It is with a great deal of pleasure that the CCA Board of Directors announces the appointment, by unanimous vote, of Margaret M. Berglind as the new President/CEO of the Child Care Association of Illinois. Ms. Berglind, the Association�s current Assistant Executive Director, will be replacing Ron Moorman upon his retirement from the Association at the end of July, 2001.

The process of selection was initiated with Ron�s announcement last July of his intent to retire. The selection process has, from the beginning, been comprehensive and thoughtful. The CCA Board established clear guidelines for the search, indicating that it wanted a thorough and extensive search conducted utilizing the services of a highly respected search firm, Boulware and Associates from Chicago. The firm was instructed to communicate with the CCA membership and other key stakeholders in order to surface candidates of the highest quality.

The Board established a search committee comprised of CCA members (Board and non-Board). The members included: Rick Velasquez, Youth Outreach Services, Peggy Arizzi, Catholic Social Services of Peoria, Gene Svebakken, Lutheran Child and Family Services, Ed Bowman, Indian Oaks Academy, Jim Sherman, Children�s Home Association, Tom VandenBerk, Uhlich Children�s Home, Sue Statz, Norman C. Sleezer Youth Homes, George Jones, Ada S. McKinley Community Services, Jesse Madison, Abraham Lincoln Centre, and Nancy Ronquillo, The Children�s Foundation.

The Board outlined key competencies and characteristics desired in potential candidates. These attributes included a commitment to the Association�s mission and values, an ability to outline a future vision for CCA, a depth of knowledge of practice issues, an understanding of public policy and processes, and the capability to strengthen CCA�s influence in the policy arena. We also sought a results-oriented person with solid management skills.

The search firm, after considerable input from the membership, developed a position description that was approved by the Board. This position description was sent to all CCA members followed by a telephone call to the Executive Director of each member agency to identify individuals who ought to be considered for the position. An extensive networking process was undertaken utilizing similar child welfare organizations in surrounding Midwestern states as well as organizations that concern themselves with these issues throughout the country. The result was that there were conversations held with just over 300 people relative to this search.

The results of these efforts identified fifteen top candidates that were interviewed by telephone with subsequent in-person interviews with the five top candidates from this list. The Search Committee conducted a series of interviews with these candidates and presented the top two qualified candidates to the Board at its March 21 meeting. The Board, at that meeting, unanimously selected Ms. Berglind.

The Board wants to thank the Search Committee and other members of the Association who helped to bring this search to such a positive conclusion and very much looks forward to working with Marge in addressing the on-going mission and goals of the Association.

This is a reminder to all Specialized/Treatment Foster Care agencies that you should be proceeding with the reviews on all cases. Reviews on all cases must be completed by June 30. As reported in the Monday Report of March 5, financial penalties will be applied to agencies who are not following the schedule of reviews.

DCFS has announced that an additional training date for the Levels of Care (LOC) process has been scheduled for May 16, 2001, at 3301 W. Arthington, Chicago, 2nd Floor, room 225. Session times are: 9:30a.m.- 12:30p.m. �OR-1:30 p.m.- 4:30 p.m. This training is targeted for Child Welfare Caseworkers, Child Welfare Supervisors, and Permanency workers. The training will provide an overview of Policy Guide 2001.03 and will provide information on the changes in the LOC forms and process. DCFS staff specify that this training is not intended for adoption workers wishing to access additional subsidy dollars or services through an increase in LOC level.

No registration is required for this training. Questions regarding this training can be directed to Wendy Kalina at (312) 814-6867. (MB)

The Foster Care Infrastructure Work Group met in Joliet on March 20. No recommendations were made at this meeting. The group studied further data and discussed strategies for resolution of systemic problems facing foster care.

A Town Hall style meeting entitled, "Stop the Criminalization of Our Families and Communities" is scheduled for Saturday, March 31, 2001 at Kennedy King College, International Hall, 6900 S. Wentworth, 1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. The meeting is geared to identify problems associated with employment for those who have ever been arrested, convicted of a misdemeanor or charged with a felony; or for those who have not been able to find housing because someone in the family has a criminal record. More information can be obtained by calling 773-356-6210. (MB)

CHILD WELFARE DAY AT THE STATE CAPITOL: Invite your legislators and Board of Directors! 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)

A number of our member agencies have approached the Association over the past several years indicating their need for and desire to obtain assistance with their fund-raising efforts on both a short and long term basis. For the past several months we have been working on a plan to help provide that service to members from a highly qualified recommended contractor at a substantially discounted rate.

The Association is very pleased to announce that it has finalized a consultation agreement with Lloyd Wagnon and the National Children�s Services Association. Mr. Wagnon is a nationally known and respected consultant in the area of fund raising and program consultation. The services provided are aimed at securing agencies� full financial development potentials through broad based direct giving, major gifts, maturing outright bequests, and planned giving--all within a reasonable, predictable time frame. Mr. Wagnon has provided services to over 156 child caring agencies across the country. He is currently providing services in Illinois to Chaddock in Quincy, The Children�s Foundation in Bloomington, and Onarga Academy in Onarga. These agencies can certainly be contacted for additional information on Mr. Wagnon�s services.

In addition to the first phase of developing, from a "baseline" analysis of current development programming, a recommended three to five year strategic fund raising plan, this consultation will also enhance the efficiency, quality, timing and strategy for the implementation of a total financial development program. This type of in-depth consultation is very valuable during the time an agency is phasing-in additional depth and breadth into its development programming. Mr. Wagnon has various plans for working with agencies depending on their needs. Under the terms of this agreement, Child Care Association members will be able to utilize Mr. Wagnon�s services at a 10% discount from his regular fees which amounts to a considerable savings as well as providing a guarantee of services on a priority basis to CCA member agencies.

We are extremely pleased to be able to negotiate this type of agreement with a consultant of Mr. Wagnon�s stature and quality, and we not only recommend him without qualification to the membership, but we also would urge agencies to take full advantage of this agreement. If you have questions, you can either call Ron Moorman at the CCA offices or call Mr. Wagnon directly at: 904-223-1777. (RHM)

More than 140 members attended the CCAI Spring Meeting at the Woodfield Hyatt on March 22 and 23. On Thursday, Heather Eddy-Harbath of The Alford Group and Peter Goldberg of the Alliance for Children and Families presented ideas on: Foundation Funding�New Initiatives in a Changing Environment. They talked about changes in demographics and trends in funding from the foundation community. Illinois is prime territory for fundraising since it ranks 6/50 states in adjusted gross income ($44,291.) Of the $17.4 billion given to human service charities last year, 75% came from individual donors, followed by foundations. Many private agencies see more than the recommended 50% limit of government funds in their total budgets so do need to diversify funding sources and cultivate relationships with the foundation community. The types of foundations that exist area: public, community, corporate, family, private independent and private operating. Each has a specific type of legal status and giving focus so it is important for agencies to research the various types of foundations as well as their giving focus to ensure any time spent in pursuing foundation funds is focused and realistic. Foundations frequently fund special projects uniquely developed as a result of their funds. A key question for all agencies to keep in mind as pursuing foundation funds is: "Does your mission drive the dollars you seek, or do you modify agency programs according to the agenda of the donor?" Foundations will use a number of criteria in deciding which agencies to fund, but key questions they will ask are: 1) Do you represent an organization the foundation can trust, 2) Did you do a good proposal worthy of consideration? 3) How do you as an executive differentiate yourself and your organization from others? Current trends for discussion in the foundation community are a) Localism vs. Internationalism, b) Families in the Context of Communities, c) Unique Approaches that do not duplicate each other and d) Sustainability.

A panel of CCAI members presented the Caseworker Foundation Training. Members of the committee including Jane Bonk, Becky Cobb, Jordy Leitman, Karen Powell, Laura Rios and Marge Berglind provided an overview of the key elements of the upcoming foundation training. The training will be a 20-day model, and will be required for any direct service employee or supervisor defined in the licensure rule. The model will include 4 days in classroom style training with a 5^th day in-agency field assignment. Current supervisors will be invited to upcoming � day information sessions at which the training will be described in more depth and the responsibilities and expectations of supervisors who have workers in training will be identified. The common training will pose challenges to private agency current personnel practices including hiring cycles and arrangements and existing internal training programs. The shared nature of the training will mean that all agencies will need to enforce common rules and regulations for new employees pertaining to attendance, punctuality and conduct of trainees. Finally, a number of licensing procedure issues are connected with the training. New employee licensure administrator, Kris Stricker, met the membership attendees and outlined current challenges facing the DCFS licensure unit.

Friday�s focus was on The Legislative Process and Models for Effective Legislative Interactions. Ron Moorman provided an overview of the Illinois process of lawmaking and explained how the various steps impact and can be impacted by our member agencies. The current session poses a number of challenges for CCAI. The Cost of Doing Business proposal is a significant undertaking and will require the efforts of every CCAI executive director, agency board member and staff. During the week before Easter, legislators will be in the home district. This is an excellent time to set appointments to meet with legislators personally and present the case. It is important for agencies to point out the impact they and their agency have in that legislator�s district. A panel of CCAI members including Mary Debose, Mary Hollie and Ken Withrow presented proven ideas for how private agency staff can make a difference in the legislative process. Persistence, Focus on the Message and Cultivating Relationships are key processes to effective interaction with legislators. Although asking for funds, whether standard cost increases or individual incentives is important it is also essential to frequently communicate with legislators to thank them for past efforts and to find out how they�re doing as service professionals with personal needs. It is also important for CCAI to be associated with substantive issues as well as funding issues. (MB)

CCA coordinated a meeting on March 21^st of the facilitators for the SACWIS focus groups that were held in January 2001. The purpose of the meeting was to report the results of each of those focus groups and identify common issues that would need to be raised in detailed design sessions for the development of SACWIS. Tentative upcoming schedules for design meetings will begin June 11^th with a review of User Requirements. Detail design meetings are targeted to begin July 24^th. Based on discussion of the focus group reports common areas identified were: security issues; data entry; interfacing with other systems such as Health Works/Public Aid, court/GAL/LEADS and current systems; alerts/ticklers/reports; Cook County versus downstate; training; and best practice.

A summary would be prepared of all focus group reports for distribution to all participants and use as a resource during detail design. Another meeting was scheduled for April 17^th of the facilitators to identify participants for each of the design meetings to be held during the summer. Prior to the meeting on April 17^th, the facilitators are being asked to contact those individuals that volunteered to participate to determine their availability and identify them as the subject matter expert from the private agencies. (JMS)

The SACWIS Technical Q&A meeting will be on Thursday April 19, from 10am to 1pm. CCA will need to collect questions ahead of time. Chuck McLaughlin would like the ability to have some of those answers up front. What we want to avoid is a lot of, "we will look into that" type answers. Please confirm as soon as possible with Rommel Sangalang at [email protected]. The meeting will be in the Spectrum facility at 3 West Old State Capitol Plaza, room 203.  This is a great opportunity for the technical staff of the POS agencies to plan their SACWIS roll out with the fewest possible glitches as possible.

Two immediate full time openings are available to serve as change management advocates for private child welfare agencies in Illinois as agencies prepare for and implement SACWIS (Statewide Automated Child Welfare Information System), a computer system to support case management activities. One position will be located in the Chicago area and one will be located in the Springfield area. These two positions will work closely with change management staff and will focus on activities that need to occur within the private agencies and that facilitate the ongoing involvement of the private agencies in the implementation and design for SACWIS. These positions will assist in identifying and resolving those private agency issues that need to be addressed during the application development, staff training and site certification processes. A large portion of the individual�s time will be on site within the private agencies. These positions will be contractual employee positions subject to general supervision of the SACWIS Project Manager. For additional information about the position, go to the CCA web site at: www.cca-il.org and click on Jobs. Applications are to be submitted to Sam Traylor, SACWIS Project Manager at DCFS. Applications will be accepted until the positions are filled. If anyone has any questions regarding these positions, please contact Jan Schoening at CCA. These positions were recommended by the SACWIS Advisory Committee based on the extent of changes that agencies would need to address as SACWIS is implemented, not only with computer systems, but organizational issues, staff training, and staff responsibilities. The positions are estimated to be for at least two years. (JMS)

The Youth Campus Announces Caregiver Support Program. The Youth Campus� Caregiver Support Program, a community-based home health program, is designed to provide the needed supports for biological and foster families living in Cook County that have children with medical or developmental challenges.

Is There Talent In Your Agency? The Third National Kinship Care Conference, scheduled in Chicago July 25-27, 2001 is seeking performing groups for a number of conference events, including luncheons. If your agency has a performing arts group for children in your care, please contact Mattie Satterfield, Director of Kinship Care, Child Welfare League of America, at (202) 662-4286, or by email at [email protected].

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)

SCHOLARSHIPS FOR FOSTER CHILDREN AND FORMER FOSTER CHILDREN ARE AVAILABLE. 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.

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.

MAY IS NATIONAL FOSTER CARE MONTH 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)

Wednesday, May 9, 2001, 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 1-800-252-8045 (IL ONLY) or 1-217-522-2663. (LLL)

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.

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.

July 25-27 � CWLA Kinship Care Conference, Chicago Hilton and Towers, call 202-638-2952 for more information.