PETITION FOR AUDIT OF IOWA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES CHILD WELFARE & CHILD
PETITION FOR AUDIT OF IOWA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES CHILD WELFARE & CHILD
The Issue
This online petition reproduces the exact language of the physical petition being submitted to the Iowa State Auditor as part of a formal referral packet supported by statutory authority and documentary evidence.
PETITION FOR AUDIT OF
IOWA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
CHILD WELFARE & CHILD PROTECTION SYSTEMS
(Including Legacy Iowa Department of Human Services Functions)
TO: Iowa State Auditor Rob Sand
PETITION STATEMENT
We, the undersigned residents of the State of Iowa, respectfully petition the Office of the Iowa State Auditor to initiate a full performance, compliance, and financial audit of the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) as it relates to child welfare, child protection, foster care, guardianship, and related services, including all legacy functions, records, contracts, data systems, and funding streams originating under the former Iowa Department of Human Services (DHS) and continued, transferred, or consolidated following the 2022 agency reorganization.
This petition requests an audit sufficient to evaluate:
- The receipt, management, allocation, and use of state and federal funds
- Compliance with statutory, regulatory, and constitutional requirements
- Oversight of privatized and contracted service providers
- Decision-making tools and systems affecting child removal and permanency outcomes
- Internal controls, record retention, and data integrity across the DHS-to-DHHS transition
- Persistent adverse outcomes, disparities, and repeat federal findings
Agency consolidation does not extinguish audit jurisdiction, nor does it eliminate record-keeping, compliance, or accountability obligations. Records and systems originating under DHS but relied upon or enforced by DHHS remain subject to audit.
We submit this petition in the public interest to ensure transparency, accountability, lawful administration, and the protection of Iowa children and families.
SIGNATURES
By signing below, I affirm that I am an Iowa resident and support this petition requesting an audit by the Iowa State Auditor.
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The Issue
This online petition reproduces the exact language of the physical petition being submitted to the Iowa State Auditor as part of a formal referral packet supported by statutory authority and documentary evidence.
PETITION FOR AUDIT OF
IOWA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
CHILD WELFARE & CHILD PROTECTION SYSTEMS
(Including Legacy Iowa Department of Human Services Functions)
TO: Iowa State Auditor Rob Sand
PETITION STATEMENT
We, the undersigned residents of the State of Iowa, respectfully petition the Office of the Iowa State Auditor to initiate a full performance, compliance, and financial audit of the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) as it relates to child welfare, child protection, foster care, guardianship, and related services, including all legacy functions, records, contracts, data systems, and funding streams originating under the former Iowa Department of Human Services (DHS) and continued, transferred, or consolidated following the 2022 agency reorganization.
This petition requests an audit sufficient to evaluate:
- The receipt, management, allocation, and use of state and federal funds
- Compliance with statutory, regulatory, and constitutional requirements
- Oversight of privatized and contracted service providers
- Decision-making tools and systems affecting child removal and permanency outcomes
- Internal controls, record retention, and data integrity across the DHS-to-DHHS transition
- Persistent adverse outcomes, disparities, and repeat federal findings
Agency consolidation does not extinguish audit jurisdiction, nor does it eliminate record-keeping, compliance, or accountability obligations. Records and systems originating under DHS but relied upon or enforced by DHHS remain subject to audit.
We submit this petition in the public interest to ensure transparency, accountability, lawful administration, and the protection of Iowa children and families.
SIGNATURES
By signing below, I affirm that I am an Iowa resident and support this petition requesting an audit by the Iowa State Auditor.
47
The Decision Makers
Supporter Voices
Petition created on February 25, 2026