It is with a real sense of loss that I need to inform you of the death of Ray Fannings. I had earlier indicated to you that Ray had been battling cancer for a little more than six months; it was a very aggressive form of cancer and as a consequence death came relatively quickly. He died peacefully on Saturday at about 4:00 PM at home surrounded by his family.

The funeral arrangements are as follows:

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 8TH

General Visitation: 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM Funeral: St. Mark United Methodist Church

8441 S. St. Lawrence Street
Cage Memorial Chapel Chicago

7651 S. Jeffrey St.
Chicago, Ill. Visitation Hour: 6:00 PM

Funeral Service: 7:00 PM

Ray was truly one of the most respected, admired, and loved CEOs to grace the field of child welfare in many many years. He brought with him a sense of equilibrium and perspective that is so critical in these hectic and challenging days in our field. He was able to manage the demands of the profession with a marvelous and perceptive sense of humor that enabled him to balance his work with his life--a trait that many of us need to learn. His experience and the wisdom he acquired in his many years in the field were a fount of knowledge and information for the rest of us. Ray also balanced his professional life with a wide variety of community and civic involvement�s. He provided 18 years of outstanding leadership to the Chicago Child Care Society; he was a past president of the Board of Directors of the Child Care Association of Illinois, the President of the Black Executive Director�s Coalition, a member of the Board of Directors of the United Way-Crusade of Mercy, and the Board of Directors of the Free People�s Health Clinic.

Ray also had a long history of civic and community work, especially in the Civil Rights Movement. He marched with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Jesse Jackson in the Gage Park neighborhood, and was the recipient of numerous civic awards that have recognized his leadership and contributions to the Chicago community. Given our space limitations, it is just impossible to list all of the activities and efforts he has been a part of over the years. He taught and coached tots and teens in tennis (the sport he loved) in many different settings. For those of you who knew Ray, you also know that he had a great love of golf--there are many marvelous stories that could be told about Ray on the golf course--he loved to tell them on himself. His was a rich productive life which he lived to the fullest. Ray will be sorely missed as an advocate without peer for children and families at risk, a terrific friend, and a wonderful caring human being. Please take a minute to remember Ray for who he was and what he accomplished, and say a prayer for his wife and children as they deal with their loss. Thank you very much.

P.S. Ironically, Ray was to be honored this coming Sunday, September 10, by the Board of Directors of the Mary Herrick Scholarship Fund with the Mary Herrick Award--he was (and will) join a long list of some of Chicago�s most distinguished and influential individuals. The Award will be presented posthumously on Sunday beginning at 4:00 PM at St. Mark�s United Methodist Church, 8441 S. St. Lawrence Avenue in Chicago. The Award Committee invites all of Ray�s friends and colleagues to join them in this tribute to a remarkable dedicated caring professional. If you can, please join them!! (RHM)

Federal funds requested by the Ill. Dept. of Children and Family Services under the John H. Chafee Foster Care Independence Program total $8,527,488. The state match amount for the funding totals $2,131,872. It is projected that $1,925,000 will be used for Room and Board. Efforts to help youth achieve self-sufficiency as part of this program will include: life skills assessment; transition plan; administrative case review reassessment; local older ward support efforts; daily living skills training; supports for the completion of high school; post secondary school training and education supports; vocational training; youth empowerment; mentoring; supportive living arrangements; and assistance to former wards. Copies of the FY2000 application will be mailed to all CCA member agencies. (JMS)

At the CWAC Medicaid Advisory Committee on August 30^th a list of comments regarding the Medicaid Program Plan for residential services were distributed and reviewed. Some of the major areas of concern related to the prescriptive nature of the language in the program plan. The response from DCFS was that revisions are being made to the rule to include much of the policy language in the program plan. Until the rule in revised the language would remain in the plan. Other comments submitted to DCFS regarding the program plan included: 1.) additional clarification is needed to defined the types of SACY clients served by Standard and High-End Providers; 2.) Define and/or quantify what sufficient duration means; 3.) Provide examples of better definition regarding what "diagnosable mental, behavioral or emotional disorders" means; 4.) What is the Comprehensive Assessment Response Training System and would it interface with our agency in service provision? (JMS)

Following are some of the comments submitted by CCA regarding the recent proposed changes to the Medicaid Rule for Mental Health Services and their responses received from DHS. With the changes to the Medicaid Rules one area related to post payment reviews that recovery of money would occur prior to the completion of the hearing process. The Department agrees with this comment and the language will be changed to reflect that the provider requested appeals would be conducted prior to any recoupment of funds. In another section of the rule it required that the audit report be submitted within 120 days which conflicted with DCFS requirement of 180 days. Language will be revised to reflect the practices of the various Departments impacted by the rule. Marriage and family therapists were added to the definition of Licensed Practitioner of the Healing Arts because there was a change in licensing standards that permitted marriage and family therapists to independently perform the necessary functions. Under issue of recoupment where the reviewer contests the text of the note, if the documentation is weak the provider would be advised but would not be sited for recoupment; however, if there is a difference in the service billed from service documented appropriate corrections must be made. If anyone would like a copy of the comments with DHS response, please contact Jan Schoening. (JMS)

CCA�s representative, Bridget Helmholz, will Chair the Committee on Free Appropriate Education and Least Restrictive Environment for the U.S. Department of Education�s monitoring assessment of Illinois� compliance with IDEA, the Federal Special Education Law. The assessment will require a year of data analysis, interviews, public input and other data sources to comprehensively evaluate the provision of FAPE and LRE in Illinois. This group�s assessment of Illinois� compliance constitutes the major product that will be reviewed by education officials regarding Illinois. On the Committee are the Director of Chicago�s Special Services Division, the Director of EDRED, The Director of the Illinois School for the Deaf, a DOC Division Director, a Parent Advocate, a Private Provider Representative, and others, including ISBE staff. In addition to having first-hand involvement in the review of school districts� service delivery, this leadership position will provide ample opportunity for CCA�s members� concerns to be addressed through significant data review and assessment. (BRH)

A draft piece of legislation that more clearly defines the infrastructure for the education of children and youth at-risk has been developed by the Alternative Education Coalition. In this legislation, the definition of "at-risk students" is: "�those who are at risk of academic failure due to serious academic, personal, economic, and/or social impediments unrelated to a student�s disability or language proficiency and includes but is not limited to students with a history of poor academic outcomes and underachievement unrelated to a disability. At-risk students may include but are not limited to high school dropouts, students involved in substance abuse, students who are pregnant and parenting, students in foster care if warranted by attendance and/or mobility issues, students involved with the police or the courts, or students impacted by chronic illness, poor nutritional status or economic disadvantage." Students are eligible for services up to age 21. CCA will send this proposed legislation to several members and has already sent it to DCFS� Education Consultant, and will send it to the staff person for the Juvenile Justice Forum. If you would like to review this legislation, please contact Barb Oldani at the CCA Office. Comments need to be returned to CCA by September 15 so we can draft our comments to the Coalition. (BRH)

The Illinois Purchased Care Review Board did not provide final approval of its proposed draft of regulations at its August 30 meeting. This action is now planned for the September 14 meeting. However, IPCRB�s use of "capacity" in the rate methodology instead of "enrollment" has been used or has been attempted to be used to lower some schools� rates. If your school has this problem, please contact Bridget Helmholz. IPCRB�s authority to change the methodology under current rule can be contested. (BRH)

The CCA Public Policy Committee held its first meeting of the new legislative year last Wednesday, August 30 at the Baby Fold in Bloomington. The format and structure of the Committee has been modified to place additional emphasis on the role of the Committee in the formulation of the Association�s public policy agenda. The Committee adopted as its stated objectives: 1) the assessment of impact of public policies on children, youth, families, communities and neighborhoods; 2) tracking of legislation and the provision of analysis of its impact to the membership; 3) the engagement of member agencies in mobilizing staff, Board, and legislative representatives in the counties served by the agency.

The Committee reviewed last year�s legislative slate and made special note of the fact that it is very likely that the legislation that has surfaced for the last two years relative to unionization efforts directed at private facilities will be reintroduced in either the fall or spring sessions of the General Assembly. This is an issue that the Committee will track very carefully. We will also be tracking the abandoned baby and foster parent drug testing legislation that was introduced last session but did not pass. These bills are likely to be reintroduced.

The Committee also discussed HB 4731--a jointly sponsored bill that would provide a $1 an hour raise retroactive to July 1, 2000 for direct care workers serving developmentally disabled individuals. The Committee agreed that we should support this legislation, but that we should also strongly make the point with the sponsorship that this is just one step--a "down payment so to speak"--on the needs that exist across the Board in all human service sectors.

The priority areas that were established at the summer Policy Retreat held with the Association�s Board of Directors were also reviewed and implementation plans were discussed. Those priorities (previously reported in detail in the Monday Report) are: 1) Juvenile Justice; 2) the current status of the relationship between providers and the Administration and Code Departments; 3) prevention and intervention services in the community.

Juvenile Justice: The Association does not view itself as the lead on this issue but feels strongly that we need to be active players in the efforts that will be made to impact the juvenile justice system. We are concerned about the overcrowding in Juvenile Correctional facilities--currently at 164% over capacity. We will be looking to testify at hearings that will be held in the near future on these issues indicating our concern about the increasing numbers of youngsters being channeled into the DOC and county juvenile systems. The roles of the State Departments dealing with this at-risk population need to be reexamined and their mandates clarified--there is currently a lack of clarity as to role and function and as a result increasing numbers of youngsters are not receiving services and intervention in a timely effective manner. We will be working with the John Howard Association and other groups to develop a coordinated effort in this regard.

The Relationship between Private Providers and the Administration/Code Departments: This is an issue in which there is currently some coalition work being done. This effort was initiated by the Jewish Federation and includes the Association, the United Way of Illinois, the Donor�s Forum, the Catholic Conference, Lutheran Social Services, and others. The group has been meeting with the Administration to address issues such a multi-year contracting, Department rules and regulations that have fiscal impact for providers--establishing mutually agreed data, capital costs needing State support, and issues related to the funding base for human services (including workforce issues). The Committee is in agreement with continuing to support these efforts, but also wants to begin a process of highlighting these (and other) issues via an aggressive campaign with local legislators of our member agencies including the possibility of enlisting corporate and donor base entities as a part of our efforts. The Committee stressed the need for unity of voice and purpose in our member agencies. The Association also has plans to sit down with editorial boards across the State to discuss the current state of this relationship and to highlight the need for adequate support for the not-for-profit community. The committee also highlighted the need for supportive documents on these issues that can be used with legislators, with the general public, and with other key stakeholders.

Prevention and Intervention Services in the Community: the Committee is concerned about the current gap in services that has been created by the decision on the part of DCFS several years ago to define itself solely as a protective service entity. Children not in immediate danger of neglect or abuse and not in the correctional system are being served by a confused array of programs through DHS and other funding sources, many of whom are not coordinated. It became clear that we need to more closely define this population and the universe of current funding sources before finalizing our decisions relative to our involvement. We will be developing a more comprehensive review of this area in order to provide a more solid base for our agenda in this area.

The Committee also discussed ways to maximize the availability of our new marketing and Communications position. The two main areas of emphasis will be: to enhance the image of the not-for-profit and the use of this resource to actively impact public policy. We are currently establishing an ad hoc media committee to address the image concern and we are also currently gathering data from our member agencies in order to be able to more effectively profile the agencies and the impact of their services. (RHM)

The Private Agency Regional Meetings Planning and Equipment Procurement scheduled on August 28^th and 29th was successful in relaying the needed information to the dozen private agencies that attended. The August 28^th meeting was held at the North Lasalle location of Catholic Charities Chicago and the August 29^th meeting was at the DCFS office building in Joliet. Some of the questions that came up in both meetings are listed below:

1. Do Interns count as valid users that need SACWIS login�s?

Answer: Yes, if they need access to update the child�s paperwork, they need a separate login ID.

2. What if you already have a terminal server system, can you have both systems on one machine?

Answer: Yes, you can run more than one terminal server on one computer.

3. Who owns the equipment?

Answer: The private agency owns the computers.

4. Can I get the maintenance contract paid for?

Answer: No, but you can get the 3 year maintenance agreement as part of the purchased bundle package.

5. Can I pay my own staff to do the install of this equipment?

Answer: DCFS is currently discussing this issue. During the meeting, the official stance is no. Only outside service (including Techs from other private agencies) can be reimbursed.

6. Is there enough money for all the private agencies involved in SACWIS?

Answer: DCFS believe that the 2.5 million annually for the next three years is sufficient.

7. Is the reimbursement timely enough?

Answer: DCFS believes that the reimbursement will be timely enough since the agencies will turn in invoices even before delivery of equipment occurs.

8. Who pays for moving the SACWIS equipment if the agency moves?

Answer: DCFS will pay for the router move and transfer of T1 service, but the rest of the SACWIS computers and printers will be the agencies� responsibility.

9. What if you already have a high speed Internet connection?

You will still need DCFS to install a separate high speed connection since it will run on a Virtual Private Network (VPN) and this cannot be shared.

New budget surpluses are forecast to be $4.6 trillion. The Child Welfare League of America is urging that increased investments be made for children�s services in six critical areas. These investments will reduce the abuse and neglect of thousands of children� significantly lower juvenile crime; make a tremendous inroad into child poverty; continue the reductions we have seen in teen pregnancy; and address the rising tide of youth suicide. It is one that will enhance school success for our children; ensure healthier outcomes for our newborns; provide more adequate level of support for child-care services; and assist us in ensuring positive outcomes for our children. The League is proposing $3.8 billion in new spending in FY 2001, a small percentage of the surplus, be spent for children this year.

The six areas are: 1.) $1.8 billion to expand quality child care services to 150,000 additional children and provide Head Start to an additional 70,000. 2.) $800 million to increase the Earned Income Tax Credit for two million working families with the highest rates of child poverty. 3.) $605 million for the Social Services Block Grant which would restore the level of spending to $2.38 billion. 4.) $308 million to increase funding for Child Welfare Services Program (Title IV-B of the Social Security Act) and provide prevention services to families, investigate reports of abuse and neglect and secure foster and adoptive homes. 5.) $200 million to provide drug and alcohol treatment to 34,000 families where child abuse or neglect has occurred. 6.) $155 million to prevent violence and head off delinquency for thousands of youth. (JMS)

At the recent CWLA Midwest Public Policy Committee meeting in Chicago, Montrella Jackson, Legal Counsel for Summit County Children Services Board in Ohio provided a brief summary of what was happening with abandoned baby legislation in other states. Information was available from Alabama, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Kentucky, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, and Pennsylvania. Legislation on this issue has passed in Alabama, Colorado, Indiana, Kansas, and Minnesota. In Florida it is pending the Governor�s signature. States were it has been introduced and is either pending or tabled are: Illinois, Michigan, New York, Ohio and Pennsylvania. Where legislation failed was Georgia, California, Kentucky, Missouri and Oklahoma. Ages affected by the legislation range from 72 hours old to 12 months or younger. (JMS)

The final meeting in a series of SACWIS meetings held throughout the state will be held in Springfield on Sept. 6, 2000 from 10 to 1 at the AMS offices, National City Bank, 4^th Floor, 1 North Old State Capitol Plaza, Springfield. 217-747-7618. If your agency has not been able to attend one of the previous meetings, we strongly encourage you to attend this one. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss how equipment will be made available to agencies in order to implement the SACWIS system. (JMS)

Findings of the recent E-Communications Survey are now available to the CCA membership. This report will reflect plans for web sites, usage of e-mail, and agency use of Internet resources among the membership. To request a copy, contact Linda Lenzini at CCA, or watch for it to appear in the CCA website�s library as a downloadable document.

Does your agency have an innovative program or recent success story that you�d like to share? Contact Linda Lenzini at CCA with the details. (LLL)

DCFS training staff asked us to share the following information on the final round of IEPA training for private agency staff. Questions about the training should be directed to Steve Nichols at 217-785-5689. Registrations should be called into Lucy Walker at 217-785-5689. Training dates are as follows:

Chicago, September 5, IITRI, 35th and State, 1-3 p.m.

Springfield, September 14, 521 S. 11th Street, 10 a.m.-Noon

Collinsville, September 25, IDOT, 1100 E. Port Plaza, 10 a.m.-Noon (MB)

 

Calendar:

Sept. 6 � SACWIS Private Agency Regional Meeting � 10 to 1 - Springfield

Sept. 6 � Illinois Partnership for Prevention Summit, Naperville

Sept. 6 � Training on the Carver Board process for new CCA Board Members--Chicago

Sept. 7 � Special meeting for Cook County CEO�s and Executive level staff, 10-12:30, Uhlich

Children�s Home, 217 N. Jefferson, Chicago

Sept. 8 -- DHS ICG Advisory Committee--Chicago

Sept. 12 � CWAC SACWIS Advisory Committee, Springfield

Sept. 13 � Cook area agencies meet with Judge Bishop, 10-Noon, Juvenile Court Auditorium

Sept. 14 � Family Centered Services Steering Committee, Chicago

Sept. 18 � Special SACWIS JAD Review Meeting, Chicago area

Sept. 19 � CCA Board of Directors Meeting, 10 a.m., Holiday Inn Select, Naperville

Sept. 27-29 � "Practical Strategies 2000: Help Along the Way: A Continuum of Support for Youth and

Families", Holiday Inn, Urbana, IL. For more information call: 217-355-5990.

Oct. 5-6 � CCA�s Fall Leadership Retreat, (attendance limited to CEO�s/Executive Directors and

executive level staff) The Lodge, Oak Brook

Oct. 6-7 - The 10^th Annual Retreat for Educators of Students with Behavioral Disorders sponsored by

ICCBD, Monticello, IL.

Oct. 26-27 - "Governor�s Workforce Development Conference," Crowne Plaza Hotel, Springfield. Contact the following for more information: Barb Senalik, Illinois Department of

Employment Security, Job Training Division, 325 West Adams St, 3^rd Floor, Springfield IL

62704-1892.

Nov. 1-4 - The International Adolescent Conference, Portland Oregon; Call (651) 484-5510

Nov. 17-20 - The Teaching-Family Association Conference: "Circle of Courage" �Call: 540-370-4439