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Family guide for working with DHS

Published April 30, 2020
• Reviewed by a UI Health Care Provider

Mandatory Reporters

Many UI Health Care staff are mandatory reporters. They must report concerns of possible child abuse or neglect to the Iowa Department of Human Services (DHS) or the equivalent if the family lives out of state.

What to Expect

  • If accepted for assessment, a DHS worker will call or visit with you within a few days.
  • The main purpose of the assessment is to evaluate the safety of the child(ren) in the home.
  • During the evaluation DHS:
    • Must see the child(ren)
    • Gathers information from the family and others as needed
    • Visits the home
  • The DHS worker will talk with you about the outcome and next steps. Next steps may be connecting your family with services. 

Resources

  • Iowa Department of Human Services (DHS)
    • Phone: 1-800-362-2178 (Central Intake) 
    • Call your local office number. Ask to speak with a supervisor.
  • Iowa Victim Service Call Center
    • Call: 1-800-770-1650
    • Text: ‘IOWAHELP’ to 20121
    • Web: survivorshelpline.org
  • Iowa Legal Aid
    • Phone: 1-800-532-1275 Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday 9 to 11 a.m. and 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. 
    • Office hours: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (emergencies taken when open)
  • Hospital Resources
  • Call your primary care provider (PCP)
  • Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS)