we’ll find a volunteer job for you.

Can I rent the centers?

You may rent any of the seven full time centers. You can find specifics about each center by calling them directly. Look under forms on this website for more information.

How many people can a center hold for a rental event?

Each center varies in size. Site capacity ranges from 80 people to 250 people.

Can I admit my child to Detention?

No. If your child has broken the law then you should call 911 for assistance. This does not mean that your child will be detained. The Central Intake Officer on duty will review all pertinent information and make a determination in the best interests of the youth and their family.

How long will my child have to stay in Detention?

The amount of time that a youth is detained is determined by the Juvenile Court Judge.  All youth admitted to Detention will attend a court hearing within twenty-four hours of being admitted (excluding weekends).  In some cases, upon the advice of the youth's attorney or juvenile court officer, the youth may waive their right to a detention hearing.  

When will I be allowed to talk to my child?

Youth are allowed to make one outgoing call and recieve one incoming call each day.  Phone calls are limited to 7 minutes each. A limit is placed on calls in order to allow all youth the opportunity to make/receive a phone call. There are eleven youth on each wing when the building is full, sometimes getting through is difficult.

You may call (515)286-3344 and push the number that coincides with the wing the youth is currently on. Wing 400 - 4, Wing 500- 5, Wing 600- 6.

Youth wanting to make an outgoing call must sign up prior to going to school Monday – Friday and by 9:00 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Telephone calls are made throughout the day when they do not interfere with legitimate programming. Calls are made in the order that the youth signed up.

As the juvenile moves up in the level system he/she will be able to make longer telephone calls.

Is my child allowed to make/receive calls from anyone?

Only those who are authorized are allowed to call. An authorized caller is defined as immediate family members which includes; parents, step-parents, grandparents, step-grandparents, and legal guardians.

Only siblings, stepbrothers, stepsisters, half-brothers, half-sisters, who are living with their parent/guardian are allowed to call the youth.

Youth are allowed to make one outgoing call and recieve one incoming call each day.  Phone calls are limited to 7 minutes each. A limit is placed on calls in order to allow all youth the opportunity to make/receive a phone call. There are eleven youth on each wing when the building is full, sometimes getting through is difficult.

You may call (515)286-3344 and push the number that coincides with the wing the youth is currently on. Wing 400 - 4, Wing 500- 5, Wing 600- 6.

Youth wanting to make an outgoing call must sign up prior to going to school Monday – Friday and by 9:00 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Telephone calls are made throughout the day when they do not interfere with legitimate programming. Calls are made in the order that the youth signed up.

As the youth moves up in the level system he/she will be able to make longer telephone calls.

Am I allowed to visit my child?

If you are a parent, step-parent, or legal guardian you are allowed to visit. 

A maximum of three (3) visitors will be allowed to visit a youth at one time. 

Visits must be scheduled in advance by calling (515) 286-3344. To schedule a weekday visit call between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. and on weekends between 7:00 a.m. and Noon.

Visiting Hours

Monday-Friday    6:00-6:30 p.m. and 6:45-7:15 p.m. NOTE: The first time slot will be filled prior to using the second time slot.

Saturday-Sunday 1:00-1:30 p.m. and 1:45-2:15 p.m. NOTE: The first time slot will be filled prior to using the second time slot.

Holidays (Thanksgiving and Day After, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day) 9:00-9:30 a.m. and 6:45-7:15 p.m.

Visitors must arrive and sign in at least 15 minutes prior to the start of visits.

All visitors age thirteen (13) and over are required to produce valid photo identification.  Accepted forms of ID are a current driver's license, current DOT issued ID, etc).  Visitors age 13-17 may use a current academic school  year I.D.

Can anyone besides parents/guardians visit?

Only those who are authorized are allowed to visit. An authorized visitor is defined as immediate family members which includes; parents, step-parents, siblings, stepbrothers, stepsisters, half-brothers, half-sisters, grandparents, step-grandparents, and legal guardians. If the youth has a biological child, that child may visit with the youth's parents/guardians only.

Siblings up to the age of nineteen (19) must be accompanied by a parent/guardian. Siblings not living with a parent/guardian must have prior approval from Juvenile Court before being allowed to visit. A team leader from Detention can contact juvenile court for you to obtain permission to visit.

A maximum of three (3) visitors will be allowed to visit a youth at one time.

Visits must be scheduled in advance by calling (515) 286-3344. To schedule a Weekday visit call between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. and on Weekends between 7:00 a.m. and Noon.

Visiting Hours

Monday-Friday-  6:00-6:30 p.m. and 6:45-7:15 p.m. NOTE: The first time slot will be filled prior to using the second time slot.

Saturday-Sunday-  1:00-1:30 p.m. and 1:45-2:15 p.m. NOTE: The first time slot will be filled prior to using the second time slot.

Holidays (Thanksgiving and Day After, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day) 9:00-9:30 a.m. and 6:45-7:15 p.m.

Visitors must arrive and sign in at least 15 minutes prior to the start of visits.

All visitors age thirteen (13) and over are required to produce valid photo identification.  Accepted forms of ID are a current driver's license, current DOT issued ID, etc).  Visitors age 13-17 may use a current academic school  year I.D.

Professional Visitors

Attorneys, juvenile court officers, social workers, clergy and mentors will not be denied access to visit their client.  These visits are not limited by hour of day or duration. 

Government officials, legislators, media representatives and other non-related individuals may be approved for visitation by the program administrator or team leader on a case-by-case basis and will not count against the juvenile's normal visiting schedule.

Can our Pastor visit?

Yes. Ask your pastor to call a team leader at (515) 286-3344.  The team leader will assist with arranging a time to visit.

Does my child need clothes?

No.  When your son or daughter is admitted they will shower and their clothing and other personal items will be inventoried and placed in a personal property bag.  If he/she is wearing tennis shoes, they will be allowed to keep them.  Clean underwear, t-shirt, socks and a blue jumpsuit will be issued; females will also be issued a bra.

Can I bring my child personal care products?

Special brands of personal hygiene products or beauty items such as  make-up or special treatment items such as permanent waves, hair colors, special shampoos or hair treatment will not be provided or allowed in the detention center unless authorized by the Medical Services Department to remedy a specific medical problem.

A personal hygiene kit will be given to your child when they are admitted.  Each kit contains a comb, toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, deodorant and shampoo.  Lotion is dispensed at shower time.  Kits are replenished as needed.  Shaving is done in the presence of staff. 

Does my child need money?

No

How can I find out how my child is doing?

You can call the wing where the youth is assigned and ask to speak with a staff person. Staff may ask for some identifying information to make sure you are a parent/guardian.

Call (515)286-3344 and push the number that coincides with the wing the youth is currently on. Wing 400 - 4, Wing 500- 5, Wing 600- 6.

How do I find out who my child's Juvnile Court Officer (JCO) is?

You can ask the staff on the wing where your child is assigned or you can call Polk County Juvenile Court at (515)286-3960.

Will my child be involved in any activities while there?

Yes, it is the policy of the Polk County Juvenile Detention Center to provide a minimum of one-hour of large muscle activity and one-hour of structured leisure time activities each day. 

Recreational Program

The recreational program provides planned, organized and supervised coeducational activities, including the use of the gymnasium and outdoor recreation area.  These activities will be available to all youth, except when program capacity, unacceptable behavior (disciplinary action), medical restriction and/or facility security requires that limitations be imposed.

Library

To reduce idleness, maintain and increase literacy and allow youth to pursue personal interests, reading materials and other related services will be provided through the center's library.  The library provides youth access to a collection of general and specialized reading materials that meet educational, informational, and recreational needs of youth.

Will my child go to school while in Detention?

Yes, your child will attend school while they are here.  Educational services are provided by the Heartland Area Education Agency (AEA). A teacher from Detention will contact your child's school to determine their current academic level. 

Can you tell me about the IMPACT program?

Please refer to Youth Services IMPACT program on our website.

Why do you need our insurance information and my child's social security number?

We need this information in case your child requires medical care while in our facility.

Are you hiring?

Please visit the Human Resources Department website for open positions or continue to check the DSM Register classified under Human Services or Government.