January 28, 2002

SPECIAL NOTE:  Copyright 2002. 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.

Table of Contents

CHILD WELFARE.. 2

CASH FLOW MEETING WITH SENATOR JONES AND COMPTROLLER�S OFFICE.. 2

RECENT COURT DECISION IMPACTING RESIDENTIAL AGENCIES.. 3

EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES FOR OLDER DCFS WARDS.. 3

ILLINOIS� LATINO POPULATION GROWTH: ITS IMPACT ON COMMUNITY YOUTH PROGRAMS   3

COOK PERFORMANCE BASED WORK GROUP REPORT. 3

�      ERC/DCP Issues. 3

�      �The Emergency Residential Shelter Placement Approval, Review, and Tracking Plan for Cook County  4

�      HMR Licensing Update. 4

�      FY02 Mid-year Reconciliation Timeline. 4

�      Aristotle P. Sibling Visitation Review-Policy Implementation. 5

�      AODA Reconciliation Process. 5

�      Infrastructure Planning. 5

�      APT Issues. 5

EDUCATION.. 5

FINAL EDUCATION RATE-SETTING RECOMMENDATIONS DEVELOPED.. 5

IDEA REVIEW GROUP REQUESTED.. 6

GENERAL.. 6

PROMOTING SAFE AND STABLE FAMILIES.. 6

FAMILIES LEAVING TANF AND CHILD SUPPORT. 6

REPORT OUTLINES EXTENT OF BUDGET CUTS BEING MADE BY STATES.. 6

MEMBERS IN THE NEWS.. 7

�      Lawrence Hall Artist�s Work Graces Children�s Voice Cover 7

�      Condolences to the Family of Bill Southwick, former CEO, Youth Outreach Services. 7

Illinoisans SUPPORT 75-CENT CIGARETTE TAX INCREASE; SURVEY AVAILABLE TO CCA MEMBERS   7

HELPFUL WESITES FOR PUBLIC POLICY AND ADVOCACY. 8

CAMELOT COMMUNITY CARE APPROVED FOR FULL MEMBERSHIP IN CCAI 8

UPCOMING EVENTS.. 8

QUALITY IMPROVEMENT TRAINING WITH DR. FOTENA ZIRPS.. 8

DOWNSTATE AGENCIES SAVE THE DATE FOR CASH FLOW MEETING.. 8

DOWNSTATE PERFORMANCE BASED WORK GROUP.. 8

Calendar: 8

CASH FLOW MEETING WITH SENATOR JONES AND COMPTROLLER�S OFFICE

Cook area agencies met with State Senator Emil Jones and staff of the Comptroller�s Office on January 23 to address current challenges relating to cash flow as a result of the state�s budget crisis. Senator Jones emphasized that the state is in terrible fiscal condition. Current estimates project between a $450 million and $850 million shortfall. Since revenue is not coming in as originally planned, there is not always cash on hand to pay bills, including those of social service agencies. Human service programs are funded through general revenue funds and not bond funds. That is why certain bond-funded projects are proceeding even within the fiscal crisis. The Senator was unable to answer questions about the extent of any future budget cuts. When cuts are made, agencies will get the word from the state department with which they have the contract. Key legislative leaders will be meeting with the Governor next week to determine if the state should borrow funds to provide some immediate relief.

Rick Cornell, Director of Policy and Programs for the Comptroller�s Office provided an overview of the functioning of the office. As of January 23, there was $700 million in unpaid bills sitting in the comptroller�s office. Staff then provided a demonstration of the web site and how agencies can check the status of payments. This information is updated at the end of every business day. However, bills can only be tracked when they have been duly submitted by the state agency responsible. Frequently, inquiries are made on bills that have not been forwarded. Agencies were encouraged to work with the state agencies to assure they are clear on billing procedures. State officials are also concerned about the potential implications of amendments to the Prompt Payment Act that limits the time the state has to pay on a bill received to 60 days before they will owe the provider interest. However, procedures and protocols for what constitutes a duly processed bill need to be developed.

To assist in the current crisis, the comptroller�s office will generate a letter of verification of funds in process, if this will assist the agency in working with financial institutions for a line of credit. This letter can be requested by calling 217-782-6000.  The Comptroller�s Web site address is www.ioc.state.il.us.

Agencies can also request tracking of vouchers and amounts in process by contacting the Records Center (800-877-8078 or 217-782-5897.)

Gladys Piper of the State Treasurer�s Office provided information on the Targeted Initiative Program. Treasurer�s staff will assist agencies in obtaining low cost loans from local financial institutions. Loans can be used for purposes that enhance the operations of a business as long as it benefits the public good.

The Treasurer�s Office provides discounted deposits in a participating financial institution, which then lends the money at below prevailing interest rates to the organization. Agencies that wish to learn more about the Targeted Initiative should contact Charles Hagopian at 312-814-8310 or call the main number at 312-814-1700.

We encourage agencies to learn more about programs in the State Treasurer�s Office that could be of financial assistance to them. There are opportunities for low cost loans for development of Day Care facilities and opportunities for cash bonuses when new permanent jobs are created as a result of a new program. A brochure describing these programs can be obtained by contacting the Treasurer�s office at 217-782-2211 or 312-814-8310. (MB)

RECENT COURT DECISION IMPACTING RESIDENTIAL AGENCIES

CCAI entered into a �friend of the court� or Amicus Brief financial arrangement some time ago relating to a lawsuit levied against a residential agency. A child died while in restraint and the parent of the child attempted to sue the agency and individual staff. After several transfers among trial and appellate court, the most recent finding indicates that the organization has very limited liability for the death. This may have an impact on other suits in which our residential agencies may become involved.  A copy of the brief can be obtained by contacting the CCAI Springfield office.

EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES FOR OLDER DCFS WARDS

DCFS executive staff asked us to remind CCAI members of the Interagency Agreement between DCFS and the Illinois Community College Board. DCFS will pay the tuition costs for wards attending a public c community college. This policy was implemented last fall and was forwarded to all agencies in an Information Transmittal dated November 30, 2001. Procedures for requesting the tuition and necessary forms were included in the transmittal. This should be shared with all foster care, independent living and residential staff to assure DCFS wards receive the assistance to which they are entitled. The Division of Education and Transition Services (DETS) will manage the interagency agreement. Copies of the Information Transmittal should be requested from DCFS and questions directed to the DETS Business Manager at 309-671-4725 or DETS Statewide Education Coordinator at 217-524-2030. (MB)

ILLINOIS� LATINO POPULATION GROWTH: ITS IMPACT ON COMMUNITY YOUTH PROGRAMS

Save the date of April 2 at the Springfield Renaissance Hotel for a day of examining Illinois� Latino Population Growth: Its Impact on Community Youth Programs. Dr. Phillip Garcia, Professor and Associate Director, Inter-University Program for Latino Research, Institute for Latino Studies, University of Notre Dame will provide participants with demographic data. An interactive presentation will present empirical findings to support the development of locally responsive community programs designed to facilitate the transition of young people to healthy and productive adults.  CCAI is pleased to co-sponsor this workshop under the leadership of the Illinois Collaboration on Youth. Watch the mail for copies of workshop brochure and registration form. Copies of these materials can also be requested from Illinois Collaboration on Youth, 1-800-252-8045.  (MB)

COOK PERFORMANCE BASED WORK GROUP REPORT

The Cook Performance Based Work Group met on January 16^th in Chicago. Highlights of the meeting include:

�        ERC/DCP Issues

The issue of who is responsible at the point of Protective Custody was addressed by DCFS staff. Agencies are responsible at the point CAU contacts them which may include PC.  The minute PC lapses, the agency is no longer responsible and DCP would be responsible for returning that child to the custody of the natural parents. If PC is retaken, it is then the responsibility of DCP to contact CAU as the re-taking of PC should be treated as a case new to the system and the case would be rotated through CAU. The continuity of care issue will be raised in the Infrastructure Workgroups. Future dates are the only time when agencies would not be responsible until TC is granted because these cases are typically intact in which the intact worker is screening the case.

�        �The Emergency Residential Shelter Placement Approval, Review, and Tracking Plan for Cook County

The goal is to ensure emergency placements are of the shortest duration possible and only utilized when clinically appropriate or not other appropriate living arrangement is available.

The main objectives of the Protocol are:

1)     To provide an immediate clinically based review, within 3 working days, for all emergency residential placements in Cook County that result from placement disruptions.

2)   To provide follow-up clinically based reviews, every 14-calendar days, after the date of

      admission for youths who have not been moved to more appropriate and least

      restrictive living arrangement.

3)     To establish a clinically based tracking process for these placements that:

          -Provides information regarding the reason for the shelter placement

and any subsequent delays in appropriate placements in less restrictive settings.

-Provides information to develop and implement regionally based improvement plans designed to reduce inappropriate utilization of emergency shelter placements.

            Failure to Comply will result in the following:

1)       In the event that a DCFS worker fails to attend two successive staffings (whether 72 hour or 14-day), the Department will immediately implement corrective action and progressive discipline. Such discipline may include suspension without pay

and discharge.

2)       In the event the POS worker fails to attend two successive staffings (whether 72 hour or 14-day), the agency will be placed on Intake Hold. The case may be returned to DCFS

and the agency will suffer a loss in rotation. The agency will remain on Intake Hold until a Corrective Action Plan has been successfully implemented. The Corrective Action Plan will remain in effect for six months.

�        HMR Licensing Update

More than 50% of relatives are stating that they do not wish to pursue licensure. Currently, the Department is looking into profiles to determine the reasoning. The ongoing reports that agencies receive are currently on hold.  Reminder letters will be mailed out  to show agencies how many �intents� are still needed. Agencies should continue to work off of old lists. A tracking tool was given to agencies from the Agency Performance Unit to aid in tracking the intents.

�        FY02 Mid-year Reconciliation Timeline

Agencies should expect their reconciliation materials in early February. Stability will also be included in the materials. Positive Outcomes for adolescents will pose a big change in this process. Please look closely at your neutral lists to ensure accurateness of data. If a child steps up to Specialized but remains with the same provider, this is considered a Neutral Outcome. Please look at the Negative Outcome list to ensure that the step-ups with the same provider are deleted from this list and added to the Neutral Outcome list.

�        Aristotle P. Sibling Visitation Review-Policy Implementation

System wide, 14 Cook agencies did not respond. Sanctions start in February. A letter will be mailed out to Executive Directors stating who is less than 50% compliant and the agency will have 30 days to send in proof of 50% or over compliance. Quality Assurance staff will be monitoring. ACR feedback reports will be sent to Quality Assurance for follow-up. Workers need to bring documentation to their case reviews to prove compliance. Workers should not write �TBA� on visitation plans as the plan should be more detailed. Mary Sue Morsch will mail letter to Executive Directors explaining the need for workers to be prepared in their case reviews to verify sibling visitation compliance.

�        AODA Reconciliation Process

Letters with case lists were mailed out during the first week of January to Executive Directors, Regional Administrators, Field Service Managers, and Intake staff. It is expected that 100% of all new HMR/Traditional cases (new to agency regardless of the length of case opening) will be screened for AODA services. Forms 440-5 or the JCAP form must be submitted on all new cases to agencies between the period of 07/01-12/31/01. It is expected that 80% of new HMR/Traditional cases will either be assessed for or receiving AODA services within 30 days of assignment to the agency. Proof of referrals such as case notes, treatment notes from the provider, etc. must be submitted. All documentation should be mailed to: DCFS, Office of the Deputy Director, Attn: Kara Teeple,100 West Randolph, Suite 6-100, Chicago, Il 60601.

�        Infrastructure Planning

Specialized Foster Care will be the biggest focal point of discussion. Marcia Weflen of LSSI will be joining Infrastructure this year to bring POS concerns to the table.  The first Infrastructure meeting will be on February 1^st.  Agencies should contact Marcia if they wish to have an issue brought to the meetings for discussion.

�        APT Issues

Treva Hamilton from Agency Performance discussed court certification and the recent request made of agencies in submitting court orders on those cases that are non-compliant.  The letter that was mailed to agencies asking that the orders be submitted no later than January 15^th has been withdrawn. Agencies will receive a new letter with new lists of non-compliant cases and the deadline will be extended until 04/01/02.  The reason for the new date is to allow court personnel time to copy orders for agencies.

�         The next meeting will be held on February 27th^th, 2002 from 9:30 � 12:00 at LSSI, 10 West 35^th Street (IIT Building) on the 15^th Floor.  (Our thanks to Kara Teeple of DCFS for providing minutes of this meeting.)

FINAL EDUCATION RATE-SETTING RECOMMENDATIONS DEVELOPED

CCA recommends changes in nonpublic special education rate-setting as follows: change in methodology denominator from enrollment to a 3-year average of days of enrollment; IPCRB distribution of rate-calculation sheets and standard medians on support, occupancy and administration to providers; adoption of the CFR �Rules for Instruction of Classification, definition of �prudent buyer� limited to medians and an inflation factor; and the removal of the requirement that unrestricted investments be offset against interest costs. CCA will now meet with the IPCRB director and selected IPCRB members to modify the rule (BRH).

IDEA REVIEW GROUP REQUESTED

CCA members who wish to review the elements of the federal special education law (IDEA) in order to recommend changes during its reauthorization are requested to contact CCA.  Our suggestions can then be implemented through our national organizations such as the CWLA and the Alliance for Children and Families (BRH).

PROMOTING SAFE AND STABLE FAMILIES

On January 17, 2002, the Promoting Safe and Stable Families Amendments of 2001 (H.R. 2873) was signed into law.  (Public Law 107-133).  The law reauthorizes the PSSF and the Court Improvement Program for Federal Fiscal Years 2002 through 2006.  The law authorized funding up to $305 million for each year.  For FFY 2002, Congress appropriated a total of $375 million for the PSSF program.  The law authorized two new programs � education and training vouchers for youth who may age out of foster care and competitive grants for mentoring children of prisoners.  Congress did not appropriate any funds for FY 2002 for either of these programs.  One of the provisions in Public Law 107-133 is a temporary extension in the expenditure period for State�s FFY 2000 Chafee allotments.  States will now have through FFY 2002 (until September 30, 2002) to spend these funds. 

The President�s FY03 budget strongly supports the Promoting Safe and Stable Families program with an increase of more than $130 million over FY 02 levels for a total of $505 million.  And the President�s budget supports the new Mentoring Children of Prisoners initiative with $25 million in FY03. The FY03 budget also provides $60 million in the Independent Living Program for the program to provide education and vocational training vouchers for youth �aging out� of foster care to help them ensure they obtain the support they need to develop skills to lead productive lives.  (JMS)

FAMILIES LEAVING TANF AND CHILD SUPPORT

The Center for Law and Social Policy summarized a recent report issued by the Office of Inspector General which outlines findings and recommendations on the problems of many families leaving TANF and not able to collect child support payments to which they are entitled.  This is an important issue as they transition from welfare to self-sufficiency.  Additional information about the report can be obtained by going to:  www.clasp.org  and clicking on the article listed under New Publications.  (JMS)

REPORT OUTLINES EXTENT OF BUDGET CUTS BEING MADE BY STATES

In This Week in Washington it was reported that the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities released a report entitled �States Cutting Low-Income Programs in Response to Fiscal Crises.�  The report outlines the problems that states are faced with following the weakened economy.   Rising unemployment is reducing tax revenues as people earn and spend less, while the need for programs that provide employment and income support has increased.  Medicaid spending, for example, increased by 18% from October 2000 to October 2001 and state spending on TANF increased more than 20%.  Many states must balance their budgets on a yearly basis and, as a result, some states are cutting spending in other human service programs.  According to the report, 19 states have made cuts to low-income and human service programs; of these 17 have cut health care programs and 10 have cut income support or employment support programs.  The report notes that, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures, revenues in 43 states are below previous estimates, and 36 states have planned or have implemented cuts in public services.  Estimates by the National Governors Association indicate state deficits will total more than $40 billion this fiscal year.  Some states are using rainy day funds or increasing taxes to deal with the budget problems.  For more information on the report, contact Jim Jaffe at CBPP, 202-408-1080 or visit www.cbpp.org. (JMS)

MEMBERS IN THE NEWS

�        Lawrence Hall Artist�s Work Graces Children�s Voice Cover

Eddie Stephenson, 16, of Lawrence Hall Youth Services, was selected as cover art for the January, 2002 issue of Children�s Voice, CWLA�s monthly magazine. Congratulations to Lawrence Hall on this exposure and recognition for their student�s work.

�        Condolences to the Family of Bill Southwick, former CEO, Youth Outreach Services

CCA received word Friday afternoon from Rick Velasquez, President and CEO of Youth Outreach Services, that Laura Southwick, daughter of Bill Southwick, former CEO of Youth Outreach Services and a former CCA Board member, died suddenly Tuesday, January 22^nd. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM Saturday, February 2^nd at the Wellington Avenue United Church of Christ, 815 W. Wellington, in Chicago. Condolences can be sent to 328 S. Lombard, Oak Park, Illinois 60302.

(To submit your agency�s news for The Monday Report, send to Linda Lenzini, Director, Marketing and Public Relations, at the Child Care Association. MSWord e-mail attachments for information and JPG�s for pictures are preferred.)

ILLINOISANS SUPPORT 75-CENT CIGARETTE TAX INCREASE; SURVEY AVAILABLE TO CCA MEMBERS

The Child Care Association of Illinois has joined more than 200 organizations in the state in urging lawmakers to increase cigarette tax by at least 75 cents per pack to reduce smoking and close budget gaps.

A new survey, announced Monday, January 28^th at a press conference by the Illinois Children�s Initiative, finds that 75 percent of Illinois residents support increasing the state cigarette excise tax by 75 cents as part of an effort to reduce tobacco use, especially among kids, and to help balance the state budget.  Additionally, 71 percent of Illinoisans favor an increase in the state�s cigarette excise tax as a way to reduce the $500 million state budget deficit.

According to representatives of the Illinois Children�s Initiative, research shows that a 75-cent cigarette tax increase in Illinois would prevent 97,000 children from ever starting to smoke, and would also raise $537 million in new revenue during the first year. Illinois, which is facing a budget deficit of nearly $500 million, currently spends nearly $3 billion annually treating smoking-related illnesses. The group�s advocates have pointed out that this initiative provides Illinois with the chance to create a reliable revenue source that could provide essential funding for human services, health care and other services to improve the lives of Illinois� children and families.

CCA members may request a copy of the survey from Linda Lenzini, Director of Marketing and Communications, Child Care Association of Illinois. They may also download and sign the Illinois Children�s Initiative, found on the home page of the CCA website, to show support. Copies of the press release and talking points from the press conference are also available through the CCA offices. E-mail your request to: [email protected].  (LLL)

HELPFUL WESITES FOR PUBLIC POLICY AND ADVOCACY

(Looking for helpful websites to track candidates� positions, research legislators� voting records, or contact your public officials? Contact CCA for a listing of helpful websites that�s updated each week to provide resources for members.  (To obtain a complete a complete list of helpful websites for advocacy, contact Linda Lenzini, Director, Marketing and Communications, at [email protected].)

CAMELOT COMMUNITY CARE APPROVED FOR FULL MEMBERSHIP IN CCAI

Please join us in welcoming Camelot Community Care to the membership.  Camelot Community Care provides therapeutic foster home care, traditional foster home care, adoption, and family preservation services in Cook County and in the Northern and Central Regions of DCFS.  The agency is a not-for-profit subsidiary of Camelot Care Corporation, incorporated in Florida.  If you would like to write or call the agency, the information is as follows:  Chuck Boien, Executive Director, Camelot Community Care, Inc., 3125 Wilke Road, Suite I, Arlington Heights, IL  60004; Phone: 847.788.8100; Fax: 847.788.1310.  (SKA)

QUALITY IMPROVEMENT TRAINING WITH DR. FOTENA ZIRPS

Don�t miss the only chance you will get this year to be trained and inspired by Dr. Fotena Zirps.  CCA is pleased to sponsor two days of Quality Improvement training with the most widely respected expert in the field of quality improvement.  She has specially designed two days of training to fit the needs from basic to advance.  Sessions will help you build a solid base, define what is important to measure, cover national, and state trends and standards to designing a solid evaluation.  These sessions will be very �hands-on� with exploration of methods in large and small groups.  Customer input will be a focus as you learn how to strengthen your data.  Dr. Zirps will put it all together for you in a most practical and informative way. 

DATE: February 6 & 7, 2002

LOCATION: Hilton, Lisle/Naperville, IL

TIME: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (both days)

For more information or registration call or e-mail D.D. Fischer at 217-656-300, e-mail [email protected].

DOWNSTATE AGENCIES SAVE THE DATE FOR CASH FLOW MEETING

We are working with Senator� Jones� office to provide a similar opportunity for downstate agencies to participate in the discussion on cash flow issues and to attend the Comptroller�s presentation. Save the morning of February 21 in Springfield for this meeting. More details will follow in the next 2 weeks. (MB)

DOWNSTATE PERFORMANCE BASED WORK GROUP

The next Downstate Performance Based Work Group is scheduled for Thursday, January 31, 2002 at 1:00 p.m. at 628 East Adams. (MB)

Calendar:

January 31 - Downstate Performance Based Work Group at 1:00 p.m. at 628 East Adams

February 5 � CWAC SACWIS Advisory Committee, LSSI, DesPlaines

February 6-7 � Quality Improvement Training with Fotena Zirps, Hilton Lisle / Naperville

February 7 � CWAC Medicaid Workgroup, The Baby Fold, Normal

February 7-8 � CWLA Midwest Policy Committee - Chicago

February 21 � Downstate Agencies Cash Flow Meeting

March 5 - �Discipline of Students with Special Needs in Illinois,� Bev Johns, Gary Kerr,

                 Springfield IL, register by phone:715-833-3959

March 8-9 � 2002 Spring Foster and Adoptive Parent Conference��Every Child is a Success

                     Story.�  Crowne Plaza Hotel, Springfield.

March 20 � CCA Board Meeting and Leadership Dinner, The Hyatt Lodge, Oak Brook

March 21 � CCAI�s Spring Membership Meeting, The Hyatt Lodge, Oak Brook

May 3 - Learning Disabilities Association of Illinois Spring Workshop, featuring Reed Martin,

             Special Education Attorney, Holiday Inn, Naperville, (708) 430-7532