MONDAY REPORT

February 18, 2003

SPECIAL NOTE:  Copyright 2003. The Monday Report is produced each week as a benefit to the member agencies of the Child Care Association. Please protect this membership benefit - DO NOT copy and distribute this report to agencies/staff that are not members of CCA. Thank you for your cooperation.

CHILD WELFARE.. 1

CCAI ACCOUNTABILITY PROPOSAL.. 1

REMINDER OF MEETING WITH JUVENILE COURT PRESIDING JUDGE.. 2

REMINDER OF DOWNSTATE PERFORMANCE CONTRACT WORK GROUP.. 2

DEADLINE EXTENDED FOR RESIDENTIAL PROGRAM PLANS.. 2

CCAI POLICY REPORT.. 2

UIR UPDATE.. 4

SPECIAL SUPREME COURT COMMITTEE ON CHILD CUSTODY ISSUES.. 4

FOSTER FAMILY TREATMENT ASSOCIATION WORKSHOP IN D.C. 5

ATTENTION: CWLA NATIONAL CONFERENCE ATTENDEES.. 5

GENERAL.. 5

MEDICAID PART 132 SURVEY - REMINDER.. 5

HIPAA MANUAL.. 6

NATIONAL CONFERENCE ON THE HIPAA PRIVACY RULE.. 6

COST OF PROTECTING VULNERABLE CHILDREN � WHAT FACTORS AFFECT STATES� FISCAL DECISIONS.. 6

MANY GOVERNORS PROPOSING TAX INCREASES AND OTHER REVENUE MEASURES.. 7

HHS MEDICAID REFORM PROPOSAL.. 7

WELFARE TIME LIMITS: STATE POLICIES, IMPLEMENTATION AND EFFECTS ON FAMILIES.. 7

ACTION BY HOUSE ON WELFARE AND CHILD CARE.. 7

UPCOMING EVENTS.. 8

LAWRENCE HALL WELCOMES ARCHBISHOP DESMOND TUTU AT SPRING LUNCHEON.. 8

CCAI�s SPRING MEMBERSHIP MEETING�March 20, 2003. 8

FEDERAL OUTCOME TRAINING.. 8

CALENDAR.. 8

CCAI ACCOUNTABILITY PROPOSAL

CCAI recently developed a comprehensive proposal for assuring system accountability and monitoring services and foster homes. A memo outlining the intent was sent to all CCAI executive directors on February 6. This proposal was delivered to the Governor, DCFS Director and the DCFS Inspector General. Members may see references to this proposal in the media in the near future. Additionally, we plan more public activities geared to address the need for assuring accountability at all times within the child welfare system. The proposal is available to members on the members-only section of the CCAI web site: www.cca-il.org. We ask for questions and comments to be provided via e-mail to a special mailbox: [email protected]. (MB)

REMINDER OF MEETING WITH JUVENILE COURT PRESIDING JUDGE

Cook area agencies are reminded that the next meeting of agencies with Judge Bishop is scheduled for Thursday, February 20, 10:00 a.m.-Noon at the Juvenile Court auditorium. We encourage all executive directors and senior program staff to attend this opportunity for mutually addressing court issues with the judge. (MB)

REMINDER OF DOWNSTATE PERFORMANCE CONTRACT WORK GROUP

The next Downstate Performance Contracting Work Group is scheduled for February 27, 1-3 p.m. at DCFS, 628 E. Adams, Springfield. Private sector members will meet in the CCAI Springfield office prior to the meeting at 11:00 a.m., at 300 E. Monroe, Springfield. (MB)

DEADLINE EXTENDED FOR RESIDENTIAL PROGRAM PLANS

DCFS has extended the deadline for submission of I/GH program plans. The new deadline is March 31. Letters should be arriving at agencies soon noting this new deadline.

We have had several inquiries from agencies regarding the program plans. There is some confusion about whether the new program plan is required if an agency does not intend to participate in the RSN (Residential Services Network.) The following information should help clarify.

The RSN is not yet fully formulated although there are work groups developing pieces of the proposed network.  Many budgetary and administrative factors will impact the decision about whether to proceed with implementation of the RSN. When the RSN is ready to take effect, it will likely impact all providers in the near future. It could be piloted in Cook and/or other counties, for some period of time, or it could be rolled out statewide all at once. Those decisions have not yet been made.  The ultimate intention is to use the RSN as the statewide model of residential care. Therefore, agencies will not be able to choose to participate in the RSN if they want to serve DCFS wards�they will ultimately become part of a local RSN.

Careful completion of the program plan is essential, no matter what happens with the RSN. This information will be used in the future to structure referrals from DCFS, evaluate whether agencies are serving the identified population, the outcomes they achieve and program elements. The program plan should specify the type of child your agency intends to serve, and the treatment modalities, program and staffing information should match that population. If the RSN is implemented, the program plans will provide guidance on whether the agency is equipped to serve tier I or tier 2 children. Technical questions pertaining to the program plan were covered in the recent round of training provided by DCFS. Questions can be forwarded to DeAnn Mulbauer or Catherine Francis at DCFS, Chicago, 312-814-4650. (MB)

CCAI POLICY REPORT

The CCAI Policy Committee met by Conference Call on February 10. The number of bills being introduced multiplied significantly over the last 2 weeks. There are many bills being reviewed by the committee and many that concern our member agencies and the clients they serve.

CCAI members are encouraged to review the full text of proposed legislation. This is easy to do on the Illinois General Assembly Web Site. Simply go to that web site, and click on Legislation.  Bills are numbered and separated by House and Senate. Click on the series that matches the bill number. Once the summary sheet appears, click �Full Text� and the full text will be available. Amendments to any existing legislation are struck and/or underlined. Brand new legislation would not have any strikeovers or underlines.  CCAI is particularly concerned with the following bills. Let us know your comments, concerns, questions, notes of support or opposition on them via e-mail to [email protected] for general, finance and child welfare, [email protected] for education and [email protected] for mental health bills. The bills of current interest are:

UIR UPDATE

DCFS staff report the following progress on suggestions made during recent UIR work group meeting (As reported in 2/3/03 Monday Report.) DCFS staffer Matt Shaw reports:

�First, DCFS is discussing ways to link the present UIR database with the new website reporting system so that data could automatically be dumped from one system into the other.  If we can manage that technological triumph, then we will be able to eliminate the faxing of UIR forms to the worker.  However, until the link is made, the present policy for dealing with hard copies will need to be continued.  We are hoping that the two databases can be linked quickly.�

�Second, we will also continue to look into ways to link the website with the Public Guardian's office.  At this point in time, it looks like we would send all UIRs to a central person there who would then distribute the reports to the appropriate persons.  However, it will take further problem solving to determine how best to approach this communication.  Again, the hope would be that we can establish an electronic reporting function that would eliminate providers' need to fax copies of reports.  However, it will take additional conversations with the Public Guardian's office in order to determine how quickly these changes can be made.�

�Third, we will take the UIR website proposal to the committee addressing policies and practices for ILOs.  If we have provider interest, we will look to include ILOs in the website reporting.  The committee does not meet until late March or into April so it may take some time to assess interest among ILO providers.  Therefore, ILOs may not be included in the earliest phases of implementation, but hopefully will be included shortly thereafter.�

�Fourth, we will continue to develop the anchors for the various severity levels.  If anyone has additional feedback distinguishing moderate from severe incidents, your input would be greatly appreciated.�

�Last, we will mail a copy of the proposal that you reviewed to downstate providers in order to solicit their involvement and input.  We plan to mail it within the next couple weeks.� (We thank Matt Shaw of DCFS for this information.)  (MB)

SPECIAL SUPREME COURT COMMITTEE ON CHILD CUSTODY ISSUES

The Illinois Supreme Court�s Special Committee on Child Custody Issues is engaged in an ongoing study of the practical, procedural and substantive issues affecting child custody cases in the trial and appellate courts. They are reviewing custody issues arising in a variety of settings, including abuse, neglect and dependency cases, adoption cases, and cases involving dissolution of marriage, paternity, guardianship and domestic violence. A series of public hearings is being held to obtain comments from child welfare professionals, legal practitioners and the public to help better identify ways to improve the process of resolving disputed child custody matters. Comments can be provided to the committee through testimony at the next hearing (March 28 in Springfield) or by submitting written materials. Written comments must be submitted no later than March 28. Request to testify in person must be received by March 21. If you would like information on the hearing or wish to submit written testimony, call the Springfield CCAI office at 217-528-4409 and we will fax the information to you. (MB)

FOSTER FAMILY TREATMENT ASSOCIATION WORKSHOP IN D.C.

The Foster Family Treatment Association (FFTA) Board of Directors and its Public Policy Committee will offer a training institute in Arlington, VA that will explore federal funding streams and sources that can be used to support treatment foster care. The workshop will take a closer look at financing options, including Title IV-E, TANF, Social Services Block Grants and Medicaid, and gain a better understanding of how these funds flow through states and impact service delivery.

The second half of the day will be dedicated to examining effective strategies that are being used to mobilize and sustain advocacy efforts within the child welfare arena. Learn why advocacy is an essential component of our work with children and families and how we can increase our policy advocacy capacity and effectiveness.

Workshop Information is as follows:

Where�s the Money?

Maximizing Federal Financial Support for Treatment Foster Care

Exploring federal funding streams for Treatment Foster Care &

Enhancing your influence on public policy.

Saturday March 8, 2003 ~ 9:30 a.m. � 3:30 p.m.

Four Points Sheraton Pentagon Hotel ~ Arlington, Virginia

Presenters: Liz Meitner, Vice President, Government Affairs, CWLA and Bart Baldwin, CWLA�s National Director of Regional Public Policy.

The cost for this program is $50 for FFTA member agency staff and $75 for non-members. Cost includes a box breakfast and box lunch. Participants will also receive a copy of CWLA�s Advocacy Primer. Please direct questions about the Institute to Melissa Cole at (800) 414-3382, ext. 113; e-mail: [email protected]. Copies of the workshop flyer and registration forms can be obtained by contacting the Springfield CCAI office at 217-528-4409. (MB)

ATTENTION: CWLA NATIONAL CONFERENCE ATTENDEES

If you are interested, we invite you to join your CWLA state leaders on a conference call to help prepare for the upcoming Hill Day visits.  The call will take place at 10:30 a.m. on February 19. Call in information is as follows: The conference call # is: 1.888.745.1470, Passcode # is: 0339370832.  If you have any questions prior to the call, feel free to contact Mary Debose ([email protected] or 312.424.6803) or Jodi Doane ([email protected] or 773.290.5821).  (Thanks to Jodi Doane for this information).

MEDICAID PART 132 SURVEY - REMINDER

One of the ongoing issues with Medicaid compliance reviews conducted by DCFS and DHS is that sometimes there is a lack of consistency in how Part 132 compliance is evaluated, depending on who is conducting the review.  Providers have reported differences between DCFS and DHS, as well as differences within the same state agency when different people conduct the review. The CWAC Medicaid Advisory Workgroup is trying to develop a mechanism to address the differences in interpretation.  To begin this process, we would like agencies to submit examples of inconsistencies in Part 132 interpretation.  These examples will be presented to representatives of DCFS and DHS to determine further action to be taken to address these identified concerns. 

An e-mail was sent out to all CCAI members last week regarding this issue.  If you have a Medicaid contract for services, we are requesting that someone from your agency take a few minutes to complete this survey and return it to the CCAI office to the attention of Jan Schoening by Feb. 21, 2003.  For a copy of the survey, go to the CCAI web site at: www.cca-il.org.  You can either submit the survey by completing it and faxing to the CCAI office or you can complete the survey on-line.  (JMS)

HIPAA MANUAL

The Child Care Association of Illinois had sent out an inquiry in January to all members to determine the level of commitment from agencies to support the development of a HIPAA manual by the Association.  After reviewing various resources and proposals with their related costs, including the number of members that wanted to purchase this type of manual, we located a resource that was used by the Michigan Association and is available now.  We have notified those agencies that indicated an interest in purchasing a manual and provided an order form with a list of the documents that would be included.  The organization L3PAssociates has developed a CD Rom with templates of policies and forms which are targeted towards social services and behavioral health organizations.  L3P Associates is providing a discount on this CD Rom to members of the Child Care Association of Illinois.  We hope this information will assist agencies to move forward in meeting HIPAA readiness requirements.  Privacy requirements for HIPAA are required to be in place by April 2003.  If other agencies are interested in looking into this resource, go to the CCAI website in the members only section (www.cca-il.org).  Agencies also need to keep in mind as they proceed that they still must consider Illinois Mental Health Laws. 

We will also be reviewing the possibility of developing a HIPAA message board on the CCAI web site.  This would allow agencies to post questions on HIPAA as you move forward and share information with member agencies.  (JMS)

NATIONAL CONFERENCE ON THE HIPAA PRIVACY RULE

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has announced a National Conference on the HIPAA Privacy Rule to be held in Rosemont, Illinois at the Hyatt Regency O�Hare on Sunday, March 2, 2003 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.  The registration fee for the conference is $180.  This conference is designed to provide an opportunity to hear from and interact with officials who developed the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act Privacy Rule and will be responsible for interpreting and enforcing the rule.  It will be a review of the privacy rule and its requirements. So if you need a refresher seminar about the privacy requirements or others in your organization need to learn about them, you may want to attend.  The conference is being conducted in conjunction with the Workgroup for Electronic Data Interchange.  For additional information about the agenda and how to register go to:  http://wedi.org/snip/public/calendar/index.cfm?fuseaction=event&id=271.  (JMS)

COST OF PROTECTING VULNERABLE CHILDREN � WHAT FACTORS AFFECT STATES� FISCAL DECISIONS

The Urban Institute has developed a series of papers analyzing the responsibility of social programs from the federal government to the states, focusing on health care, income security, employment and training programs, and social services.  Researchers monitor program changes and fiscal developments. This paper presents the findings of the survey which collected information on SFY 2000 expenditures.  This paper documents the amount states spent on child welfare services in SFY 2000, the funding streams they used, the purposes for which funds were used, and shifts that have occurred since welfare reform and ASFA (Adoption and Safe Families Act).  The general conclusions from the study are: 1.) States spent at least $20 billion on child welfare services in SFY 2000.  2.) The federal share of total spending increased; however, as states rely more heavily on federal funds, there is concern that states may use these freed up funds for purposes that are not related to child welfare. 3.) Spending on adoptions, other services and administration increased. 4.) Reliance on nondedicated federal funds (TANF, SSBG and Medicaid) continues.  5.) Welfare reform had clear impacts on child welfare financing.  For a full copy of this report go to: www.urban.org/url.cfm?ID=8054.  (JMS)

MANY GOVERNORS PROPOSING TAX INCREASES AND OTHER REVENUE MEASURES

A report from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities finds that about half of governors� FY2004 budget proposals submitted so far include tax increases, and nearly all of them include new revenue measures.  For more information go to: http://click.topica.com/maaaPJSaaVTNpaaaaaab/. (JMS)  

HHS MEDICAID REFORM PROPOSAL

The head of the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities issued a statement on the Health and Human Services announcement on Medicaid reform.  In part the Center finds that the Administration�s proposal is billed as presenting states additional flexibility.  Over time, the primary flexibility may be the flexibility for states to deal with inadequate federal Medicaid funding by imposing significant Medicaid cuts not currently allowed under federal law.  Such cuts could include artificial caps on the number of needy families and individuals allowed to enroll, cost-sharing requirements that exceed what many of the poor can afford, and elimination of coverage for important medical services.  For additional information go to: http://click.topica.com/maaaPJSaaVTNyaaaaaab/.  (JMS)

WELFARE TIME LIMITS: STATE POLICIES, IMPLEMENTATION AND EFFECTS ON FAMILIES

This report from Manpower demonstration Research Corporation provides a comprehensive summary of what has been learned to date about time limits: about state policies, their implementation, the effects of time limits on employment and welfare receipt, and the circumstances of families whose welfare cases have been closed because they reached a time limit.  The report is designed to serve as a resource as Congress considers reauthorization of PRWORA.  For additional information go to: http://click.topica.com/maaaPJSaaVTNGaaaaaab/.  (JMS)

ACTION BY HOUSE ON WELFARE AND CHILD CARE

Last week the House of Representatives was scheduled to debate and vote on the reauthorization of the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program and the Child Care and development Fund.  The legislation, H.R. 4 is the same legislation passed by the house last year; however, it was never passed by the full Congress.  H.R. 4 requires increased work requirements for single mothers to 40 hours per week; reduces state flexibility to provide education and training; freezes TANF funding for the next five years; and provides only 4% in child care funds next year with no additional funds guaranteed for the following four years.  It also eliminates the income eligibility standard for child care, removing the only way to measure how many eligible children are actually receiving a child care subsidy.  For additional information to the CWLA web site.  (JMS)

LAWRENCE HALL WELCOMES ARCHBISHOP DESMOND TUTU AT SPRING LUNCHEON

Lawrence Hall Youth Services welcomes Archbishop Desmond Tutu, winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, leader of the South African Peace and Reconciliation Commission and internationally renowned peace activist at their Spring Luncheon on March 26 from 12:00 Noon � 2:00 p.m.  The luncheon will be held at The Sheraton Chicago Hotel and Towers, 301 East North Water Street, Chicago.  Please call 312.456.2497 or 312.456.2488 to purchase individual tickets or tables.  For more information, please call Ellyn Harris, LHYS, Director of Development at 312.456.2487.  (Our thanks to David Eaton and Ellyn Harris for this information)  (SKA)

CCAI�s SPRING MEMBERSHIP MEETING�March 20, 2003

The association�s Spring Membership Meeting will be held on March 20, 2003 at the Marriott Hickory Ridge Conference Center, 1195 Summerhill Drive, Lisle, Illinois.  Agenda items will include:

The meeting will be specifically targeted for Executive Directors / CEO�s, senior management staff, policy Staff, and communications staff.  A more detailed agenda will be mailed to you in a couple of weeks.

If you need a room at Hickory Ridge call 630.971.5000 or toll free 800.228.9290.  The overnight rate is $80.00.  Please indicate you are attending the Child Care Association meeting.  (SKA)

FEDERAL OUTCOME TRAINING

Your agency could be selected for the Federal Review of Foster Care cases next September 2003.  Now is the time to prepare with participation in a training session specially designed to meet your needs.  CCAI has teamed up with the Child and Family Research Center to develop a short powerful program individualized for you.  The training will be held in February and is free and located with host agencies in six convenient locations across the state.  For more information or to register for the training visit: http://www.cca-il.org/training/index.htm  Look for �Federal Outcome Training� located in the training page on the CCA web pages.  (SKA)

CALENDAR

Feb. 17-21 --  "Therapeutic Crisis Intervention Training of Trainers", a Residential Child Care

                   Project of Cornell University, hosted by Allendale Association. 9:00 a.m.-5:00

                   p.m. Seating is limited. For more information regarding the training, fee, and hotel

                   accommodations, please contact Dave McKenna at Allendale (847) 245-6393 or

                   [email protected]

Feb. 18 -- Best Practice Training Steering Committee � The Baby Fold, Normal 

Feb. 20 -- Cook Agencies Meeting with Presiding Judge, Juvenile Court, Chicago

Feb. 20 -- CWAC

Feb. 27 --  Downstate Performance Based Contract Provider Meeting, 1-3, DCFS, 628 E.

                 Adams, 2nd Floor Conference Room; Private agencies meet at CCAI office from

                10-Noon.

Feb. 27 � The MILL presents �SACY No More�. 8:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Contact: Ericka Potter,

                 at 815.877.3440

Feb. 26-March 1 -- Learning Disabilities Association 2003 National Conference, Palmer

                               House Hilton, Chicago.  For information, call Learning Disabilities

                               Association of Illinois (708) 430-7532

March 20 � CCAI Spring Membership Meeting, Hickory Ridge Conference Center, Lisle

[Home] [Gen. Info] [Membership] [Members Only] [Library]
[Training] [Jobs] [Links] [Search] [Members Search]

Copyright � 1997-2000 Child Care Association of Illinois. All rights reserved.