The National Family Heritage Coalition, of which the Association is one of the founding members, met last Wednesday to put the final touches to the Position Paper that we have drafted on the Issues of Race and Culture in the Child Welfare System and the Multi-ethnic Placement Act, the Inter-ethnic Placement Act, and the Adoption and Safe Families Act. We reviewed the document and made some minor changes which will be incorporated into the document before its final release. We are planning on holding a series of regional conferences around the country to present the Position Paper and to have a broader discussion of the issues that have been raised. We are also planning a number of one-to-one meetings with key legislators, legislative breakfasts, and legislative hearings on the issues that are being raised. We currently have over twenty-three national and state wide sponsoring organizations with the expectation that number will grow substantially over the coming months. It has been an excellent process dealing with a number of troubling and far-reaching policy and programmatic issues. (RHM)

The Advisory Board of the Northern Illinois Center for Child Welfare and Education met last week in Chicago to discuss the sets of issues that surround the inter-face of child welfare and education. Ron Moorman, CEO of the Association, has been appointed a member of that Board. In particular, the Center is examining the issues that surround how wards of DCFS are educated in the public school system across the state of Illinois. The discussion was within the context of the requirements of the BAH Lawsuit--ACLU Attorney Ben Wolfe outlines the concerns that were raised in the lawsuit as well as the requirement of the settlement. The data on the current educational status of children in the child welfare system was reviewed--there is a great deal of information that we do not know about how well children are doing in the system, how they are treated, and what the outcomes are relative to future performance. There was general agreement that there needed to be a more solid base of information on which to make decisions--DCFS indicated that they are in the process of gathering that data. Of particular significance to future decisions will be some determination of the impact of substandard schools on the overall welfare and long-term performance of wards in the DCFS system. There was also discussion about the next steps to improve the relationships between public school system, DCFS, and the provider community. The Advisory Committee will be meeting on a quarterly basis. (RHM)

The Independent Living Work Group met in Chicago on January 9, 2001. The group provided initial feedback to DCFS staff on implementation of the new Policy. There are still some learning curve issues with some regional staff and some agencies. It is still very early to assess any systemic problems with the new policy. DETS staff reported no "pending" referrals although agencies continue to report cases they feel are in this status. There remains an unresolved problem of what happens to the "missing" material. However, with the new policy comes increased tracking and accountability for DCFS staff so hopefully this problem will eventually evaporate.

Jeff Buhrman of DCFS shared feedback from the December training sessions.

� Assignment of cases to agencies with different case management responsibilities will need some decision from DCFS executive staff.

� The new policy and procedures will apply to all children referred for TLP or ILO-even when the request is for a transfer from one type of setting to another.

� It is permissible for staff required to participate in the staffing to participate via phone if they must travel long distances. This is to be arranged in advance

� DCFS needs to clarify who at DCFS is to give the provider the notice of approval. This is still an area of confusion across DCFS units. Some providers reported learning of cases approved for their program several weeks after the approval.

� Updated assessments of the Risk plan should be completed at the usual ACR review cycle. DCFS will compose a draft policy on this and bring to the next meeting for review.

� All required forms are posted on the DCFS web site under the Forms Section of the Communications Library.

� Copies of the new policy/procedures are available via the customary request procedures from DCFS Central Stores.

The group discussed the requirement for psychologicals as a routine requirement. It was recommended to DCFS to eliminate a psychological as a requirement for every case. Thorough social histories should be a good source of case material upon which agencies can make judgments about the potential success of a client in their program.

The group recommended a series of meetings be conducted with DCFS staff and providers in March. Additionally, this group will begin to address planning issues associated with the Chaffee funds.

The step down initiative is under way. Although more than 200 children were originally targeted by virtue of removal dates, there are actually 100+ children involved. Next meeting is scheduled for February 27. (MB)

Agencies should be receiving notice directly from DCFS early this week on planned training dates for the Levels of Care system. Specialized and treatment foster care agencies will be expected to conduct re-review of all cases over the next 5 months. It is essential for your staff to attend the LOC training.

We quote from the DCFS letter you should be receiving:

"Statewide implementation of the revised Level of Care (LOC) form and process is targeted for February 1st, 2001. In preparation for this event, trainings will be held throughout the state. The Department is requesting that you send one representative from each of your teams to attend this training. Please choose your representatives at your own discretion; supervisors are recommended, but not required. Keep in mind that each representative will be responsible for training the other members within their respective team on the new LOC forms and process. Given space limitations, DCFS has specified a certain number of representatives from each agency to attend the LOC training. There are several dates and times offered in each region. Designees for the training must be identified in advance of the training date and an attendance form faxed to DCFS per the instructions in the letter.

Registration for the training is MANDATORY. Each training session is limited to 50 participants. Walk-ins will not be permitted to attend the training. Registration for the specific dates and times will be honored on a first come, first serve basis. Representative(s) will be notified if the training date/time chosen is already full.

If you have any questions regarding the LOC training, please contact Wendy Kalina at (312) 814-6867." The list of training dates and sessions is attached below. (MB)

Training Registration Form

(Please Print)

Name: _______________________________________________________

Region: _______________________Agency:________________________

Phone Number: _________________Fax Number:___________________

Training date requesting: _______________________________________

Training time requesting: _______________________________________

____________________________________________________________

PLEASE FAX TO WENDY KALINA AT (312) 814-1905.

Registration for the specific dates and times will be honored on a first come, first serve basis. Representative(s) will be notified if the training date/time chosen is already full.

The Downstate Performance Contracting Work Group met in Springfield on January 12. The group finalized and confirmed the New Placement Case Referral System, which is effective February 1, 2001. The new system allocates referrals in each of the performance based programs according to sub-region and an agency�s team permanency performance in that region, as well as the total number of agencies available for referral. DCFS direct service teams and their performance histories are included in the mix and DCFS sites will be part of the rotational referral system. Each sub-region is to work with local private providers and the DCFS direct teams to design its own rotational cycle according to the needs of that area. Home of Relative and Traditional Foster Care are determined separately. Specialized Foster Care is not part of this rotational referral system.

The system calculates acceptable performance ranges according to the total performance of the system. The number of permanencies above or below the acceptable range is calculated for an agency. That number is then added (for above-level performance) or subtracted (for below-level performance) from the agency�s starting caseload. This determines a baseline starting caseload effective 7/1/99, which is the baseline upon which the rotational formulas and percentages per agency are determined. The final calculation is a "PRO" of Percentage of Referral Opportunity. In downstate areas, referrals will be distributed to agencies according to the PRO and depending on what is available during the time the agency is "up" for referral. For example, if an agency in an area has a history of falling below the acceptable range, while all other agencies in the area meet the acceptable range, then the starting caseload for the low performing agency is decreased by a difference of the cases falling under the acceptable range. The system also rewards agencies that perform at the highest levels with more referral opportunities. The new number is used to determine the baseline. Acceptable ranges are as follows:

TFC HMR

Upper Limit 46.2% 53%

Mean 34.2% 39.9%

Lower Limit 22.2% 26.9%

Calculations were made by DCFS for all agencies in all sub-regions for HMR and TFC, showing the general calculations and the agency�s PRO�s per field office. These charts were passed out at the meeting. CCA agencies wishing for a copy of the charts can call the CCAI office in Springfield, or look for the charts on the CCA web site. Additionally, the entire description of the referral system in narrative form is also available on the CCAI web site. Future agenda items for this group will include additional discussions on specialized foster care developments, issues to bring forward for next year�s contracts and data on children in downstate programs with multiple caregiver arrangements within short periods of time. Next meeting is scheduled for February 21. (MB)

The Illinois Department of Human Services has proposed changes predicted to reduce services for at least half of the 12,000 infants and toddlers now in the Early Intervention program. Early Intervention services such as speech, physical and developmental therapy are currently available to all Illinois babies who are from birth to age three and who have an eligible diagnosed condition, are experiencing developmental delays or are at risk of substantial developmental delays based upon informed clinical judgment. The Department proposes to raise the current eligibility of 30 percent to 50 percent. The proposed change would take effect February 1 through emergency rules. With this change there is no indication from DHS what they would propose to do with those babies having delays from 30 to 49 percent. Legislation which would preserve existing eligibility rules at the 30 percent level of developmental delay was introduced during the past veto session. The bill would also dedicate 30 percent of taxes collected under the Liquor Control Act to Early Intervention Services. Another bill introduced would require that family insurance plans, Medicaid, and KidCare be tapped to offset program costs. (JMS)

Late last week we sent you notice of the death of David Liederman, the past CEO of the Child Welfare League of American and the CEO of the Council on Accreditation. This came at the end of a brief intense battle with pancreatic cancer. David died on January 12 at home surrounded by his family. David�s family requests that memorials be made to COA, CWLA, or any children�s services organization. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to his family at 400 East 52^nd Street, Apt. 7J, New York, NY 10022.

David�s was a life dedicated to the best interests and well-being of this nation�s most at-risk children and families, and we all owe him a great debt of gratitude for his leadership, his dedication, his vision, and most of all, his compassion for those in need. His foresight, wisdom, and hard work helped to fashion far-reaching and systemic changes in the manner in which we treat our most vulnerable populations of children and adolescents. He was a marvelous example of what the efforts of one dedicated, concerned and committed human being can accomplish. Please take a moment to remember David and give thanks for his life as well as for his many accomplishments. He will be missed! (RHM)

The Illinois Department of Human Services recently distributed copies of the strategic plan for Healthy Families Illinois for FY 2000 � 2003. Trends influencing the development of the Healthy Families program and network include 1.) Increased support for early childhood programs; 2.) Challenges facing families today; 3.) Workforce development; 4.) Cultural diversity; 5.) Child abuse and neglect; 6.) Value of collaboration/coordination; and 7.) Focus on Outcomes.

Priorities for the program continue to be focused on: 1.) Promotion of the Health Families model that adhere to the critical elements. 2.) All Healthy Family programs to be credentialed as a Healthy Families America site. 3.) Continue to promote the selection and retention of the most skilled and qualified program staff. 4.) Provide training, technical assistance, support and staff development. 5.) Improve the ability to address process, outcome and site specific evaluation. 6.) Building effective working relationships at the national, state and local level. 7.) Expand the network of HFI site to new communities, as resources are available. 8.) Maintain and expand the capacity of existing HFI sites as resources become available. Copies of the plan are available by contacting Mark Valentine at DHS (312-793-8281).

A research project being conducted by four Illinois universities will follow TANF families for six years as they move on and off assistance and through the work force. Nine counties included in the project include: Cook, St. Clair, Peoria, Tazewell, Fulton, Knox, Marshall, Woodford and Stark. 97 percent of the respondents were female and four out of five were African American. Some of the key findings included the following areas: 1.) Reasons for leaving TANF; 2.) Knowledge of key TANF rules; 3.) Attitudes about caseworkers; 4.) Medical coverage as a work motivation; 5.) Characteristics of workers; 6.) Sources of Jobs; 7.) Employer-supported health insurance; 8.) Education and training; 9.) Housing; 10.) Other hardships; 11.) Child care; and 12.) Child support. The full report is available at www.jcpr.org. A summary or copy of the full report is available for a fee from the publications director at the Institute for Policy Research. 847-491-8712. (JMS)

For publication names, addresses, phone numbers and editorial names for publications in your locale, contact CCA at [email protected], or call Linda Lenzini at 217-528-4409. Please be prepared to identify the specific counties for which you need contacts. Or..if you have a media contact that you would like added to CCA�s media list, send it to [email protected].

If your agency has a website, you can be linked to the CCA website. This will enable visitors to the CCA website to simply click on your agency�s name and access your website. Send requests for linkage via e-mail to Linda Lenzini at CCA, e-mail address [email protected].

If your agency would like to receive media updates and advisories, template and CCA news releases, and other items of interest, please send name, agency name, title, and e-mail address to [email protected].

(LLL)

All member agencies should have received a registration form for Child Welfare Day in the mail. The registration form is also downloadable on the CCA website in a Microsoft Word format. Plan now to be a part of this exciting event at the Illinois State Capitol. The day will provide an opportunity to create visibility for your agency�s services and to speak with legislators from your district. Exhibit space for the event is limited, so register soon. For more information, contact Linda Lenzini at the Child Care Association at [email protected] or by phone at 217-528-4409.

Does your agency have an innovative program or recent success story that you�d like to share? CCA is interested in sharing your recent success story or innovative program with the rest of the membership. If you would like to be featured on the CCA website with your success story, contact Linda Lenzini at CCA with the details. (LLL)

CHILD CARE ASSOCIATION WELCOMES MARKETING INTERN
The Child Care Association has worked with the Applied Studies program at University of Illinois-Springfield to obtain a marketing intern for the period of January 16 � May 11, 2001. Rebecca Riva is majoring in Business Administration and is interested in a career in public relations and marketing.

Under the direction of Linda Lenzini, Director of Marketing and Communications for CCA, Rebecca will be working on promotion and coordination for Child Welfare Day, media advisory development, online and library media research, and other projects as assigned. Rebecca can be reached in the Child Care Association offices at 300 East Monroe, Suite 202, Springfield, Illinois 62701, phone number 217-528-4409, fax number 217-528-6498. E-mail address to follow in next Monday Report.

Please mark your calendars and plan on attending the SACWIS focus group meeting held on January 26, 2001 at the Hyatt Lisle in Lisle, Illinois. The purpose of this meeting is to solicit input from private agency representatives in those design areas that will be developed as part of SACWIS (Statewide Automated Child Welfare System). All staff in DCFS and private agencies that provide primary case management services to DCFS children will use SACWIS. Services include foster care, home of relative, specialized foster care, therapeutic foster care, intact families and child protection. In Illinois, the Best Practice Model will serve as the foundation for the design and development of the automated system. Implementation will begin October 2001 and is expected to be complete by January 2003.

At the focus group meeting on January 26^th, the specific areas that will be discussed will be case management, archive, court processing, ACR, resources/licensing, health tracking, eligibility, financial, staff maintenance, technical, reporting and interfaces. It is critical that managers, supervisors and administrators from agencies that are familiar with these processes within their agency attend. We want to be sure that any client information system that is designed includes those issues that will impact private agencies. Registration materials were mailed out to all CCA members in December. If you have not received a copy of the registration form, please contact Barb at the CCA office. The meeting is scheduled from 10:00 to 4:00 with registration at 9:30. All persons attending are asked to indicate their top three preferences for focus group discussions. Overnight rooms are available through the hotel at 630-852-1243 and mention the Child Care Association meeting. The cut off date for room reservations is January 10, 2001. If you have any questions, please contact Jan Schoening at the CCA office. (JMS)

Don�t miss two of the best days of Quality Improvement Training featuring Dr. Fotena Zirps. The QI training will be held at the Hilton in Lisle/Naperville IL, on Jan. 30 & 31. You will recall that Dr. Zirps, one of the most widely respected experts in the field of quality improvement, was featured at the CCA Membership meeting in October. This training will build on the Quality and Credibility foundation set in October. The two days will be designed for QI staff and managers who lead a QI effort, and cover both the basics of QI for the beginner, and those wishing a refresher, as well as, advanced training on day two with a focus on problem solving which will be more interactive.

Check the CCA Training website for more information or call the CCA office at (217) 528-4409 for registration today.

Human Service Technologies is pleased to host Realities of Transracial Adoption, a recognized organization that provides insightful, informative and energetic training to adoptive parents and adoption staff. You will learn: 1) Issues and controversies regarding transracial adoptions; 2) Effective planning for transracial adoptions; 3) How worker biases can hinder the permanency planning process; and 4) A panel discussion with adult transracial adoptees will also take place.

WHEN: Friday, February 2, 2001 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

WHERE: Illinois Institute of Technology, Herman Union Building, 3241 S. Federal Street, Chicago

COST: $75.00 ($45.00 for full-time students with valid identification)

Six education units are available for licensed social workers through the Illinois Department of Professional Regulation. The processing fee for CEU�s is $5.00.

Jan. 17 � CCA Board of Directors Meeting, Naperville, IL

Jan. 18 � Cook County Chief Juvenile Judge�s Meeting with Chicago Providers

Jan. 26 � POS SACWIS Focus Group Meeting, Hyatt Lisle, Lisle, IL

Jan. 30-31 � Quality Improvement Training, Hilton Lisle/Naperville

Feb. 2 � Realities of Transracial Adoption, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Illinois Institute of Technology, Herman Union Building, 3241 S. Federal Street, Chicago. Space is limited. Registration must be received by January 31^st. COST: $75.00 ($45.00 for full-time students with valid identification)

Contact: Dionne P. Catledge, Director of Training at 312/255-8877, Ext. 21.

Feb. 6 - Workshop on the Effective Research-Based Approaches to the Provision of Services to Youthful Offenders, presented by Dr. Edward Latessa. For more information, call 1-800-252-8045 or 217-522-2663

Feb. 25-28 � 14^th Annual Conference, A System of Care for Children�s Mental Health: Expanding the

Research Base, Tampa Hyatt Regency, Tampa, Fl. Call Lyn Bryan at 813/974-4649 for information.

March 22-23 � CCA�s Spring Membership Meeting, Hyatt Regency Woodfield, Schaumburg, IL