FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Services
I want to speak with a family therapist or counselor.
Children & Families of Iowa offers in-person and telehealth therapy services across the state. You can email [email protected] or call 515-697-7916 for more information, counseling, and other resources available to you.
I am having problems with substance use and need information about treatment programs.
You can email [email protected] or call 515-697-7916 for more information, counseling, and other resources available to you.
Who should I call with questions on CFI’s services?
If you need help but don’t know which CFI service you need, call 515-288-1981. They can help connect you with someone who can help you determine which services best meet your unique situation.
I need affordable child care. Who do I call?
Children & Families of Iowa offers a number of child care options in the Des Moines area. Call 515-282-2193 to learn more.
I need more information on domestic violence services.
If you are in immediate danger, please first call 911. You can also call Children & Families of Iowa’s Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-942-0333. This call is free and confidential, and the line is answered by trained domestic violence advocates 24/7.
I think a child is in an unsafe environment.
If you suspect a child is being abused, don’t wait. Call the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services at 800-362-2178.
Get more information on reporting child abuse in Iowa »
I was placed for adoption through Iowa Children’s Home Society. How do I go about locating my birth parents?
Adoption records in Iowa are sealed if the adoption took place less than 50 years ago. However, Children & Families of Iowa is permitted to supply non-identifying information about biological families. Non-identifying information includes nationality, education, medical history, interests, etc. There is a $50charge to locate the record and copy the information. Some records have minimal details on the birth family.
For more information, please e-mail [email protected].
Do you provide adoption assistance?
Children & Families of Iowa provides domestic and international adoption home study services. CFI does not provide foster care or adoption placement services.
How Can I Help?
What kind of non-monetary donations do you accept?
Based on current needs and storage space, CFI is now only able to accept new items.
Please call 515-697-7972 to see if any of CFI’s clients can use the items you have to donate and make a drop off appointment.
Children & Families of Iowa has also partnered with St. Vincent De Paul, which has a free clothing department where CFI’s clients, as well as others in the community who are very much in need, can “shop” for free. When donating your items to St. Vincent, you must specify the “Free Department” or the items will be sold instead of given away. St. Vincent picks up items or you may drop them off at 1426 6th Avenue 515-282-8327 (between Clark and Forest Streets) or 520 Army Post Road (515) 282-8328 (between SW 9th and South Union Streets) in Des Moines.
Are there any items that you do not accept as donations?
CFI is unable to accept donations of used, stuffed or plush animals and toys, baby items, household furniture, or used clothing. CFI recommends donating items to St. Vincent De Paul (515-282-8327) or FreeStore (515-282-3733). These organizations are unable to accept used car seats.
I want to help. What items do your clients need the most right now?
Children & Families of Iowa’s clients always have a need for bus tokens, cab coupons, calling cards, backpacks, tote bags, school supplies, baby formula, diapers and wipes, full-size toiletry items (shampoo, soap, deodorant, tooth paste), personal care items (toothbrushes, hair brushes, combs, feminine supplies, etc.), and socks and underwear of all sizes.
Do you accept used toys, books and outdoor riding toys?
Children & Families of Iowa occasionally accepts toys such as books and outdoor riding toys if they are in good condition. Due to licensing issues, CFI cannot accept stuffed toys of any kind.
If you would like to donate your new or gently-used toys, please contact our Foundation at 515-697-7972. You can may also contact St. Vincent de Paul at 515-282-8327.
Do you accept donations of furniture and appliances?
Children & Families of Iowa does not have the space to accept these donations. However, CFI has partnered with FreeStore, a nonprofit organization that accepts donations for victims of domestic violence. FreeStore volunteers can be contacted at 515-282-3733.
My company would like to hold a drive to collect items for Children & Families of Iowa. Whom should I contact?
Children & Families of Iowa has many opportunities for groups and companies to get involved restoring hope, building futures and changing lives. If you would like to host a donation drive, event or find out about group volunteer opportunities, please call 515-697-7901. CFI will work with you to find a project that fits what you are interested in doing and what its clients need most right now.
How can I make a cash donation and should it be addressed to anyone specific?
Please mail your donation to:
Foundation for Children & Families of Iowa
1111 University Ave
Des Moines, IA 50314
If you prefer to drop off your donation, you may do so at the same address. You can also give online Click Here.
Jobs & Volunteering
I am interested in volunteering with Children & Families of Iowa. Whom do I contact?
Children & Families of Iowa can always use a helping hand. Volunteers help CFI sort donations, serve as mentors to at-risk teens and children, help the organization at events, provide training to victims of domestic violence, serve as members of our board of directors and board of trustees, and much more.
If your personal mission matches that of the agency, and you want an opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of others, please contact [email protected] or call 515-697-7972.
I am interested in doing an internship with Children & Families of Iowa.
Children & Families of Iowa is a great place to learn about nonprofit work and social services. To inquire about an internship with CFI, please contact our Human Resources at [email protected].
How do I apply for a position with Children & Families of Iowa?
Please view current open positions on our Careers page.
About Children & Families of Iowa
My question doesn’t appear on this FAQ page. Whom should I contact for an answer?
Children & Families of Iowa is here to help! If you have any questions, please call 515-288-1981 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday – Thursday or 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Friday. Outside of regular hours or if no one is available, leave a message and CFI will get back to you as soon as we can.
You can also submit a question online through the contact page.
How do I get to Children & Families of Iowa?
Children & Families of Iowa’s main office is located at 1111 University Avenue, between 11th Street and 12th Street in Des Moines, five blocks west of Mercy Hospital.
To get to the office, take I-235 to the 6th Ave exit. Take 6th Ave to University Avenue and turn left. Go five blocks to 11th Street and turn right. CFI’s driveway is the first drive on the left.
The brick building takes up the entire block between 11th and 12th Streets. The main entrance and parking lot are on the back (north) side of the building.
Who do I call to find out which services are available near me?
Call our main office at 515-288-1981 to find out which services are available in your area.
I would like to request a speaker to come to my company, organization or group. How do I arrange this?
To arrange for a speaker from Children & Families of Iowa to come to your company, organization or group, please contact our Communication Manager Ann Bailey. You can send her an e-mail or call her at 515-697-7961.