MONDAY REPORT
March 31, 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.
FOSTER
CARE INFRASTRUCTURE REPORT
Statewide
Performance Contract Caseloads
FY�04
Cook Performance Intake Status
Downstate
Performance Intake Status
Status
of Specialized Contracts
Status
of Specialized Contracts Due for Elimination
CHILDREN�S
BUREAU NEW WEB SITE
HEAD
START PROPOSALS FOR PROGRAM IMPROVEMENT SOUGHT
ISBE
�HEADCOUNT� FALLS BY 120
ISBE
VOTES �YES� ON �INCLUSION QUOTA�
ISBE
WORKS ON �UNIVERSAL PRESCHOOL�
NEED
MORE INFORMATION ON FEDERAL EDUCATION LEGISLATION
APRIL
IS CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH
HEALTHY
FAMILIES ILLINOIS POLICY AND ADVOCACY COMMITTEE
SUIT
AGAINST NATION�S LARGEST CHILD WELFARE SYSTEM SETTLED
NATIONAL
COUNCIL ON DISABILITY
HOUSE
BUDGET CONTAINS LARGE CUTS IN MEDICAID AND OTHER DOMESTIC PROGRAMS
CONGRATULATIONS
TO SYLVIA FLORY
UNITED
METHODIST CHILDREN�S HOME CO-SPONSORING TRAINING JUNE 19th
LECTURE
& TRAINING SERIES AT ALLENDALE ASSOCIATION
The Foster Care Infrastructure Committee met in Joliet on March 25, 2003. The discussion occurred in the context of the current facts regarding DCFS: the statewide caseload is now under 19000. DCFS predicts it will be at 18000 by June 30, and will be at 16700 by the end of �04. There is also a state budget deficit. All venues must be explored for making maximum use of child welfare funds.
The following issues were addressed:
As part of the overall performance contract plan developed last year, agencies no longer will carry negative outcomes as a caseload. Negative case exits will be eliminated from the contract. The mid-year adjustment is meant to calculate the negative exits and recalculate the agency�s average payment for the remainder of the year.
DCFS plans to eliminate replacement of intake for neutral outcomes in HMR. There will be no replacement for �03 or previous year neutral exits and the concept will be eliminated all together for �04. Agencies will not be penalized for the neutral exits in terms of the permanency percentages but the cases will not be replaced. There will then be an impact on shrinkage of caseload. The reason for this is the ever-declining intake level for Kinship. Keeping the replacements for neutral exits puts the intake obligation even further behind. Historically, most programs have run an average of 8% of caseload in neutral outcomes. DCFS proposes a flat 10% reduction in all caseloads/contracts to offset the neutrals. Private sector members of the group asked DCFS for additional information so that all dynamics could be examined before finalizing a recommendation in this area. Here�s how an average caseload would look:
Starting Caseload: 100 kids 100
10% Reduction (eliminate neutrals owed from previous years) -10
Eliminate Neutrals Allowed from Total Count: -2
Caseload Remaining (Estimate) 88
DCFS reported that the declining intake for HMR poses additional concerns for contract and caseload levels. There is much excess contract capacity within a shrinking caseload environment. As noted above, DCFS proposes a 10% reduction by all 26 Cook HMR providers. This, however, allows reinvestment opportunities for agencies. The reduction in the Cook caseload could be used to fund caseload ratio reductions:
Downstate contracts would move from 19:1 ratio to 18:1
Cook Traditional contracts would move from 20.5:1 to 19.5:1
DCFS also proposed another option for reinvestment that would increase the non-recurring incidentals fee to $30 to offset additional transportation. After discussion, the group consensus was that the caseload ratio reduction was the preferred reinvestment.
Of the 26 Cook providers, only one agency has only HMR. All others have either downstate performance contracts or TFC or both. Therefore, the reduction in the HMR contracts in Cook could be offset somewhat through the increased rate in TFC and Downstate.
Cook intake is down in HMR. There is excess capacity and there will not be enough new cases to keep intake at the same levels. DCFS proposed the following options:
10% contract decrease for all agencies (in addition to the reduction due to neutral eliminations)
-or-
Eliminate 5-6 providers (the lowest performing) and redistribute caseload across the remaining 20-21 providers.
-or-
Put approximately 5 agencies on full hold (minimum 20% reduction);
12 on half hold (minimum 16% reduction) and 10 on full intake.
Here�s how a caseload with the general 10% decrease would look:
Starting Caseload: 100 kids 100
10% Reduction (eliminate neutrals owed from previous years) -10
Eliminate Neutrals Allowed from Total Count: -2
Caseload Remaining (Estimate) 88
10% Contract Decrease -8
Final Paid Caseload 80
Here�s how a caseload on partial hold would look:
Starting Caseload: 100 kids 100
10% Reduction (eliminate neutrals owed from previous years) -10
Eliminate Neutrals Allowed from Total Count: -2
Caseload Remaining (Estimate) 88
Exits to Permanency -33
Partial Intake Replacement 17
Final Paid Caseload 72
The 10% flat decrease would affect all agencies in terms of reduced size of caseload, but would allow all current agencies performing at the required level to keep the program. The full and partial hold scenario would more significantly decrease the size of the lower performing agencies (even if they meet the required standard) while allowing the top performing agencies to keep more of the caseload. The scenario in which providers are eliminated causes the lowest performing agencies to go out of HMR while allowing the remaining agencies to keep their caseloads (with the adjustment of the neutrals.)
The private sector members debated the merits or disadvantages of each of the 3 options. There is no easy way to avoid pain for some or all agencies in this process. The private sector suggested that DCFS conduct analysis on the current HMR Cook caseload and look at the numbers of cases being held at DCFS sites or other agencies if those cases are not moving to permanency. The group also suggested review of all penalties and sanctions in HMR. There must be complete discussion of the total impact on agencies and an examination of the total impact on the system in general before decisions are made. The guiding principle must address the scenario in which children are best served.
The contract levels in Cook TFC will likely remain stable with a projected intake of 1250 cases.
Downstate contracts that perform well continue to shrink the fastest. Geography is still a determining factor in many sub-regions since in some areas there is excess capacity with low intake while in other sub-regions there is only one provider or only a DCFS unit. The downstate work group has raised the issue of what other type of adjustment or reward could be provided for agencies that perform well when there is no intake. Could there be additional caseload ratio reduction? The group will discuss this issue in more detail at the next meeting.
DCFS noted a troubling development in some cases that move up to 5 times within the first 60 days. There have been 359 cases that have 2 placements, 28 cases with 3 placements, 5 cases with 4 placements and 3 cases with 5 placements in the first 60 days. There is also the perception that some downstate agencies will take case to keep their referral base up, but accept the case without any stable home being identified. This contributes to multiple moves. DCFS proposes changing the measurement of stability to 30 days. The group suggested DCFS run the current data on stability using the 30-day indicator in order to see the impact on the statistics. The group also suggested a review of the cases with 3 or more placements to track whether there is a pattern by agency. This issue will be discussed further at the next meeting.
The status of the IGH/Specialized Initiative was discussed. Original list began with 800 children. After removing children better suited to a different program, 547 were identified for the specialized initiative. Following initial matching attempts and other case developments, 304 have been withdrawn since the list was finalized in August. As of 3/24, there are 243 children that remain part of the initiative. Of these, 205 were matched during the first round, 38 in the second round, 28 are in the process of being rematched with another agency and 76 have stepped down to traditional/kinship foster care.
Agencies were notified last summer of their status as an A or B agency. These agencies were not open for additional intake this year and the expectations were that there would be step-downs to HMR/Traditional or work with another specialized agency with a full contract for transfer of the case. As of March 1, there are still 331 cases to be reviewed. Agencies should expect for the contract to proceed as they were previously notified. Cases that cannot be stepped down or go to permanency by June 30 will be transferred and those agencies will not be available for intake in �04.
There are currently 2553 POS and 421 DCFS specialized cases. Under the new specialized process, 1153 have been reviewed.
Gaps remain in certain geographic areas in which there is no private provider. Opportunities could exist for agencies to cultivate specialized cases if they have the agency capacity. The areas are throughout Southern region, in Charleston and Jacksonville, Iroquois and Ford Counties, and the far west area of Northern region. The group asked DCFS for further information on specific need by county and typical numbers of specialized cases.
Much of the
material discussed in the Infrastructure group is still under analysis. The
private sector members expressed concern at the evident reduced use of kinship
care in Illinois, and asked for further information on intake and placement
protocols for DCP. The group also asked for additional information on kinship
caseloads that do not show up on the performance ranking lists�both state
units and private agencies that continued to keep kinship cases even when
removed from the usual rotation. There should be a review of how these entities
are performing with their remaining cases before looking to automatically shrink
all others. However, we would advise all foster care agencies to plan on
significant decreases in caseload and contract levels for FY�04 and to develop
next years� budgets accordingly.
Handouts from the meeting are available by contacting the CCAI Springfield office at 217-528-4409. (MB)
On
2/28/2003, the new Administration for Children and Families (ACF)
'citizen-centric' website became operational. The goal is that information
on ACF will be more responsive to public inquiries.
It is the ACF hope that the web site will open new doors to the public
and provide them with the easy to use tools to navigate through the myriad of
ACF programs and information. ACF
will continue to refine and enhance the web site.
Your comments and suggestions are welcome through the comment section of
the site. The site is:
A
Federal Register notice published on 3/11/2003 solicits abstracts for grants to
support the development of Head Start innovation and improvement projects.
Each
year, many organizations approach the Head Start Bureau with ideas and projects
they feel would benefit Head Start. Through this request for proposals the
Head Start Bureau hopes to be able to more systematically review and consider
these proposed innovations and improvements. The announcement particularly
encourages projects that support the President's priorities, but it also invites
organizations to apply for support for innovations that would improve any aspect
of Head Start. Abstracts are due
May 12, 2003. The following web
address can be accessed for the full proposal announcement: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/hsb/grant/fundingopportunities/fundopport.htm#nation
(MB)
In
years past, CCA has seen a reduction in state agencies as a good thing, if
it is followed by a commensurate increase in the use of private agencies.
Now, however, the steep reductions in staff (and more will follow) are
creating concerns about who will do the private school approval, monitoring,
rate setting, teacher certification and other staff functions. This remains to
be seen as ISBE struggles to keep up with the constantly changing requirements
in all areas.
In
a recent mailing, all members of the CCA Education Committee were sent the
latest ISBE organizational chart, as well as an education legislative review;
�Draft Guidelines for Local School Districts:
Paraprofessional Assessment,� the new federal requirement for teacher
aide preparation; �Educator Demand and Supply in Illinois, 2002 Annual
Report�; and �Standards for Administrative Certification in Special
Education.� If you are not
currently a member of the CCA Education Committee, and you would like to receive
more in-depth information about education grants, legislative and rule
development, and other substantive areas, please e-mail Bridget Helmholz at [email protected]
(BRH).
At
its March Board meeting, the ISBE governing board voted on the plan for special
education that has been sent to the U.S. Department of Education.
The plan specifically reads �each year Illinois will increase by 4.5%
the number of students with disabilities who spend at least 80% of the school
day in the regular general education classroom.�
CCA has opposed any effort to quantify the �least restrictive
environment� and �appropriate education,� arguing that these decisions are
supposed to be child-focused, and a quota system is antithetical to that notion.
Public school special education classrooms will be the programs most
affected by this plan. (BRH)
Last
fall, ISBE announced its plan for �universal� after-school programs.
In addition to this goal, ISBE is completing its implementation plan for
�universal preschool.� Five million dollars was placed in the current year�s
budget to begin year one of the plan. As
stated, �Universal Preschool� addresses the ISBE priority of closing the
achievement gap by offering high quality preschool experiences to 3 and 4 years
olds.�(BRH)
CCA
has summaries of both the IDEA reauthorization highlights and the No Child Left
Behind Legislation. In addition,
the Illinois Due Process system is coming under heavy criticism.
There is a report on its shortcomings entitled �Access and Equity in
the Due Process System: Attorney
Representation and Hearing Outcomes in Illinois, 1997-2002.�
Since 1983, when April was designed Child Abuse Prevention Month, communities across the country have used this month-long observance to increase awareness of child abuse and its prevention. Child abuse is a serious social and public health issue. More than one million children are abused each year in the United States. In Illinois, last year 100,421 children were reported abused or neglected. This number has been decreasing since 1995 when it was at an all-time high of 139,720. Also in fiscal year 2001, 28,914 children were indicated for abuse or neglect. Nearly 28 percent of the children indicated were under the age of three. For more information about the activities surrounding Child Abuse Prevention Month go to: www.preventchildabuseillinois.org. (JMS)
At the March meeting/conference call of the Health Families Illinois Policy and Advocacy Committee, there was discussion about potential funding opportunities for Healthy Families Programs through the Early Childhood Education Block Grant. RFP�s for funding were suppose to be issued shortly but no definite date was available at this time. With the 0-3 initiative under the Early Childhood Education Block Grant, Healthy Families programs would be able to meet the requirements for the block grant. The question was raised if there is new money would it go to enhancements of current programs or new programs. Funds are distributed to current programs first and any additional money would then be awarded to new programs. Last year the program only received level funding. At this time there were projections that there would be $25 million to $30 million in new money for the Block Grant. $184 million is the current funding level. (JMS)
The Center for Law and Social Policy has prepared a document that focuses on what the available data shows about the extent and nature of TANF participation in 2001 (the most recent year for which data are available), and how different current TANF participation rates from what would be required under the House TANF reauthorization bill. An appendix summarizes current law and the Administration�s proposal. For the PDF version go to: http://click.topica.com/maaaWqaaaWPdFbb6LTRb/. The tables from the report are available in an Excel file. http://click.topica.com/maaaWqaaaWPdGbb6LTRb/. (JMS)
The Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law reported that Los Angeles County, CA settled a class action lawsuit by agreeing to transform its foster care system � the nation�s largest � from one that exemplifies the failures of child welfare in the United States into a network of services designed to address the needs of and promote stability for the many children with emotional or psychiatric disorders in or at risk of foster care. The County has agreed to offer intensive, family-based �wraparound� care to children with mental, behavioral or emotional disorders, using flexible funding to pay for a wide range of services that are individually designed to meet the needs of each child and family. Based on national estimates that between 60 and 85 percent of children in foster care have significant mental health problems, the settlement affects at least 30,000 Los Angeles youngsters. For additional information on this settlement go to: http://click.topica.com/maaaWqaaaWPdgbb6LTRb/. (JMS)
A position paper developed by the National Council on Disability calls for Congress to strengthen the ability of states to assist families with disabilities on welfare to transition from welfare to work. While the TANF program is not specifically directed towards individuals with disabilities, research data indicate far-reaching effects of this program on people with disabilities. According to the General Accounting Office (GAO), a substantially higher proportion of TANF recipients reported having physical or mental impairments than did adults in the non-TANF population. In addition, many TANF families include a child with a disability. The work requirements and lifetime limits to benefits, which are key elements of welfare reform, pose special challenges for state and local TANF agencies in addressing the unique needs of families with a disability who are TANF beneficiaries. For additional information about this position paper go to: http://click.topica.com/maaaWqaaaWPdqbb6LTRb/. (JMS)
The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities reports that the budget plan passed by the House on March 21 contains deep and widespread cuts in basic domestic programs such as Medicaid, veterans programs, student loans, school lunches, child care, food stamps, cash assistance for the elderly and disabled poor, and many other programs. The budget would require Congressional committees to cut �mandatory� programs by $265 billion over the next ten years. For additional information on the Center�s report go to: http://click.topica.com/maaaWqaaaWPdtbb6LTRb/. (JMS)
Sylvia Flory, Division Manager, Catholic Charities of Chicago, is the lucky winner of a $50.00 gift certificate from Cheryl and Company donated by First Nonprofit Insurance Company for the March 20th Membership Meeting. CCA wishes to thank our partners at First Nonprofit for making this donation. Also, thanks to all who turned in their badges after the meeting. (SKA)
United Methodist Children�s Home is co-sponsoring training with Howard Glasser, �Transforming the Difficult Child, the Nurtured Heart Approach�. See his website at www.difficultchild.com. The training will be held on June 19 at the Mt. Vernon Holiday Inn. For more information please contact Clete Winkelmann at 618.242.1070, Ext. 232 or email at [email protected] for registration forms or more information. (SKA)
Dr.
Bruce Perry, Child Trauma Academy, will lead workshop on understanding
neurological implications and effective interventions with abused children on
April 25th at the Fountains, Fairview Heights, IL.
Hudelson�s Centennial committee invites 100 foster parents and 100
foster care workers from LANS 5,6,7,8,9,10,12, and 14 who register early to be
guests without fee. For information call 618-345-9644 or e-mail Peg Maher [email protected].
Fee is $25 including box lunch. (SKA)
The Allendale Association is pleased to present a lecture and training series beginning April 8, 2003. Dr. Larry Brendtro, President of Reclaiming Youth International, will conduct a morning seminar on The Resilience Code: Creating Courage for Discouraged Children. The afternoon will feature Dr. Nicholas J. Long, President of the Life Space Crisis Intervention Institute, titled The Therapeutic Value of Kindness. The cost is $100. Seating is limited. For more information contact Dave McKenna at Allendale (847) 245-6393 or [email protected]. (SKA)
April 8 � Dr. Larry Brendtro and Dr Nicholas J. Long; for information please contact Dave
McKenna (847) 245-6393 or [email protected]
April 9 & 10 � Life Space Crisis Intervention 2-Day Foundation Skills; for information please
contact Dave McKenna (847) 245-6393 or [email protected]
April 9,10, and May 6, 7, 8 � Life Space Crisis Intervention Certification Training; for
information please contact Dave McKenna (847) 245-6393 or
May 6 & 7 � Taking Quality to the Next Level with Dr. Fotena Zirps, Hilton, Lisle/Naperville
May 16 � CWAC SED meeting, 10 � 12 at Lawrence Hall, Chicago
June 4-5 � CCAI�s Annual Training, Membership Meeting and Barbecue, Crowne Plaza,
Springfield.
July 21-22 - TCI Trainer�s Update, Cunningham Children�s Home, Urbana. For more
information contact Alan Oathout at 217.367.3728, or email
|
For
further information on any of the above, contact the staff member noted in
parentheses at the end of the text: MB = Marge
Berglind 312/819-1950
([email protected])
JMS
= Jan Schoening 217/528-4409,
ext. 25 BRH=
Bridget Helmholz 217/528-4409,
ext. 24 |
SKA = Sandy Armstrong 217/528-4409 ext. 22
([email protected]) KPP
= Kelly Pantaleone
217/528-4409, ext. 26 ([email protected]) BMO
= Barb Oldani 217/528-4409,
ext. 21 ([email protected]) |