Abigail Heaton and Carol Coohey of the Iowa Peer Workforce Collaborative have published a new report, "Should I Stay or Should I Go? The Role of Financial Security, Fair Compensation, Promotional and Professional Growth Opportunities, and Wage Incentives." They found that perceived fair compensation and fewer promotional and professional growth opportunities were strongly related to peer staff members' intent to leave their positions. Most peer workers (91%) reported that a 10% pay increase would increase their likelihood of staying in their position. In comparison, only 41.7% reported that a 10% pay increase at another organization would increase their likelihood of leaving.

In a new report, Carol Coohey and Carrie Means of the Iowa Peer Workforce Collaborative describe how Family Peer Support Specialists help families navigate Iowa’s school system. Family Peer Support Specialists provide a bridge between parents and schools so children with behavioral and educational challenges can get what they need.