1. Do parents have to pay anything?
No, our services are paid for through the federal and state title XIX program. Exceptions: If child has their own income, ie, social security benefits, child support and trust money will be considered part of payment.

2. Do the children go to school?
Yes. The children go to school in the Storm Lake public school system in an age appropriate class. The school year is a 180 day program. The children do not qualify for a extended year program because FHC staff continues the school goals during the summer months.

3. Can children go home for visits?
Yes. Parents and guardians can visit at anytime. There is a 30 night limit per child per calendar year if title XIX is paying for the child’s placement. Additional overnight visits are considered on an individual basis. All other visitors need to be approved by parents and/or guardian.

4. Do parents give up parental rights when they place their child?
No. Parents retain all rights. Placement is considered voluntary.

5. What is the staff to child ratio?
The average ratio is 1:2 in the home. Outings require 1:1 ratio.

6. Can parents decorate their child’s room?
Yes. Parents may provide bedding, wall decorations (no glass) and appropriately sized furniture.

7. Does FHC provide any daily living items?
Yes. FHC provides the following: food, shelter, clothing, a bed, bedding (if needed), linens, storage for personal items, toiletry items, and adaptive equipment.

8. Who does FHC serve?
We serve persons between the ages of 3 and 18 years old who are diagnosed with a development disability from the mild to profound range.

9. What services does FHC offer?
FHC offers a variety of services, you can learn more by clicking here……

10. How big is FHC?
We serve 32 children in our residential program, approximately 45 children in our Community Services program. We have an average of 135 employees.

11. Are the residents involved in the community?
Yes. The children participate in a variety of activities. Click here to find out more.

12. How are services accessed?
Community Services are accessed through the Home and Community Based Waiver program. By calling the FHC Social Services Department at 712-732-5127 or toll free at 1-877-723-5127, you can receive more information. Scholarship dollars are also available for respite care through the Iowa Respite and Crisis Care Coalition.

13. What are the ages served in the Community Service program?
Children from birth to age 17 are served in the Community Service program.

14. What type of needs is served in the Community Services program?
Children with developmental disabilities; mental retardation, cerebral palsy, autism etc., we also serve children with chronic medical conditions and children with mental health issues.

15. What criteria does staff have to meet?
Persons wanting to apply at FHC must be at least 18 years of age, complete an application form, and provide two or more work and/or character references. Once an interview is completed, the following is completed before he/she is able to begin work in their home/department:

• Pre-employment physical that includes tetanus shot booster and drug test.
• Applicant check made with the Child Abuse Registry. Any individual who has a founded child abuse report in their record is not eligible for employment at FHC. This check is repeated annually for all employees.
• Applicant check with the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation. If any convictions are shown, the appropriate form must be completed by the Director of Human Resources and filed with the Iowa Department of Human Services to determine if the applicant is eligible to work at Faith, Hope & Charity. This check is repeated annually for all employees.
• A driving record check is done to determine chauffeur driver eligibility. An employee must be a chauffeured driver to transport residents/consumers. This check is repeated annually for all employees.
• Attend New Employee Orientation

What kind of training does Direct Care staff receive?
Before Direct Care staff start in the home, they receive New Employee Orientation. Once Orientation is completed, they begin their training period in the home. During this time they receive one-on-one training with each resident.

Along with training done in the home, Direct Care staff are required to attend the following inservices provided by Faith, Hope & Charity:

• Consumer Abuse Prevention
• Confidentiality
• CPR
• Crisis Management
• Family Aspects
• Introduction to Faith, Hope & Charity
• Iowa Right to Know
• Mandatory Abuse Laws
• Physical Management
• Policies & Procedures
• Recreation
• Sanitation & Communicable Diseases
• Wheelchair Vehicle Transportation
• Lifting Techniques
  
  
  

Faith, Hope & Charity is a wonderful place. Our son Alex is loved and cared for. I have the highest regard for the staff and administration.

~Susan, mother of Alex