ChildServe Homes  offer support services to children who require nursing care, skill development, behavior support, and therapies. The Homes provide care that focuses on the physical, emotional, cognitive, social, and spiritual needs of each child and his or her family. Home-like settings and family-centered care allow children to participate in their lives as independently as possible.

What We Do
ChildServe Homes offer children school-age through 21 a chance to explore independence without giving up the supervision and care they may need. The Homes offer children and young adults a homelike, yet structured, living environment where skill acquisition and independence is encouraged through interactions with caring direct support professionals.

Who We Serve
Some families are unable to provide 24-hour care for their developmentally disabled children at home, and allow us to provide a similar home environment. The program is licensed as an Intermediate Care Facility for People With Mental Retardation (ICF/MR).

Admission criteria include:

• Age 5-21
• Low risk of elopement
  
• Diagnosis of intellectual disability and/or significant physical requirements; may have multiple diagnoses, including but not limited to:
• Autism
• Traumatic Brain Injury
  
• Cerebral Palsy
• Down Syndrome
  
• Muscular Dystrophy
• May have behavioral issues, though must not present a risk of serious injury to self or others

Family Support
We encourage family involvement by maintaining open communication with family members. Their support is known to be a key component in the child’s success.

Community Involvement
ChildServe stresses community exposure and involvement. All children attend public schools in their communities. When not attending school, children lead rich social lives and learn leisure life skills through participation in planned activities, community recreational events, volunteer opportunities in their communities, shopping expeditions and more. Through these experiences they develop friendships and form skills for independence and self-fulfillment.

Home-like Environments
ChildServe has twelve homes located in residential areas throughout the Des Moines metro area, including Ankeny, Urbandale, Johnston, and Des Moines. Smaller  living environments with no more than four to six children provide a sense of home. Each home consists of private and semi-private bedrooms, a living room, large kitchen, large bathrooms, office, and outdoor space.

Qualified Professional Staff
Our interdisciplinary team of licensed and certified staff provides care that addresses each child’s medical, behavioral, and developmental needs. Each individual’s program is coordinated and monitored by a Qualified Mental Retardation Professional (QMRP). Additionally, each individual receives continuous active treatment in independent living skills and personal care skills.

Specialized Support Staff
Staffing and nursing support for each home is available 24 hours per day. Staffing levels are determined by the needs of the particular children in each home.

• Pediatricians
• Registered Nurses
• Occupational Therapists
• Physical Therapists
• Speech-Language Pathologists
• Dietician
• Adaptive Equipment Technicians
• Positive Behavior Support Specialists
  

Funding
The Iowa Home & Community Based Services (HCBS) waivers are Medicaid Programs. They are available to people with disabilities and older Iowans who need services and supports; which may allow them to stay in their homes, rather than in an institution. When an individual enters one of the waiver programs, they are "waiving" institutional care in favor of receiving services in their home or in the community. This gives you more choice. You must be eligible for Medicaid and also meet the requirements for each waiver. Iowa currently has seven Medicaid HCBS waivers. Programs are available for persons with physical and mental disabilities, HIV/AIDS, brain injuries and other chronic illnesses, as well as senior citizens. For more information on HCBS waivers, please go to http://www.ime.state.ia.us/docs/HCBSbrochure102606.pdf

See it to believe it
We invite you to come by and tour our homes and experience our fun and caring environment for yourself. For more information about ChildServe Homes, to schedule a tour, or to refer a child for services, please contact our Family Services Specialist at 515-331-8111.