Iowa Code § 232.87: Filing of a child in need of assistance petition — contents of petition.

1. A formal judicial proceeding to determine whether a child is a child in need of assistance under this chapter shall be initiated by the filing of a petition alleging a child to be a child in need of assistance.

2. A petition may be filed by the department, juvenile court officer, or county attorney.

3. The department, juvenile court officer, county attorney or judge may authorize the filing of a petition with the clerk of the court by any competent person having knowledge of the circumstances without the payment of a filing fee.

4. The petition shall be submitted in the form specified in section 232.36.

5. The petition shall contain the information specified in section 232.36 and a clear and concise summary of the facts which bring the child within the jurisdiction of the court under this subchapter.