Achieving Maximum Potential (AMP)

Achieving Maximum Potential (AMP) is Iowa’s Foster Care Youth Council that meets in Councils throughout the state. AMP seeks to unleash the full potential for personal growth among Iowa’s foster youth ages 13-22. Together, they provide opportunities to build life and leadership skills while advocating for positive change to Iowa’s child welfare system.

Summarized by the motto, “Nothing about us, without us,” AMP is a youth engagement program.  AMP involves young people as advocates for themselves and as a voice for system-level improvements in child welfare laws, policies and practices. When supported through productive partnerships with adults, youth can be authoritative advocates for making foster care more responsive and effective.

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Parent Organization: Youth & Shelter Services (YSS)

Location Information

Statewide

Achieving Maximum Potential (AMP) is Iowa’s Foster Care Youth Council that meets in Councils throughout the state. AMP seeks to unleash the full potential for personal growth among Iowa’s foster youth ages 13-22. Together, they provide opportunities to build life and leadership skills while advocating for positive change to Iowa’s child welfare system.

Summarized by the motto, “Nothing about us, without us,” AMP is a youth engagement program.  AMP involves young people as advocates for themselves and as a voice for system-level improvements in child welfare laws, policies and practices. When supported through productive partnerships with adults, youth can be authoritative advocates for making foster care more responsive and effective.

Services:

  • Camps, conferences, and activities
  • Legislative advocacy
  • Grants

Eligibility:

Iowa children and youth in foster placement or kinship placement. Eligibility varies by program and grant.

Handicap Accessible: Yes

Appointment Needed: No

Website: Visit Website

Program: Foster Funds

Foster Funds is a reimbursement grant of up to $300 for youth in any out-of-home placement meant to meet pretty much any need other than medical expenses.​

Services:

  • Grant

Eligibility:

Iowa youth in any out-of-home placement where they are deemed a “foster youth” or their care provider receives a foster care stipend​.

This grant is meant for the youth every item or opportunity granted must accompany the youth if they were to leave their current placement​.

Intake Process:

Application available on website, and taken year round. Applications are granted at AMPs sole discretion; some applications may not be awarded. Because this is a reimbursement grant, all receipts must be included with the application or the application will not be processed​.

Handicap Accessible: Yes

Appointment Needed: No

Website: Visit Website

Program: Kinship Funds

Kinship Funds is a reimbursement grant of up to $300 for youth in any type of kinship placement where the care provider is not receiving a foster care stipend.​

Services:

  • Grant

Eligibility:

Iowa child age 0-18 in any out-of-home kinship placement where their care provider does not receive a foster care stipend​. The grant is meant for youth and any item or opportunity granted must accompany the youth if they are to leave their current placement​. Additional eligibility requirements may be listed on application.

Intake Process:

Application available on website. Grants are available as funding allows. Restrictions apply and not all opportunities and experiences are eligible.

Handicap Accessible: Yes

Appointment Needed: No

Website: Visit Website

Program: Dream Seed

Dream Seed grants up to $300 toward youth’s dreams as they transition into adulthood! This could be anything from strengthening a skill, learning a new skill, or investing in necessary equipment.

Services:

  • Grant

Eligibility:

Iowa youth age 16 and older involved in AMP or Aftercare​.

Intake Process:

Applications available online when application period is open. 2023 applications will open fall 2023.

Handicap Accessible: Yes

Appointment Needed: No

Website: Visit Website