Decategorization (DCAT) was designed to be a process that combines the individual state appropriations for child welfare services into a single fund to encourage the development of services that better meet the needs of youth and families by allowing the local county flexibility in how these funds are used. Participation by the Department of Human Services, Juvenile Court Services and the County are required terms of the legislation.
DCAT is an effort to significantly change the child welfare system to one that is needs based, family focused, easily accessible, more intensive, less restrictive and cost effective.
DCAT is an effort to significantly change the child welfare system to one that is needs based, family focused, easily accessible, more intensive, less restrictive and cost effective.
Sarah Gibson, DCAT Coordinator
sgibson2@dhs.state.ia.us
sgibson2@dhs.state.ia.us