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• What is AMP video

Who We Are

What is AMP?

AMP is a youth-driven, statewide group that seeks to unleash the full potential for personal growth among foster and adoptive children in Iowa. AMP offers leadership opportunities, service learning projects, speaking opportunities, and educational/vocational assistance. Amp also provides the life skills youth need to become self-sufficient, independent adults. Watch this video about AMP for more information here.

Who are AMP youth?

AMP members are ages 13 and up who have been involved in foster care, adoption or other out-of-home placements.

"I've seen the kids present multiple times and they are so impressive..sending a great message not only to other kids, but to the professionals that impact their lives."

- Roxanne Riesberg (Child Protection Program Manager, Iowa Department of Human Services)

What do AMP youth do?

• Train to become advocates for themselves and others.
• Participate in valuable leadership opportunities.
• Develop their voices by telling their own stories.
• Educate legislators, foster parents, the public, child welfare professionals and juvenile court representatives about foster care and adoption from the youth perspective.
• Build youth/adult partnerships in the community that create opportunities for service learning.
• Encourage others to open their homes to teens in foster care or those available for adoption.
• Provide understanding, support, and encouragement to one another.
• Gain the life skills necessary to become healthy, independent adults.
• Explore educational/vocational options to chart their path to become successful productive adults.

What do AMP youth hope to accomplish?

Help foster youth to become independent adults who can successfully educate others about the child welfare system and take an active role in making life better for themselves and others in state care.

How you can help!

Allow us to speak at your next event

AMP youth have a compelling story to share. Please consider having them speak at your next luncheon, meeting or event.

Share a skill, talent, or hobby

The majority of youth who reach adulthood while in foster care do not get the chance to develop critical life skills - skills that enable others their age to succeed. Please consider sharing your skills and knowledge with our young people. You can help them build a resume, fill out a car loan or college application, or understand personal finances, to name a few.

Donate a service or a product

Teens leaving foster care have many needs that other teens coming of age are provided by their biological families. Furnishings, sheets, blankets, personal hygiene products, cleaning supplies, towels, kitchen supplies and more are all items these youth will need to live independently.

Click here to find an AMP near you!