When a young person experiences a mental health crisis, immediate support can make all the difference. Yet for many families in Iowa, youth-specific crisis services have historically been limited, leaving children without the specialized care they need in critical moments.

Thanks to a Variety Grant, FOCUSS has opened a new Youth Crisis Observation Center on the south side of Des Moines. This is the first youth-only crisis observation facility in Iowa, providing a safe, supportive space where kids can receive care when they need it most.

For young people facing behavioral health emergencies, this new center will provide a safe, supportive place to receive care right when they need it most.

Meeting a Growing Need

FOCUSS has been serving youth and families since 2015, and over the past several years, the need for youth mental and behavioral health services has continued to grow across communities.

“Youth have often been left out when it comes to immediate crisis care. Many crisis services are designed primarily for adults. Our youth are our future, so we need to start them out right and help them now.”

Darnell Loatman, CEO of FOCUSS

The new Youth Crisis Observation Center was created to fill that gap.

When a young person experiences a crisis, FOCUSS’ Mobile Crisis Team can respond quickly, providing immediate support from trained crisis workers, therapists, and social workers. In many cases, transportation to the center can be arranged through partnerships with police, fire departments, EMTs, and local schools.

This coordinated response ensures youth receive care quickly - often in the moments when support matters most.

A Place to Stabilize and Heal

At the Youth Crisis Observation Center, staff will work with young people to safely de-escalate difficult situations and begin the path toward recovery.

Youth can stay at the center for up to 23 hours, allowing trained professionals to help stabilize the situation while providing coping tools, emotional support, and resources for families. During that time, staff can also connect youth to ongoing care through services such as Behavioral Health Intervention Services (BHIS).

FOCUSS staff are trained and licensed to provide trauma-informed care for youth experiencing a wide range of challenges, including:

  • Behavioral health crises
  • Suicide risk or attempts
  • Substance use disorders
  • Human trafficking
  • Violence or trauma
  • Juvenile justice involvement
  • Other at-risk circumstances

Every interaction is focused on helping youth feel safe, supported, and understood.

Creating a Stronger Future for Iowa Youth

The FOCUSS Youth Crisis Center will serve young people from communities across Iowa, ensuring families have access to specialized crisis care designed specifically for youth.

With the help of Variety’s support, this new center represents more than a building - it represents hope for children and families navigating some of life’s most difficult moments.

By investing in organizations like FOCUSS, Variety is helping create a stronger network of care for children across the state. When a child is in crisis, having the right support at the right moment can change everything.