Brief Intensive Services

Brief Intensive Services (BIS) is fluid and flexible, designed to assist your family in whatever way you need. This includes skill-building to address behavioral problems, needing new “tools” for your parent toolbox, counseling, connecting to resources, or helping your child improve in school. During a Family Team Meeting, the caseworker will assist in establishing the steps needed to achieve the goals identified by the family. The Family Team Meeting is open to any supports identified by the family. BIS is also a perfect fit for blended and non-traditional families. Services are family-centered and family-driven.

Enrollment Criteria

For more information or to refer to Young House Family Services’ Brief Intensive Services Program, please call (319) 752-4000, X1117 or email BIS@younghouse.org

Eligibility Requirements

  • The family must reside within Des Moines, Henry, Lee, or Louisa Counties.
  • Youth must be between the ages of six and 17
  • The family must not have formal involvement with DHS (not including food stamps, insurance, or other financial aid)
  • Youth must not be on formal probation with Juvenile Court Services.
  • Funding is provided through Iowa Decategorization funds.
Testimonials

“We would like to take the time to express our gratitude to Young House Family Services. Our family was in a time of crisis. We seemed to be in a constant cycle of conflict. We were dealing with communication barriers and a myriad of behavioral problems that led to constant turmoil.
We had to contend with a teen that was running away, yelling, fighting and even an assault that required court intervention. When our worker started working with our family, everyday there was the potential for huge conflicts. Things even seemed to get worse, but through the wise counsel that was provided, we were able to navigate this difficult time until all members of our family could see a better future. We now have a way to communicate and tools for conflict management, as well as peace and order in our family’s operation. I would like to say because of the services provided by Young House Family Services we are working together as one family while still able to meet the needs and goals of the individuals in our family. Thank you!”

“Our worker really helped me to understand our dynamics as a step family on a different level. We learned how to talk to each other and get our expectations across with less conflict. As a family we learned better ways to communicate with each other. We are growing closer as whole. I believe this program has helped a lot and more of the community could benefit from these services”

“This letter is to speak about the services my family and I have been receiving through the BIS program provided by Young House Family Services. I would like to talk specifically about the wonderful experience we have had with our caseworker. I struggle to put into words exactly what her counseling and support have meant to our family because nothing I can say seems like enough. She has been an absolute godsend. She has been there during some of the roughest times with our daughter. She has spoken to me at odd hours of the night, on weekends and any other time I have needed her. She has shown us different ways of dealing with our thoughts and feelings and has made us take a step back about the way we have been parenting our daughter. While our journey is nowhere near over, we know that with Young House’s help, we will get there. I feel like we have made great progress so far”

How to get started

To learn more about this program, please complete and submit the form below.