We have directed a number of concerns to DCFS about the current chaos in securing documents and conflicting instructions pertaining to employee licensure. Kris Sticker, Administrator, Office of Employee Licensure asks for everyone�s patience. She reports that the reasons for the new Authorization form are: 1) there were many objections to the earlier version which asked unrelated matters (for DCFS staff), 2) although the Licensing Committee designed an employee verification form that accepted the background check done for each person at the time of employment, the Director did not accept that decision and interprets the Licensure Act to mean that DCFS staff must do current and ongoing background checks and 3) The Director is requiring that each document required for Licensure is actually in the Licensure file. Therefore, everyone is receiving a new Authorization form and requests for copies of transcripts will be made shortly.

DCFS further reports that the issuance of the actual license will be done when the case tracking system is ready to give DCFS one id number for each caseworker, supervisor and licensing worker and supervisor. The license will be issued to each person by their case tracking number. This will not change when and if each person changes agencies. Many people have thought that this connection is critical because it makes the actual license harder to duplicate and to alter.

CCAI staff will continue to pursue our concerns with DCFS and to make them aware of the many hours of manpower and resources being devoted to this by private agencies. We also suggest agencies direct their concerns about this process to Kris Stricker directly and provide a copy to Director McDonald, as well as a copy to CCAI. (MB)

The CWAC SED ILO/TLP subcommittee met in Chicago on Feburary 27, 2001. DCFS staff presented a draft of the Clarifications and Corrections memo to Policy Guide 2000.15- Approval procedures for ILO/TLP services. Feedback was given from providers and a final document should be distributed by DCFS within the next month. It is important that all providers read this clarification memo very closely as it amends and clarifies the new policy guide that is still in implementation phases.

The committee agreed that an "all provider" meeting convened by DCFS should occur on a regular basis. Gloria Fitzgerald and Renard Jackson will convene an initial downstate and Cook meeting. The dates are set for Cook: 4/24 at 10:00; and downstate: 4/30 at 10:00 in Peoria. Meeting details will be distributed soon and the mailing list will be compiled of all ILO/TLP providers listed on the Resource Matrix in policy guide 2000.15. Gloria Fitzgerald also announced that there will be a workgroup meeting to assist in revising the policy guide on the Youth in College, Youth in Employment, and Youth in Scholarship programs. Anyone interested can contact Laveris Jefferson at 312-814-6823.

DCFS staff announced two new pregnant and parenting program coordinators: Francis Albert for downstate and Lori Moreno for Cook. Both will be working within DETS to monitor ILO/TLP placements of pregnant and parenting wards.

There was extensive discussion regarding the progress of implementation of the new Policy Guide. Providers continue to express their frustration with the lack of approved referrals. AP staff reported statistics on utilization by region; (Cook- contracts are being utilized at 86% and downstate utilization rates were much lower); Clinical Service Managers reported on current referrals and where they are in the 3-step referral process; and DETS reported on approvals since Aug. 2000. Overall, providers continue to be frustrated with the slowness of process and DCFS agreed that more training was needed for the front-line DCFS staff. DCFS pointed out that there also needs to be more training by the private sector of foster care agencies where there seems to be a lack of referrals. It is important for providers to note that Clinical Services Managers are the point people for all referrals- if you have a question about where a referral is in the process the Clinical Services Managers.

DCFS also requested that providers take the time to be extremely detailed in completing safety and risk management plans for youth- specifically youth need to sign all plans and crisis plans need to be more detailed.

The Chafee Foster Care Independence Program State Plan was distributed. DCFS is convening an Advisory Board to oversee the implementation of the plan.

The next work group meeting will be held in 3 months. (Our thanks to Susan Cowen of Youth Network Council for this report. MB)

DCFS staff has asked us to share the following information on the Levels of Care implementation. The final LOC forms are available in the Chicago and Springfield DCFS Stores. Cook County POS agencies can call the store in Chicago to order the forms. As with normal protocol, POS agencies down state must call the field offices to get the forms. There is no designated Instruction Guide for the LOC forms. Instructions are listed on each form. The LOC Worker Manual is also available in the stores and will provide more in-depth information about the forms and Policy Guide. This is the same manual that was distributed during the LOC training seminars. No forms that state 'DRAFT' or any of the old LOC forms should be used from this point on.

The scoring manual was sent out to every POS agency on 2/23/01. The manual was sent to the agency's Executive Director unless the agency informed us of another person that it should be sent to. POS agencies that are statewide can request to have a scoring manual mailed to several administrators. The agency must contact Melinda Woods-Lis at 312-814-6880 to make this request. Agencies are expected to use the scoring manual and the new LOC forms to conduct all of their re-reviews. For example, a child who has a mental health/behavioral special need and is six and older would need to have the Caregiver Report, the Certification for Mental Health/Behavioral Special Needs, the LOC Application, and the Preliminary Assessment completed before the scoring on the CFS 418 can be completed.

POS agencies that would like technical assistance in completing the LOC Scoring Manual should contact Melinda Woods-Lis at the number listed above. (MB)

The Cook Performance Based Work Group met in Chicago on March 1, 2001. DCP staff reported they will be moving to 750 Montrose about May 1. CAU staff provided an overview of the current reconciliation process. All initial data reports are due to DCFS by March 9. Final reconciled permanency reports will be out to agencies by the 3^rd week of March. (A note for providers with Downstate contracts is that the initial DCFS data did not go out to agencies until February 26 because of a data problem.)

The group discussed the progress of the Foster Care Infrastructure Group (see full report elsewhere in this Monday Report) and provided more specific details of areas contributing to permanency delays. The Cook providers reported current delays in CANTS/LEADS reports, particularly when there are hits on foster parents, paramours or others in the household. CANTS/LEADS reports from Springfield are also not accurate. Some reports will detail a criminal history but not indicate a felony. When a screener reviews it, they re-run the history and find that there are felonies. There are also delays in permanency for a core of cases in which there are foster parent service issues: foster parents need counseling, older caregivers need supports such as transportation or homemaker service or there are concerns about future needs of the foster parent. Another problem contributing to permanency delays is inconsistent screening from paralegals. Screening tools go back and forth several times before finalized. Agencies pointed out that a screener might find one item amiss on the first page, or see that an outdated form is used and return the whole packet immediately, without screening the rest. The first problem is then rectified by the agency, only for the packet to be returned again because of another problem which could have been spotted on the first review had the screener gone through the whole packet. Forms change regularly and it is hard to keep up with various versions of forms. DCFS staff reported that the current atmosphere of the court is negative towards workers and legal staff are hesitant to put anything in front of a judge that is not �perfect" for fear of contributing to the negative perception.

The group also discussed reasons contributing to the slowness of referrals to the drug and alcohol waiver project. Providers reported that workers are pressed for time; the necessity of workers staying with the client throughout the referral process at court is problematic, as workers are often required to be elsewhere after court is over. If clients are actively using, the referral process itself is emotionally draining for the client and worker.

Suggestions for future contract provisions were provided. Agencies are concerned about the costs associated with case management of "distance placements" in which part of the case is far away within the state or out of the state. Short notice from courts to mandate certain activities does not allow agencies to get good airfare rates. The percentage of such placements on caseloads is increasing. Other states are also delaying permanencies for these children. Some are reluctant to assume responsibility for special needs and medical care of the children, and won�t accept Illinois� medical card. It seems Illinois will have to increasingly rely on more adoptive placements in other states so this will increase as a problem in the future.

The group expressed concerns about duplicative processes within DCFS. The current problem of having to produce copies of transcripts from personnel records 2 months after filling out the employer verification form is an example. The necessity of checking and submitting caseworker lists multiple times to both licensing and AP is problematic. Finally, agencies raised serious concerns about the current requests from AP for 7 items that AP should already be looking at in routine visits. Agencies questioned why there was a sudden deadline to produce this information with no warning to the agencies. There is a need for better communication from AP units with the agencies. The group suggested to DCFS that regular meetings with agencies and AP management be held to outline general concerns and to give agencies an opportunity to ask questions and express concerns. The next meeting of the Cook Performance Based Work Group is scheduled for April 10. (MB)

The Foster Care Infrastructure Work Group met in Joliet on March 2. This reports contains information relating to:

Specialized Foster Care

LOC Re-Review

Penalty for Non-Compliance

Protocol for Reviewing Quality of Re-Reviews

Performance Contracting

Challenges of Adolescents in Performance Contracts

Federal Outcome Measures: How these can be incorporated into contracts

Primary discussion SPECIALIZED FOSTER CARE issues related to LOC Reviews.

A) There is a PENALTY FOR NON-COMPLIANCE WITH LEVELS OF CARE REVIEWS. The group recommended that agencies follow the required schedule of reviews outlined in the DCFS policy guide. DCFS will use that required policy to determine if agencies are reviewing cases on schedule. Agencies found to out of compliance with the schedule will be assessed a FINANCIAL PENALTY OF 5% OF THE PER DIEM EACH MONTH. For example, if an agency is out of compliance in its scheduled reviews for March, it will be assessed a 5% penalty until the required 25% of reviews are completed. The group recommended a change in the June re-review deadline. The original letter stated all re-reviews should be completed by June 15. The group recommended a change to June 30.

B) Department clinical staff will also conduct spot check reviews on about 10% of each agency�s re-reviews to assure they are being done correctly. The following protocol will be used: If the department finds a discrepancy between the case record information reports and the LOC re-review, all specialized cases will be reviewed. Determination of department staff is final. If there is a difference of opinion between an agency and department clinical staff, agencies will defer to a department arbiter. The private agencies recommended in these cases that an objective arbiter such as one of the staff working on specialized issues, and not clinical or regional staff be the final "determinant."

C) Problems with reviews of Intensive Foster Care cases (mainly DCFS cases) have been referred to the Director�s office for solution. The group felt that this was problematic and recommended the department follow the policy and LOC form rules. There should be an outcome of step-down, remain in care or step-up. There should be no special deals.

D) Anniversary dates for re-reviews were proposed as follows to move the re-reviews into the ACR schedule. A specialized case in which the first ACR for the fiscal year falls within the first quarter will be re-reviewed at the next ACR date. (A July ACR case would be re-reviewed for specialized care at the same time as the January ACR.) A specialized case in which the first ACR for the fiscal year falls in any other quarter will be re-reviewed according to the ACR schedule.

PERFORMANCE CONTRACTING ISSUES were discussed. In Cook, DCFS feels it will have enough referrals coming in to replace cases that go to permanency, but will not have additional referrals. If agencies do not meet the contract permanency requirements, they risk seeing their caseload ratios increase and risk inheriting numbers of uncompensated care. DCFS staff reported that their external budget assumptions are based on the prediction that the system will not meet the permanency marks although they internally project more adoptions and permanencies. The group spent much time discussing the needs of older adolescents in care. If older kids stay in foster care and do not move to ILO programs, agencies inherit an impact on permanency outcomes, must cover the costs of PAL assessments, and struggle with obtaining services and independence type classes that are not currently accepting referrals. The group suggested looking at a different model of care for older kids that is a cross between ILO programs and foster care. The foster care principles would be maintained but there would be additional opportunities to prepare the child for self-sufficiency. There must also be some recognition of positive case outcomes for older children from DCFS. Cases that go to education, employment or armed services should receive some recognition. DCFS staff still need to provide accurate statistics on older children in care so the group can determine the extent of these problems for private agencies.

The challenge of incorporating FEDERAL OUTCOME STANDARDS into the contracts was discussed. The issue is how to drive the entire system towards achievement of the benchmark levels while determining what is realistically measured at an agency level. Is the intent to penalize agencies that don�t meet the marks or to reward agencies that show improvement that helps move the system towards the targets. The first measure of stability was reviewed in detail. There should be more details in the DCFS data system that illustrate the numbers of respite cases and runaways that are counted as moves each time. This is a major problem for programs with high numbers of adolescents. The group also addressed the problems inherent in trying to measure agencies on the recurrence of abuse. The current DCFS system counts all subsequent reports-if the child reports an incident from the birth home or a previous placement. If agencies are to be held accountable to this measure, there must be a defined measure of subsequent incidents while the child was in the agency�s care. DCFS would then have to determine how to collect such data.

DCFS staff also proposed that a requirement be placed in Cook contracts for referral of clients to the AODA waiver program. DCFS is concerned about the low number of children being referred. The group suggested that the ad hoc group of CWAC that will look at this problem first be allowed to conduct its review.

The progress of achieving One Worker per Family was reviewed. DCFS feels the progress in Cook is poor. It is a combination of issues, including challenge of transferring specialized cases to a generic worker as well as the challenge with larger agencies that manage functional program divisions.

The next work group meeting will focus on performance indicators for next year�s contracts, further exploration of the federal outcomes, further discussion of the needs of older children in care and overall assumptions about the re-design of the specialized system. (MB)

The Foundation Training Advisory Committee met in Chicago on February 26. DCFS staff reported that internal critique of the curriculum from Best Practices staff suggests further amplification of Best Practices principles need to be embedded in the curriculum. There will be efforts to refine the curriculum to concentrate further on skill development.

The Supervisory Orientation sessions will begin in April. These will be half-day sessions for supervisors to provide an overview of the training new casework staff will go through, as well as provide an overview of the expectations of supervisors during this process.

Pilots of the training model will occur in April. There will be 2 classes in Cook and one in a downstate location�probably Bloomington. The group suggested DCFS recruit participants for the pilot by sending a request letter to all licensed agencies, along with a sign-up form. DCFS needs to determine what, if any, financial support will go to those agencies volunteering new staff for the pilot. The next meeting is scheduled for April 2.

CCAI AGENCIES SHOULD NOTE THAT AN OUTLINE OF THE CURRICULUM AS WELL AS INFORMATION ON THE AGENCY MANAGEMENT ISSUES ASSOCIATED WITH THE NEW TRAINING WILL BE PRESENTED BY A PANEL OF TRAINING COMMITTEE MEMBERS DURING THE MARCH MEMBERSHIP MEETING. (MB)

On February 26 and March 1, 2001 Mary Debose, Vice President of Public Policy and Advocacy at Children�s Home & Aid Society of Illinois and private agency liaison to the Best Practice Implementation Project facilitated the first series of private agency focus groups. The purpose of the groups was to provide feedback and recommendations on the Best Practice Implementation Guide. The groups consisted of a total of 20 agencies (throughout the state) that provide intact and substitute care services. In addition IDCFS staff from the Best Practices Team (SACWIS, change management, and authors of several chapters) were present and responded to questions about the project. In preparation for the focus groups, all participants were asked to read the Executive Summary, chapters on permanency and service planning as well as the chapters that were pertinent to intact family services or the array of permanency services (reunification, foster care adoption, and kinship care). A separate group will be convened to respond to the chapter on Independent Living Services.

Additional focus groups are being planned and are expected to occur in Chicago as well as in the Springfield/Bloomington for at least two days during first, second, and third weeks of April. The goal is to facilitate feedback and recommendations from all private agencies regarding the Best Practice Implementation Guide and Chapters by June 1, 2001. The chapters can be accessed through the CCA web site by double clicking on the Library section and scrolling to Best Practice. In addition once participants are identified, a hard copy of the manual will be mailed to each participant.

The questions that group participants were asked to consider included:

1. Identify one strength, one concern, and one recommendation for improving the guide.
2. Is there anything that is defined as best practice that is odds with issues of permanency, well-being or safety?
3. Of all the research questions-- which could be pursued in intact family services, reunification, kinship care, foster care or adoption--identify one that you think will be most important in enhancing the knowledge about safety, well-being, and permanency of children? What data will need to be collected to enhance this knowledge?
4. What are the opportunities and challenges of implementing the expectations of the guide? What help will you need in order for the implementation to be successful?

In the latest edition of the Illinois Welfare News it was reported that the state officials at DHS would be delaying efforts to implement the emergency rules for the Early Intervention in Illinois. The state agreed to delay proposed severe changes for the program that would have gone into effect February 1. They have been delayed until April 1 after a court order was sought against DHS for violating federal notice and participation requirements and a 1996 court order protecting currently eligible children from changes in the eligibility definition.

Under DHS�s proposed changes, children with a medical condition or developmental delay at 50 percent or greater would remain in the EI program, which would guarantee services under the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Infants and toddlers with delays between 30 and 49 percent would no longer qualify for the program and instead would be served through a new state program, Early Start. Since funding for Early Start depends on any unused EI funds, adequate funding to implement or sustain the Early Start program is questionable. Children are not guaranteed services under Early Start and may end up on waiting lists. (JMS)

At this time there are very few substantive bills related to mental health issues for children. Several bills have again been introduced again to provide individual wage increases for direct care workers. Four bills of interest at this point include House Bill 668 which is basically a vehicle bill, but it makes reference to the Healthy Families Program. House Bill 719 is related to the two tiered issue for the Early Intervention Program and amends the Early Intervention Services System Act. This bill provides that a "developmental delay" means a delay of 30% or more below the mean in function in one or more areas of childhood development (rather than authorizing the Department of Human Services to define the extent of the delay by rule). It also requires that interagency agreements under the Act ensure that early intervention services are considered to be covered medical services for purposes of the Medicaid Healthy Kids Program.

House Bill 1928 makes appropriations from the General Revenue Fund to the Department of Human Services for the Mentally Healthy Kids Initiative. It would be effective July 1, 2001. The following sums would be appropriated.

The total increase for services in HB 1928 would be $18,000,000.

The other bill of interest is HB 1985. This was introduced last year also and provides that the Medicaid program may include reimbursement for behavioral health services and mental health services. It also authorizes the Department of Public Aid to provide for the services of persons licensed as a clinical psychologist, clinical social worker or clinical professional counselor in supplying medical assistance. Prohibits the Department�s rules from requiring that services for a specific Medicaid recipient provided by licensed clinical psychologist, licensed clinical social worker, or licensed clinical professional counselor be recommended by a physician. (JMS)

The Younger Americans Act (H.R. 17) was reintroduced in the House of Representatives on January 3. The legislation has bipartisan support, including Reps. George Miller, Bob Clement, Marge Roukema, Benjamin Gilman and Jack Quinn. A companion bill expected to be introduced in the Senate.

This legislation will give young people opportunities and experiences that have not been available in the past, making available much needed resources for community-based efforts to provide: 1.) ongoing relationships with caring adults; 2.) safe places with structured activities during non-school hours; 3.) access to services that promote healthy lifestyles, including those designed to improve physical and behavioral health; 4.) marketable skills and competencies through education and youth development; and 5.) opportunities for community service and civic participation.

The bill provides federal support for community programs to reach out to young people in new ways and to allow youth development programs to grow and develop nationwide. Special targeting provisions will allow communities to help young people who face great challenges due to abuse, neglect, lack of family support, or high concentrations of poverty. When fully implemented, the legislation will provide $2 billion per year in federal funding to support state and local efforts. (JMS)

A listing of bills being monitored by CCA, along with CCA�s position on the bill, is not on the CCA web page. Visit the home page at http://www.cca-il.org and click on "Legislative Watchlist" at the bottom of the page. The listing also provides the internet address of the Illinois legislative website that can be accessed for more information. On that site, the synopses, full text, and current status of the bill can be obtained. For more information or assistance accessing the Watchlist and accompanying legislative website, contact Linda Lenzini at the Child Care Association by email at [email protected] (LLL)

In CCA�s efforts to mobilize member advocacy for a Cost of Living Adjustment this year from the State of Illinois, assistance is available. CCA member agencies wishing to advocate for this adjustment in their local media can obtain template press releases, talking points, editorial contact names, and coordination for agencies within newspaper areas� readership who wish to send joint letters. For more information contact Linda Lenzini at [email protected].

Governor George Ryan has declared April 18^th, 2001 Child Welfare Day in Illinois. Be a part of the celebration by participating in Child Welfare Day at the Capitol. The deadline for exhibiting at the State Capitol is quickly approaching. For a registration form, contact Linda Lenzini at the Child Care Association via e-mail at [email protected], or by calling 217-528-4409. The form can also be downloaded from the Child Care Association�s website at http://www.cca-il.org

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]. (LLL)

Visit the home page of the CCA Website at http://www.cca-il.org for a new feature, " Success Stories". These features, submitted by members or penned by CCA staff, share the successes that members have realized with innovative programs, new initiative, and hard work. If your agency has an innovative program or recent success story that you�d like to share, contact Linda Lenzini at CCA with the details. (LLL)

DCFS has scholarship money available for foster children and former foster children. To obtain more information, contact Dwight Lambert at DCFS at 217-524-2030.

The Casey Family Programs in conjunction with the Orphan Foundation of America are also offering scholarships for foster children and former foster children. To obtain more information, visit the Casey Foundation website at http:www.orphan.org and click on the "Scholarships" button at the top of the home page. (LLL)

The Association�s Spring Membership Meeting will be held at the Hyatt Regency Woodfield in Schaumburg. The first day, MARCH 22, will include a workshop on FOUNDATION FUNDING�NEW INITIATIVES AND DIRECTIONS with presenters from both local and national foundations. The afternoon session will focus on the NEW CASEWORKER/SUPERVISOR TRAINING REQUIREMENTS that will be going into effect very shortly. It is critical that all agencies know what this entails and how it will affect their agency. We will also be providing an update on DCFS PERFORMANCE BASED CONTRACTING FOR FY 2001-02�the directions that program may be taking. On the second day, MARCH 23, we are going to spend the day discussing LEGISLATIVE ADVOCACY. Tom Nolan, the Association�s legislative liaison, will present the key principles of legislative work. We will also hear from agencies that have sponsored successful legislative initiatives over the past several years as to what worked best for them. Also invited are representatives from the Governor�s office to join us to get their perspective on the fiscal situation and to discuss with them our issues and concerns. (RHM)

ROOMS AT THE HYATT: If you are planning to attend and need a room reservation you need to call the Hyatt Regency Woodfield at 800.233.1234 or 847.605.1234. The Hyatt is holding rooms for CCA guests on March 21 and 22. The rate is $109.00 single or double. Please remember to say you are attending the Child Care Association meeting in order to get the $109.00 room rate. March 1 is the deadline for reservations. The Hyatt�s address is 1800 East Golf Road, Schaumburg, IL. (SKA)

March 6 � CWAC SACWIS Advisory Committee Meeting, Springfield

March 6 � SACWIS POS Bridge Workgroup, 2-4 p.m., Springfield

March 21 � CCA Board of Directors Meeting, Hyatt Regency Woodfield, Schaumburg

MARCH 22-23 � CCA�S SPRING MEMBERSHIP MEETING, Hyatt Regency Woodfield, Schaumburg

May 9 � Assessing, Diagnosing and Treating the Mental Health needs of African-American adolescents in the Juvenile Justice System. Springfield Hilton, 7^th and Adams, Springfield, Illinois. Registration due by May 4, 2001. For more information, contact the Youth Network Council at 321 � S. 6^th Street, Ste 200, Springfield, Illinois 62701, or call 1-8090-252-8045 (IL ONLY) or 1-217-522-2663. (LLL)

May 20 and 21 - Business and Education 2001 Conference, The Capital Hilton, Washington DC, contact Customer Service (212) 339-0345.