The Illinois General Assembly will be on its spring break from April 9 thru April 14. We want to strongly urge each CCA member agency to schedule a face-to-face meeting with their legislators--Senators and Representatives--IN THEIR HOME OFFICES during that period of time. The purpose of the meeting will be to discuss with them the need for a 4% cost-of-doing business adjustment (CODB) for not-for-profit agencies providing services to State clients. You will need to be specific about what the impact will be ON YOUR AGENCY if a CODB is not given--inability to hire and retrain staff, inability to meet utility, commodity, and insurance costs, the impact on your overall ability to provide the quality of services necessary for these at-risk clients, etc. etc. We are presuming that you have already sent your letters to your legislators on the CODB--if you haven�t, you need to do so IMMEDIATELY followed-up with a request for a face-to-face meeting during the week of April 9. YOU WILL NEED TO MAKE THESE APPOINTMENTS IMMEDIATELY since they will be very busy during those days of spring break. We would urge you to take the President of your Board of Directors and other Board members with you. Be forceful--to the point--but most of all, make sure you get these meetings scheduled.

We are going to be in for a long hard fight to get this CODB this year--there are many conflicting needs and a diminished revenue stream so we will need to be persistent and vocal about our needs. PLEASE DO YOUR PART--WRITE YOUR LETTERS, AND MOST OF ALL, SCHEDULE THESE MEETINGS IMMEDIATELY! If you have any questions, please call Ron Moorman at the CCA office. (RHM)

The Department of Children and Family Services has filed an emergency amendment to 89 Ill. Adm. Code 337, Service Appeal Process, which eliminates from the rules the opportunity for foster parents and relative caregivers to appeal changes in a child�s placement. The emergency amendments are effective March 19, 2001. Foster parents and relative caregivers who disagree with the Department�s decision to change the placement of a child will be given the opportunity to ask for a review of the decision by the Division of Clinical Services. Requests for a review can be made by calling or faxing the DCFS HELP Unit in Chicago. Telephone: 312-633-3754 Fax: 312-633-4091. The HELP Unit in Chicago will coordinate and arrange for reviews to be conducted in Downstate Regions.

Policy Guide 2001.06, Clinical Placement Review for Disputed Changes of Placement from One Foster Home to Another, is effective March 19, 2001. It has been faxed to private agencies and may also be viewed on the Department website.

The Statewide Foster Parent Advisory Council and the Board of the Foster Parent Association have been notified of these changes by the Department. Individual foster parents will be notified of the change via a CFS 151 B, Notice of Change of Placement, at the time of notification of a decision to move a child.

The CWAC-SED Committee met on March 15 in Chicago. The chairs provided a brief recap of the recent Residential Summit. (See Monday Report of February 19.)

The group also reviewed a draft of Follow-Up steps to the symposium. There needs to be clear communication from the DCFS Director regarding approval for DCFS to participate in many of the recommended steps. The chairs will seek a meeting to clarify the next steps. The group also recommended that there be a larger summit type meeting over the summer that would allow various levels of RTC staff to attend. This way, more key staff have the opportunity to hear the reports of the work groups and participate in making recommendations on future directions.

The Community Linkages/Care Management group began its work last week. The group tackled the future structure of worker visits to children in RTC�s. The group agreed that referral packets should be streamlined, and there should be future efforts to coordinate the various treatment and service plans involved with DCFS wards in residential care. The group will review the DCFS� proposed guide for WRAP planning and will make recommendations about training for workers in assembling and using Child and Family Teams. The work group identified that WRAP plan concepts should be stressed first and foremost so workers don�t get bogged down in the LANS structure through which WRAP plans occur. The group will is reviewing recommendations pertaining to transition of children to and from residential in order to expedite this process in a timely manner. The DCFS� current DRAFT Policy Guide regarding Admission and Discharge From Residential Treatment Services is available for review and comment. A copy can be obtained by contacting the CCAI office at 217-528-4409. Comments can be directed by March 29 to Jimmie Smith of Central Baptist Children�s Home, Box 1128, Lake Villa, Illinois, 60046; 847-356-2391 or fax: 847-356-2436.

Current status of the Unusual Incident Reporting system was addressed. Members of SED formed a small work group with DCFS staff to review comments received about the proposed UIR format. DCFS stressed that the UIR system is geared for all children in care so there is a need for broad reporting requirements. However, they agreed to include some type of exception language that would eliminate the need for reporting incidents or behavior for children that was the reason for admission into high-end care. Agencies still have concerns about how the UIR information will be collected and used by DCFS. The comments of the work group will be incorporated into a new Draft of the UIR that will go out for second comment in the near future. We encourage all CCA members to watch for this draft document and provide specific comments to DCFS on this, with copy to CCA.

DCFS staff reported Rule 384 is out for first notice. It includes restrictions on peer restraints. The SED group commented that there was limited distribution of the draft rule. DCFS will look into this. As soon as CCAI obtains an official copy, we will send it to our residential members. We encourage all to comment to DCFS.

Clarification on recent HCFA rules in the Federal Register regarding restraints was provided. The type of facility specified in this rule is not in operation under Medicaid plans in Illinois at this time. However, there is concern that the type of restrictions on all types of restraints contained in that proposed rule will appear in subsequent rules for services that are covered in Illinois. There is still a brief period for agencies to comment on the current rule and express concerns about the costliness of the restraint restrictions as well as to present the case for the prudent use of restraints in certain circumstances.

Profiling of residential agencies is proceeding. . Providers raised questions about the use of the profiling. DCFS is using an internal review panel to rate all profiles. These comments will be provided to the agencies. DCFS staff sees this as an important first step in preparing for future changes in the program plans. This will also form the basis for discussions with providers on possible transitions of their programs to more closely match the current needs of the DCFS population. DCFS estimates it needs 7%-10% more capacity for psychiatrically compromised children while it has less need for the current slots geared for conduct-disorder type problems.

The revised residential program plan will not go into implementation on July 1, 2001.There are still internal DCFS reviews and approvals needed and DCFS and the providers are not yet ready for such a change. It will be looked at as a phase-in project over the next fiscal year.

DCFS staff reported briefly on the DCFS budget for FY�02. The budget will be very tight. DCFS staff are in the process of preparing walk-downs of 5%-10% in the event further savings are needed.

DCFS staff clarified the status of reviews of Placement Stabilization, and ITS. They are meeting with providers on this to seek ideas on the relevant information needed to make decisions about these programs in the future and a balance of information in addition to what they had gathered from users. At this time, DCFS does not anticipate changes in these 2 contracts for FY�02. The next SED committee is scheduled for May 10. (MB)

A special meeting of the Licensure Advisory Committee was convened in Chicago on March 16. CCAI members raised concerns about many conditions surrounding the current licensure process: 1) duplicate and incorrect lists of employee license exam, CERAP status and application status continue to come to agencies yet there the progress of correcting data on the DCFS end is slow; 2) the procedure of requiring copies of transcripts was added after the agreement to use the agency verification form, thus requiring agencies to pull personnel files twice to extract the copies; 3) the requirement for an additional background check form was a surprise; 4) agencies were not informed directly about the changes but only learned about them after employees received letters at home addresses; 5) Background checks from state police for new hires are taking a long time and holding up the process for assigning cases and 6) FBI checks for any new hires who have lived out of Illinois at any time during the last 5 years are taking more than 6 weeks to complete. The entire licensure process appears chaotic and there is still not one person licensed after a year of testing.

DCFS staff regretted the confusion but stated that the DCFS Director made decisions that varied from the agreements of the previous licensing advisory committee. These included the requirement that if DCFS is keeping a licensure file on each employee there must be copies of certain items in the DCFS file. The background check forms are on the advice of legal staff who insist original authorizations are needed in the licensure file of employees as well as the files related to child welfare agency licensing.

DCFS licensing staff reported delays in finalizing licensure are occurring for the following reasons:

1. Transcripts being submitted do not always clearly SHOW THE DEGREE AWARDED. The awarding of the degree and the name of the degree must show up on the transcript copy to be acceptable. Some agencies have highlighted the degree on the copies of the transcripts. This is helpful.
2. Transcripts are not always clear when they are in a name different from the name on the licensure application.
3. Only those staff/supervisors who show on the DCFS data system as being assigned current cases or supervising staff with assigned cases received letters at home. Staff who received no correspondence are not showing up on the other data system. They will still be required to submit the same level of documentation.
4. There are still 500 private agency staff showing up on the data systems as lacking an exam or lacking an application.
5. Administrative staff who applied for licensure because they occasionally fill in for supervisors must meet the same requirements. They will need a copy of the transcript and a background check form.
6. There are still a number of staff showing up as in default on educational loans who have submitted no proof that they have made arrangements with their lender. Licenses cannot be issued to these staff.
7. Only AP staff in the regions can correct the staff information data. Until the central ISD unit of DCFS receives correction notices from AP, any incorrect data will continue to show up.

Once staff have submitted the application, transcript copy, background check forms, have passed the licensing and CERAP tests, a "P" for "pending" will show up on the DCFS licensure data system.

As of April 1, DCFS data system will apply an "Edit" function into place to check on the license and CERAP status of any staff assigned a case. All staff must show up on these "Edits" as in the "P" status. DCFS will not allow transfer of new cases to any worker who is not in the "P" status. Supervisors must show up in the "P" status, in order for cases to be assigned to workers on their team. The DCFS data system will not accept assignments from any worker or supervisor who is not in the "P" status.

DCFS anticipates the following improvements in the future in the licensing process: 1) As of July 1, scoring of the exams will move from Northern Illinois University to Western Illinois. The new entity will have the capacity to download exam results within 24 hours. Agencies will be able to obtain the test results and thus assign cases (if all other application materials are in place) sooner. 2) Agencies can call central licensing to get a copy of the screen clearance from FBI checks for out-of-state candidates even though the actual paper copy may take longer to reach the agency.

For current clarity, here is a listing of requirements:

Requirements for Current Applicants

Passing score on licensing exam

For new hires: Attend DCFS-sponsored 5-day preparation program and pass the exam

Initiate the completion and submission of the application packet which includes:

Release for fingerprinting and ongoing background check that includes CANTS, Sexual Offender Registry, and Criminal Convictions and Arrests;

Completed Direct child Welfare Services Employee Licensure Application Form;

If more than 30 days delinquent in complying with a child support order, a copy of the order for payment plan arrangement approved by the court of Department of Public Aid;

If currently in default of an educational loan, a written certification from the maker or guarantor of the loan of the repayment arrangements;

A copy from the employer of the OFFICIAL transcript that is mailed from the agency-OR-an official transcript that is mailed from the college or university directly to the Office of Licensure.

Upon completing all the above requirements, the applicant shall be given a letter indicating that he/she is eligible to be assigned cases or license foster homes. The approval for the assignment of cases does not supersede Rule 385 which indicates that an employee shall not be left alone with children until the results of the initial background check has been received. A license will not be issued until there is verification of complete background clearance.

There will be changed procedures for new applicants at a future date to be specified. The additional requirement will require an official transcript mailed from the college/university that contains the official seal and date degree awarded, to be sent directly to the office of licensing.

Agencies are also reminded that although CERAP certification is not part of the licensure requirement, it is required for case assignment.

CCAI members are reminded that there will be an opportunity to address licensing concerns with DCFS licensure staff during the first day of the upcoming CCAI Membership Meeting this week at the Hyatt Woodfield. (MB)

DCFS SPONSORS AIDS TRAINING

DCFS Training Department has asked us to share this information with CCAI members.

WHEN/WHERE: April 17 � AIDS in the 21^st Century: Who is at Risk?

April 19 � HIV Prevention Counseling Skills

April 24 � Helping Kids and Kin Cope with AIDS in the Family

April 26 � AIDS in the 21^st Century: Who is at Risk?

IITRI Building

10 W. 35^th Street

Chicago, Illinois

May 1 � AIDS in the 21^st Century: Who is at Risk?

Peoria Field Office

2001 NE Jefferson

Peoria, Illinois

May 8 � AIDS in the 21^st Century: Who is at Risk?

Aurora Regional Office

8 East Galena Blvd

Aurora, Illinois

TOPICS: HIV testing, transmission, prevention and risk assessment, clinical issues, DCFS Policy, resources, and the personal story of an affected person.

TIME: 9:00 a.m. � 4:00 p.m. (lunch will NOT be provided)

INVITEES: All POS staff and Foster Parents and DCFS Staff and Foster Parents

CREDITS: 6 DCFS credit hours and 6 Professional Social Work credit hours

TRAVEL & LODGING: Regions or Agencies are responsible for travel/lodging.

To register for this training call 1-877-800-3393

As a reminder, all cases in Specialized Foster Care programs must be reviewed using the new Levels of Care format by June 30, 2001. The revised Level of Care

(LOC) forms and Policy Guide have been in effect since February 15, 2001. Additional trainings are being offered on: April 25th

Cook South Office

6201 South Emerald

9:30a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

OR

1:30p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

This training is the same training that was offered in January and February. If you should have any questions please contact Wendy Kalina of DCFS at (312) 814-6867. Registration for these additional trainings is not necessary. (MB)

The African-American Family Commission, Research Advisory Committee of the Illinois Subsidized Guardianship IV-E Waiver Demonstration Research Project invites CCAI members to a seminar entitled: "Post-Permanency Resources and Services for Caregivers." The seminar is scheduled for Thursday, March 22, 2001, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Ada S. McKinley, 2907 S. Wabash, Chicago. Panelists include representatives from DCFS Legal Services, Department of Human Services, Hull House Child Care Initiatives and DCFS Education and Transitional Services. CEU's and Foster Care Training Credits are available. For information and registration contact Wasi Young at 312-326-0368. (MB)

House Bill 1928 � This bill makes appropriations from the General Revenue fund to the Department of Human Services for the Mentally Healthy Kids Initiative. The total amount in the bill is $18,000,000 for increased services to children and adolescents, respite services, mental health services for juveniles in the justice system, and medication.

House Bill 1886 � Creates the Kids Share Endowment Authority and Program and establishes a Board of Directors. Provides that local community collaboration may apply for program grants for specified purposes. Specifies guidelines for the expenditure of these grant moneys. Establishes the Kids Share Endowment Program Fund as a special fund in the State Treasury and directs the State Comptroller and State Treasurer to transfer 1/3 of the Tobacco Settlement Recovery Fund deposits in fiscal year 2002 and 2003 into the Kids Share Endowment Program Fund.

House Bill 719 � Amends the Early Intervention Services System Act. 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 in rule).

House 1985 � This bill provides that the Medicaid program may include reimbursement for behavioral health services and mental health services by persons licensed as clinical psychologist, clinical social worker, or clinical professional counselor. (JMS)

As was reported in prior Monday Reports and in a synopsis of the DHS budget sent out to all member agencies, the Early Intervention appropriation is being transferred to the State Board of Education in the FY 2002 budget. However, the program will still be administered by DHS. DHS has received a supplemental to fund the entire program at its current level for FY 2001. There will be no changes made to eligibility for the program through June 2001 since the current funding level will carry the program this fiscal year. The program coordinator at DHS would not indicate if changes in eligibility might be considered to the program at the beginning of the new fiscal year for FY 2002. (JMS)

CCA held a conference call on March 13^th to review the proposed FY 2002 DHS budget and how it would impact current funded Project Success and Teen REACH programs. The main purpose was to identify strategies that CCA should use to address the reduced funding through this legislative/budget process. As had been reported previously, both programs are being combined into a single budget line for total funding for both programs of $22,282,600. This actually represents a budget reduction for both programs of $1,326,300.

During the conference call program concerns were expressed: 1.) With the new RFP process, there is a proposed cap on funding level for the programs. 2.) Both programs have a distinct focus and target population so funding should not be combined to create one expanded program. 3.) Reporting and documentation requirements for Teen REACH are more difficult.

Strategies recommended by members on the conference call were: 1.) Efforts should be made to restore the $1.3 million reduction so that the funding level is sufficient for both programs at the current levels. 2.) Efforts should be directed to obtain a copy of a report done by the U of I regarding Project Success. This report is apparently very positive for Project Success. 3.) Support expansion of the programs as part of the Governor�s special project, but maintain two components of Teen REACH and Project Success. 4.) Schedule meeting with Secretary Baker to discuss implementation and program concerns with both budget lines combined. 5.) Meet with Appropriations Committee Members. 6.) Agencies with programs should testify at appropriations hearings. 7.) Develop a list of talking points for members to use that meet with legislators. 8.) Share CCA position with other advocate groups. 9.) Identify accomplishments and success stories of both programs. CCA will be drafting a letter to send to legislators on this issue and to Secretary Baker. (JMS)

The CCA Public Policy Committee met last week to review bills, discuss the status of our CODB efforts, and the planning for our upcoming Child Welfare Day. We had planned to spend time discussing the proposed Younger Americans Act at the federal level but ran out of time. We will be doing that at our next meeting. We invited Jim Kaufman, the DCFS legislative liaison, to review with us the Department�s spring legislative agenda. They have a comparatively light agenda this year. The Department has introduced HB 3305 which deals with needed changes in how the Department manages wards� saving accounts; SB 838 which creates an "adoption-only" home--a home that accepts only children whose parental rights have been terminated; SB 839 which changes provisions of the mandated reporting act; SB 840 changes the age for children to be declared "pending independency" from age 12 to age 15; SB 841 allows DCFS wards who have left the system to utilize the Illinois Adoption Registry and Medical Information Exchange in the same manner as any other individual; SB 843 clarifies language concerning the Direct Child Welfare Service Employee License Board--we raised questions regarding immunity for the members of this Board--that provision at this point is unclear in the law. SB 844 concerns the provisions that disqualify a person convicted of a felony from serving as guardian--allows these provisions to be individually considered. There are at least two unionization bills that have been introduced--HB 726 and HB 3395--these bills are similar to the bills that have been introduced the last several years--we will be tracking these very carefully to determine our next steps. HB 3328 would expand accreditation requirements to a number of additional services including residential care, counseling, etc.--it looks at this point that this bill may not be advanced by its sponsor. There are also a number of bills that have been introduced as Abandoned Newborn Infant Protection bills--bills that would allow mothers to "relinquish" their child in the hospital or other designated place without having that action be chargeable as neglect or abuse. Legislation similar to this has been introduced in a number of other states--there are many questions still to be answered about this legislation. We will be tracking these bills throughout the session. The Committee reviewed and registered its support for HB 2550--a bill that deals with the way in which lockouts are handled. The bill would mandate DCFS to investigate these situations and would allow the Department to take these youngsters into temporary custody while considering abuse/neglect charges.

The Committee also reviewed numerous other bills--the Association�s full legislative agenda as well as our positions on these bills can be reviewed on the Association�s web-site under the members only section.

The Committee also spent considerable time discussing next steps on the CODB effort. The Association is inviting a number of other advocacy groups to meet this week to discuss the possibility of doing some joint media/advocacy efforts on this issue. Given the complexity of the issues, this will be harder to do this year, but we certainly want to coordinate and maximize on any joint collective efforts that can be organized to highlight this issue. We will also be urging member agencies to contact their legislators in their home offices during the legislative spring break (see previous article in this issue). Arrangements for the Child Welfare Day at the Capitol on April 18 are moving ahead. While we have had a good response, we want to have a �GREAT� response and so will be urging additional agencies to be participants in this effort. We currently have over 55 agencies registered for this day--but we would like to get ALL of our agencies represented so we will be sending out an additional mailing to that end. It should be an effective interesting day of public advocacy. For more details agencies should contact Linda Lenzini at the CCA Springfield Office. (RHM)

The Department of Health and Human Services� Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration announced the availability of $1.2 million in funds as part of a special initiative related to the delivery and organization of services to racial and ethnic minority persons with serious emotional and substance abuse problems. This funding will be used to support eight to twelve awards under this priority Community Action Grant initiative. Award amounts are expected to range between $50,000 and $150,000. Grants are available to State and local governments including tribal governments and domestic public and nonprofit organizations such as community-based organizations, faith-based organizations, universities, colleges, and hospitals. The next receipt of applications for Community Action Grants is May 10, 2001. Applications for funding under this priority initiative are also due on this date. Those wishing further information on PA 00-003, the Community Action Grant program or for the "Racial and Ethnic Minority Priority Initiative" should contact: Santo J. Ruiz, Community Support Programs Branch, Center for Mental Health Services, SAMHSA, 5600 Fishers Lane, Room 11C-22, Rockville, MD 20857, telephone (301) 443-3653. (JMS)

Packets of information for those agencies participating in Child Welfare Day at the State Capitol have been mailed to all registered participants. If for some reason your packet has not been received, contact the Child Care Association at 217-528-4409, or by email at [email protected]. Your packet includes printed invitations you can use to invite your legislators, Board of Directors, and other stakeholders. Additional invitations are available upon request by contacting the Child Care Association. (LLL)

Mercy Home for Boys and Girls again held their annual "Touch O�Green" St. Patrick�s Day post-parade family fun event at the Hilton Chicago International and Grand Ballrooms Saturday, March 17^th. The event�s attendance, 3500 adults plus 500-600 children, featured The Drovers, the Shannon Rovers, and the Mullane Irish Dance Academy. Attendance, which Mark T. Mroz of Mercy Home estimated at 3500 adults and 500-600 children, was further boosted by a March 15^th article in the Chicago Tribune by John Kass, "A St. Patrick�s gift will help father�s Irish eyes smile." The article emphasized the tireless dedication of Father James Close, who has been President of Mercy Home for Boys and Girls for 28 years, and encouraged readers to attend "A Touch O�Green" after the St. Patrick�s Day Parade. Proceeds go the Mercy Home�s "Legacy of Miracles" Project.

The Chicago Community Trust announced on March 13^th that its $36 million budget will be designated for programs that address what they have identified as critical community needs. Those needs include Education, for which the Trust plans to embark on a five-year, strategic effort to improve the quality of life-long education for all residents of the Chicago metropolitan area, especially those in greatest need. In addition, the Trust will continue to make grants in four program areas: Arts and humanities, Basic human needs, community development, and health. Grant making guidelines on all programs except the education initiative will be available this spring. Education initiative guidelines will be published in the fall. For more information on the Chicago Community Trust, visit their website at http://www.cct.org.

APRIL IS CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH

Prevent Child Abuse Illinois is teaming up with organizations throughout the state to promote April as child abuse prevention month with its 2001 SAFE AT HOME Campaign. A Community Resource Packet is available by contacting Mary Salisbury, Director of Programs, or Beth Watts at Prevent Child Abuse Illinois. They can be contacted via e-mail at [email protected] or by phone at 217-522-1129. CCA Members are also encouraged to visit the Prevent Child Abuse Illinois website at http://www.childabuse-il.org.

Information is available through CCA to help your agency plan and launch a public education program about foster care in your community. For idea, resources, and suggestions on events, media attention, and advocacy, contact Linda Lenzini at [email protected]. Additional information with a national perspective is available on the Casey Family Programs website at www.casey.org/cnc (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, and editorial contact names. For more information contact Linda Lenzini at [email protected]. (LLL)

A listing of bills being monitored by CCA, along with the address of the Illinois legislative website that can be accessed for more information, is now available on the home page of the CCA website. The listing, plus the legislative site address, will enable visitors to read synopses or full text of bills being monitored, contact bill sponsors, and read about the current status of bills, including upcoming hearings. 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)

Visit the home page of the CCA Website at http://www.cca-il.org for a new feature,

" Success Stories". The most recent feature has been submitted by Dave McClure, Executive Director of member agency Youth Service Bureau of Illinois Valley. 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)

GRANTS TO PREVENT YOUTH VIOLENCE
Two sister organizations are offering grants for community programs that address youth violence.

The National Campaign Against Youth Violence (NCAYV) has announced a request for proposals (RFP) to participate in its city-by-city initiative. The initiative is currently operating in five communities to stimulate private sector investment in prevention efforts, to increase youth involvement and leadership, and to improve media exposure and coverage of local activities. The program will be expanded to include 10 additional communities. NCAYV seeks a diverse mix of communities that are in different regions of the country, use varied violence prevention strategies, and serve different populations. The RFP can be requested by calling 202/687-1660 or by downloading a copy from http://www.noviolence.net. The deadline for submitting proposals is April 13, 2001.

The Alliance for Justice accepts applications on a rolling basis for Co/Motion Youth Gun Violence Prevention Initiative Challenge Grants. Matching grants of up to $10,000 are awarded to qualifying organizations and agencies for youth-driven initiatives. The challenge grants are available only to youth groups that work in partnership with the Co/Motion program to design and carry out a 12-month, youth-led violence prevention campaign that includes onsite training, ongoing technical assistance, and program evaluation. The youth groups must also be affiliated with a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization or a government agency through which funds can be disbursed. Further information about the challenge grants and an application form the challenge grants are available at http://www.comotionmakers.org by clicking on the Youth Gun Violence Prevention Initiative, and clicking on Co/Motion Grants.

The Child Care Association of Illinois is joining with the Illinois Collaboration on Youth to co-sponsor the above named workshop on May 9 at the Springfield Hilton. The workshop will be presented by Lee Underwood, Psy. D., Regent University, School of Psychology and Counseling. This presentation will examine these questions and other perceptions and barriers from a systemic and strengths-based framework. Participants will learn of new and emerging models that appear more effective in meeting the needs of African-American adolescents in the juvenile justice system. Fee for CCA member agencies will be $25. For more information call 1-800-252-8045 or 217-522-2663. (RHM)

March 20 � Healthy Families Illinois Policy and Advocacy Committee, Chicago/Conference Call

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

March 21 � SACWIS Focus Group Facilitator�s Meeting, Schaumburg

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

March 26-27 � Education Law Institute 2001: Current and Emerging Issues in Special Education, New

York City � Call 1-800-260-4PLI.

April 3 � CWAC SACWIS Advisory Committee, LCFS River Forest

April 11 � CCA Board of Directors, Holiday Inn Select, Naperville, IL

May 1�2 � National Family Heritage Coalition, Hilton, Oak Lawn, IL

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, call 1-800-252-8045 (Illinois only) or

1-217-522-2663

May 20-21 - Business and Education 2001 Conference, The Capital Hilton, Washington DC, contact

Customer Service (212) 339-0345.

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