CCA: Monday Report July 2, 2001

MONDAY REPORT

July 2, 2001

SPECIAL NOTE: Copyright 2001. 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.

ATTENTION! The Monday Report Password will be changing July 9^th. E-mail was sent out June 25^th to confirm membership to CCA. Please reply to this e-mail so that the new password can be sent to you via electronic mail. If you did not get this e-mail notification, please e-mail Rommel Sangalang at [email protected] to request being placed in the e-mail password distribution list or call him at 217-528-4409. Thank you.

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CHILD WELFARE

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RATE METHODOLOGY UPDATE

CCAI staff and CWAC chair contacted the Governor�s Office staff and Bureau of the Budget staff last week in attempts to clarify the rationale for the decision to not apply the rate methodology to FY�02 contracts. The basic message is that it was the interpretation of the Bureau of the Budget that the legislature had decided on a 2% Cost of Doing Business adjustment effective April 1, 2002 and that it was the intent of the legislature for that to be the basis of any funding decisions. Running a rate formula in which certain agencies receive a rate increase would be equivalent to those agencies receiving an �early CODB.� As of Friday, the bureau and governor�s office staff suggested DCFS run an analysis of the rate methodology using a zero inflation factor. It will take some time for the department to recalculate potential rates with the revised formula, and to present the impact of such calculations for approval. If any changes to rates do occur as a result of these discussions, DCFS will amend contracts later in the fiscal year.

Contracts for rate set programs went out to agencies during the last week. Since most are in the 3^rd year of multi-year contracts, the contract renewal process is relatively simple so there should be limited delay from DCFS in processing agency contracts. DCFS will accept a FAX of the signature sheet in order to start processing the contract. Agencies should make sure the contract number at the top and bottom of the signature page is clearly visible. The sheet should be faxed to 217-782-3796. The original copies of the contract should then be immediately mailed back. This process should get contracts on-line fairly quickly. We will continue to pursue this issue and keep members posted with any further information. (MB)

KINSHIP CARE NATIONAL CONFERENCE

VOLUNTEER SIGN-UP FORM

Thank you for volunteering to help with the CWLA National Kinship Care Conference to be held July 23-27, 2001 at the Chicago Hilton Hotel in Chicago, IL. We need approximately 30 volunteers each day to help with the following list of events. Please check the event you would like to help with and return this form by July 13 to Margie Fowler at the CWLA F Street Office. As a volunteer, your registration fee will be waived for the same number of hours that you volunteer. For example, if you volunteer for a half-day, tuition will be waived for the rest of that day. If you volunteer for a full day, tuition will be waived for an additional full day. On the workshops, please plan on volunteering for half a day and indicate below your 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd choices for each Session (example, A1, B2, C6, etc.) These will be filled on a first come, first serve basis. You will also need to plan to attend the Volunteer Orientation on Friday, July 20 at 10:00am. We will also be stuffing registration packets at this time and would appreciate any time you can give. We appreciate your help and look forward to seeing you at the Conference!

Monday, July 23

_____CEU Table (8:00am-3:00pm) 2ppl

_____Conf Office (8:00am-5:00pm) 2ppl

_____Registration (8:00am-3:00pm) 4ppl

_____Meet/Direct (8:00am-2:45pm) 4ppl

_____Pre Conference Institute I 1person

Tuesday, July 24

_____CEU Table (8:00am-4:00pm) 2ppl

_____Conf Office (8:00am-4:00pm) 2ppl

_____Registration (8:00 am-4:00pm) 4ppl

_____Meet/Direct (8:00am-3:45pm) 4ppl

_____Pre Conference Institute II 1person

____ Pre Conference Forum 1person

Wednesday, July 25

_____CEU Table (7:30am-5:00pm) 2ppl

_____Conf Office (7:30am � 5:00pm) 2ppl

_____Registration (7:30am-5:00pm) 6ppl

_____Meet/Direct (7:30am-4:45pm) 4ppl

_____Session A 1^st ____ 2^nd____ 3^rd____

_____Session B 1^st____ 2^nd____ 3^rd____

____ Session C 1^st____ 2^nd____ 3^rd____

Thursday, July 26

_____CEU Table 7:30am-5:00pm) 2ppl

_____Conf Office (7:30am-5:00pm) 2ppl

_____Registration (7:30am-5:00pm) 4ppl

_____Meet/Direct (7:30pm-4:45pm) 4ppl

_____Session D 1^st ____ 2^nd____ 3^rd____

_____Session E 1^st____ 2^nd____ 3^rd____

_____Session F 1^st____ 2^nd____ 3^rd____

Address___________________________________________________________________City, State, Zip ______________________________________________________________

The Developmental Disabilities Contract Committee met on June 26^th in Springfield. The main agenda item was to develop outcome measures across all DD funded program areas. Discussion included a review of all funded program names to determine if it was possible to group programs under a broader heading for purposes of identifying similar outcome measures. After some discussion of the program areas it was determined that based on the outcomes identified that might direct the number of broader categories. It was suggested that outcomes should address the following areas: health, safety, abuse and neglect, progress measures, client satisfaction and units of services. In looking at specific outcomes they should also consider efficiency and effectiveness.

Melissa Wright, Associate Director for DHS-ODD, arrived later in the meeting to clarify that the committee was to create indicators that could be used to measure the delivery of services in order to provide data for use by the Department, in budget preparations as an example. These outcome measures are to be very general and to show movement towards completion of the Strategic Plan. They would not be punitive to any agency, but would provide a means for examining delivery of services as agencies move to purchase of service agreements. It was agreed that the outcomes would be presented to the Advisory Committee with an explanation of the intent. One outcome measure that was developed in accordance with the Strategic Plan was: Reduce DD institutionalization by 20% per year and utilize the per capita institutional cost savings to increase community services at a ratio of 2 to 1. Other indicators developed that could apply to all services were: 1.) Reduce substantiated cases of abuse and neglect; 2.) Utilize existing services at 10% capacity; 3.) Increase advocacy efforts to expand the capacity of the community services system; 4.) Demonstrate progress towards all individuals being served in their least restrictive setting; 5.) Increase accurately measured client satisfaction; 6.) Increase use of available technical support from the state to reduce admits/re-admits to SODC�s; 7.) Minimize staff turnover and vacancy rates; 8.) Increase quality of staff; 9.) Increase informed consumer choice; 10.) Decrease the time required from referral to provision of services. Although there was some discussion on what types of percentage measures should be used with each indicator, it was determined that the role of this committee was to spell out the indicators. These indicators will be submitted to the Advisory Council for review at the July 26^th meeting. The next meeting of the Contracts Committee would be September 25^th to finalize the indicators based on any comments received from the Advisory Committee. (JMS)

The Steering Committee for the CWAC SACWIS Advisory Committee met on June 29^th through a conference call to discuss certification and funding for POS agencies, list of subject matter experts for JADs, and work plan for POS advocates. One of the major issues that exists for POS agencies with the funding that is being provided for computer equipment to meet the requirements of SACWIS is those agencies that will receive funding during the fourth year of the grant period, but must meet certification requirements for SACWIS during the third year. (August 2002) The group discussed possible alternatives related to a percentage of the system needing to be ready and available for use by case workers and how the unfunded computers could be incorporated into the certification process. This recommendation will be submitted to DCFS after it is submitted to the full Advisory Committee for review. Regarding the subject matter experts, the Steering Committee determined that the process that was used for identification and orientation of all participants will serve as the basis for recommendation of the current POS subject matter experts that will participate in the design sessions for Phase II of SACWIS. A letter will be submitted by the Chair of CWAC to the Department. A letter will also be sent to all CEO�s of agencies that will be sending representatives to the JADs thanking them for their commitment of staff time and participation in the design process.

Activities initially identified for POS advocate positions included: 1.) Work with those agencies with plan or contract issues; 2.) Work with those agencies in addressing AFCARS compliance issues; 3.) Work with JAD participants in developing reporting process and review of how issues are addressed; 4.) Develop schedule to go to all agencies to ask about payments, contracts, plans, etc. 5.) Work with CEO�s related to any issues of ongoing participation of subject matter experts. 6.) Request attendance at July meeting of Advisory Council. (JMS)

Executive Directors are asked to save the date of July 19 for a special retreat with the CCAI board at Stoney Creek Inn in Peoria. This will be an opportunity to exchange views on the future directions of CCAI, brainstorm on the current critical challenges facing member agencies and the association and arrive at some mutual agreement on our work plans for the year ahead. Board members will meet the following day on July 20 to discuss and develop the board work plan in relation to the challenges outlined on July 19. The program and registration form was mailed to you last week. If you need to make an overnight reservation, please call Stoney Creek Inn at 309.694-1300. Tell them you are attending the Child Care Association meeting to get the CCA rate of $72.00. Please make your reservation by June 27^th. (MB)

Save the dates of July 11 and 12 for the CCA co-sponsored conference on Juvenile Justice, �New Partnerships for Juvenile Justice-Implementing Balanced and Restorative Justice in Illinois,� at the Holiday Inn Matteson.

The conference will include a plenary session by national expert, Dennis Maloney on National Perspectives and Challenges for Illinois, presentation on developing a comprehensive juvenile justice policy from Cook County State�s Attorney�s representatives and a number of workshops highlighting current innovative programs using the balanced and restorative justice principles. In the works are commitments from other national presenters on federal funding streams and new initiatives. There will also be a panel exchange on development across disciplines of future policy initiatives. This conference will provide a unique opportunity for CCA members to network with key players in the legal system and policy community as we move towards intensifying our interests and advocacy around juvenile justice concerns. The information for this training is on the CCA Website and the brochure is in the mail. Please register soon if you plan to attend. (MB)

July 25-27 � SUSTAINING KINSHIP TIES: PERMANENCY AND BEYOND--The third national kinship care conference, sponsored by the Child Welfare League of America, will be held July 25-27, 2001 at the Chicago Hilton and Towers. For more information contact the Child Welfare League at (202) 638-2952.

Aug. 23-24 - Uhlich Children's Home presents "Building Skills for a Brighter Future"-- For further information please contact: Dee Ann Flynn at (773) 588-0180, X1275 or via email at [email protected]

Aug. 27-28 - THERAPEUTIC CRISIS INTERVENTION UPDATE TRAINING�Cunningham Children�s Home, Urbana