Decat Committees

Polk County Decategorization’s structure is comprised of a variety of committees that provide guidance, input, and help facilitate Decat's mission.   A detailed map of that structure can be found by clicking here.

The Executive Committee is comprised of key policy makers from Juvenile Court, DHS, and Polk County along with the chair of the Steering Committee. They review and approve policy recommendations, annual plans, budgets and projects. This committee meets quarterly, or as needed, and is responsible for reviewing any funding decision appeals.

The special Executive Committee meeting is scheduled for Thursday, February 8, 2024 from 10:00 to 11:30 AM. in the Polk County Family Enrichment Center (FEC) Conference room at Polk County River Place, 2309 Euclid Avenue.

The agenda for April 26, 2024 can be found here./EXECUTIVE%20COMMITTEE%20Agenda_for%2004-26-24.docx

The minutes from the last Executive Committee Meeting on January 11, 2024  are available here.

The Steering Committee consists of 20 members representing Des Moines Public Schools, the legal system, human services providers, Law Enforcement, Mental Health, Domestic Violence Response, Early Childhood, Juvenile Court, DHS, Polk County, and the community at large. This group serves as our Shared Decision Making team, and provides direction and on going monitoring and oversight of Decat. Funding proposals are reviewed and decisions made regarding services and programs. The committee promotes a cooperative and collaborative planning process by involving representatives from key organizations. This committee meets Quarterly at Polk County River Place. A copy of the minutes from the last meeting can be found here.  The next meeting's agenda can be found here.

Any provider in Polk County who serves youth and receives either DHS, County, Juvenile Court or United Way funds is eligible to attend this meeting. This committee provides a forum for providers to present new proposal ideas and receive feedback. It also assists in the identification of gaps in services and helps in coordinating planning efforts. This committee meets the third Wednesday of every month at Children and Families of Iowa. The chair and vice-chair of this committee also serve on the Governance Board.  A copy of the last meeting's minutes is available for viewing by clicking here.

The next meeting's agenda can be found here.

Polk County Decat and Providers' Advisory establisted a transportation directory for anyone in need and/or to help reduce barriers within the transportation system. Transportation Directory