Idaho Parents Unlimited

07/30/2026

If you've ever wondered:
Where do I even start?
What is the YES System of Care?
How does my child qualify?
What happens during the assessment?

This training is for you.

Join Idaho Parents Unlimited and Liberty Healthcare, Idaho's independent YES assessment provider, for an engaging, family-friendly conversation that takes the mystery out of accessing children's mental health services. We'll walk through the Youth Empowerment Services (YES) process, explain what families can expect during the assessment, answer your questions, and connect you with valuable resources.

Join us in person at IPUL's Boise office or online
📅 August 11
🕛 12:00 PM MT

Registration is requested to reserve your spot. We can't wait to see you there!

REGISTER HERE: https://shorturl.at/jNYHF

07/22/2026

If you're raising a grandchild, niece, nephew, sibling, another relative's child, or the child of a close family friend, the Idaho Caregivers Alliance would love to hear from you! Your experience will help shape Idaho's first Kinship State Plan and identify practical ways to better support kinship families across our state. Survey open through September 13, 2026. Survey can be found here: https://ipulidaho.org/amoh

Flyer asking for Help to Shape Idaho’s First Kinship State Plan. Kinship caregivers and those who support kinship families in Idaho are invited to complete a survey open through September 13. Flyer has a QR code; link here: https://ipulidaho.org/amoh

Partner logos include Idaho Caregiver Alliance, Boise State University, UnitedHealthcare, and Idaho Department of Health and Welfare.

07/20/2026

Last day for signatures. Just FYI, Idaho has fewer signatures than even tiny Rhode Island. Can you join us in this movement?

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is the federal law that helps ensure students with disabilities have access to a free appropriate public education and the supports and services outlined in their individualized education programs (IEPs). The Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) plays an important role in administering and overseeing programs related to special education, vocational rehabilitation, and services for individuals with disabilities.

Families, educators, and community members may be interested in learning more about current discussions related to IDEA and OSERS and the potential impact on students with disabilities. Additional information is available through the link below or in our bio.

The deadline for public participation has been extended to Monday, July 20, providing additional time for individuals to review the information and engage if they choose.

We encourage everyone to stay informed, learn more about these important programs, and participate in public discussions in ways that align with their interests and perspectives.

Find the petition here: https://bit.ly/4p6aI8c

Alt Text: A blue gradient graphic with large white text at the top that reads, "Protect Special Education." Centered below is the message, "Sign the petition by July 20th." The illustration features five smiling children standing and sitting together. Two children are using wheelchairs. One child wears a green sweater, another wears a yellow cardigan over a striped shirt, one girl wears a red dress with pink sleeves, one child in a wheelchair wears a pink top and blue pants, and the other child in a wheelchair wears an orange sweater and maroon pants. All of the children are smiling and facing forward. The Idaho Parents Unlimited, Inc. logo appears in the bottom left corner with the tagline, "Engage • Educate • Bridge & Lead." The overall design conveys a message of inclusion, advocacy, and support for protecting special education.

07/20/2026

Writing a letter to yourself can be a highly effective tool to process emotions, overcome harsh inner thoughts, and, in some cases, find some closure. Follow us as we cover some tips over the next several Mondays!

Tip #2: Try writing a letter to yourself. You could tell yourself where you see yourself in five or even ten years. Alternatively, you could set some goals for yourself and check in on them monthly. The process of writing can help you silence that harsh inner critic.

Alt Text:

A calming graphic featuring a handwritten-style letter on aged notebook paper against a peaceful background of a river, trees, and a blue sky. At the top, the letter is labeled "Week 2" and titled "Letter to myself – Mental Health Mondays."

The letter encourages writing to yourself as a way to process emotions, overcome harsh inner thoughts, and find healing. This week's prompt suggests writing about where you see yourself in five or ten years or setting personal goals and checking in on them regularly. It explains that writing can help quiet your inner critic. The letter is signed, "With care, Yourself."

A decorative vintage postal stamp appears near the bottom left of the letter. In the lower right corner of the graphic, a small note reads, "You matter, today and every day. Call or text 988 to speak with someone," alongside the Idaho Parents Unlimited, Inc. logo with the tagline, "Engage • Educate • Bridge & Lead." The overall design promotes self-reflection, hope, and mental wellness.

07/19/2026

This is so very important.

You may have heard about the recent DOJ memo that argues that seniors and people with disabilities DO NOT have the right to live in the most integrated setting in the community (typically, this means living in your own home). The right to avoid institutionalization and be provided access to supports to thrive at home was previously enshrined in Section 504 of the Rehab Act and the US Supreme Court’s Olmstead decision.

Much like the horrible Texas v Kennedy litigation, if this memo were to be implemented, it would force seniors and people with disabilities into institutions and strip them of their right to community based services, the same services that help them stay in their own home. This would be horrible for seniors, people with disabilities, and taxpayers alike (as institutional beds are dramatically more expensive than in-home supports).

This info graphic from another national group helps explain the threat this DOJ memo poses.

07/17/2026

July is Disability Pride Month. During the month, we take the time to reflect on what it means and celebrate the community. While there are many ways to celebrate, it is also important to understand the history behind the flag and those who have helped the community over the years. Looking for some ways to celebrate? You can celebrate by getting involved with organizations that support those with disabilities. Tell your own story or help someone share theirs. You can also donate to organizations like Idaho Parents Unlimited to help them continue supporting the community for years to come.

Alt Text:

Slide 1:
Cover slide with the Disability Pride flag background and the text "Celebrating Disability Pride Month." A black arrow points to the next slide, with the Idaho Parents Unlimited logo in the corner.

Slide 2:
Text explains that Disability Pride celebrates disability as part of human diversity and encourages acceptance, respect, and inclusion of all disabled people.

Slide 3:
Text explains the Disability Pride flag's history, created by Ann Magill in 2019 and redesigned in 2021 with muted colors and diagonal stripes to improve accessibility and symbolize solidarity.

Slide 4:
Text lists the meanings of the Disability Pride flag colors: red for physical disabilities, blue for psychiatric disabilities, yellow for cognitive and intellectual disabilities, green for sensory disabilities, white for invisible and undiagnosed disabilities, and black to honor disabled lives lost.

Slide 5:
Closing slide featuring the Disability Pride flag background with no text.

07/17/2026

For the past 16 (!!!) Fridays, we've been sharing bite-sized information about the Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths (CANS) tool with one goal in mind: helping Idaho families and youth feel more informed, confident, and empowered.

We hope these posts have helped make the CANS a little less intimidating and a little easier to understand. Whether you're preparing for your first assessment, participating in a Child and Family Team meeting, or simply trying to better understand the YES System of Care, knowledge is one of your greatest advocacy tools.

Missed a post? Want to revisit a topic? The entire CANS Core Concepts Awareness Campaign will be available on our website at: ipulidaho.org. There you'll find all 16 graphics in one place, ready to explore or share with others.

IPUL’s CANS Core Concepts series concludes this week with a reminder that the CANS helps families advocate more effectively.

When families and youth understand the purpose of the Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths (CANS), they are often more comfortable participating in meetings and decision-making. Knowledge about the process can increase trust, improve communication with providers, and empower families to advocate for services, supports, and goals that truly meet their needs.

To learn more about the CANS and to read the Youth Empowerment Services Practice Manual, visit the YES website at https://yes.idaho.gov/

07/16/2026

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is the federal law that helps ensure students with disabilities have access to a free appropriate public education and the supports and services outlined in their individualized education programs (IEPs). The Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) plays an important role in administering and overseeing programs related to special education, vocational rehabilitation, and services for individuals with disabilities.

Families, educators, and community members may be interested in learning more about current discussions related to IDEA and OSERS and the potential impact on students with disabilities. Additional information is available through the link below or in our bio.

The deadline for public participation has been extended to Monday, July 20, providing additional time for individuals to review the information and engage if they choose.

We encourage everyone to stay informed, learn more about these important programs, and participate in public discussions in ways that align with their interests and perspectives.

Find the petition here: https://bit.ly/4p6aI8c

Alt Text: A blue gradient graphic with large white text at the top that reads, "Protect Special Education." Centered below is the message, "Sign the petition by July 20th." The illustration features five smiling children standing and sitting together. Two children are using wheelchairs. One child wears a green sweater, another wears a yellow cardigan over a striped shirt, one girl wears a red dress with pink sleeves, one child in a wheelchair wears a pink top and blue pants, and the other child in a wheelchair wears an orange sweater and maroon pants. All of the children are smiling and facing forward. The Idaho Parents Unlimited, Inc. logo appears in the bottom left corner with the tagline, "Engage • Educate • Bridge & Lead." The overall design conveys a message of inclusion, advocacy, and support for protecting special education.

07/16/2026

Join IPUL for Lead Your Care: Youth Voice in Youth Empowerment Services (YES) and discover how to confidently speak up, ask questions, and become an active member of your support team.

📅 Monday, August 10
🕓 4:00 PM MT

📍 Attend in person:
Idaho Parents Unlimited
4619 W. Emerald St.
Boise, ID 83706

💻 Or join online!

This FREE training is designed for youth between the ages of 13 to 17. Light refreshments will be provided for those attending in person, and everyone will leave with helpful resources.

Registration is required to attend, whether you're joining in person or online. Reserve your spot here: https://ipulidaho.org/news/lead-your-care-youth-voice-in-youth-empowerment-services-yes/