May 6, 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
CCAI�S ANNUAL
MEMBERSHIP MEETING AND BARBECUE--JUNE 5-6
CWAC
FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION
Budget
for FY�03 and Elimination of Family Centered Services
Specialized
and Treatment Foster Care/Medicaid Issues
DOWNSTATE
PERFORMANCE BASED WORK GROUP REPORT
HIPAA
PRESENTATION AT CBHA APRIL 30TH
MEDICAID
ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING
HOUSE
PASSES FEDERAL CAPTA LEGISLATION
WORK,
WELFARE AND FAMILIES ANNOUNCES LOBBY DAY ON MAY 8
HELPFUL
ARTICLES AND INFORMATION FROM THE CCA COMMUNICATIONS DEPT
Kaleidoscope
Names New Executive Director
IV-E
TRAINED STUDENTS AVAILABLE FOR EMPLOYMENT
CCAI
Website Ranks Number One In Search Engine Results
CCAI�S ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING AND BARBECUE--JUNE 5-6
A notice and registration form for CCAI�s June 5-6 Annual Membership Meeting and Barbecue was sent to members last week by fax and mail. The theme of the meeting is �The Future of Child Advocacy in Illinois�, and gubernatorial candidates Blagojevich and Ryan have been invited. Keynote presenters will share ideas on creating an Effective Children�s Advocacy Strategy.
Further information on the agenda will be forthcoming. In the meantime, you can register at The Crowne by calling 217/529-7777 or toll free 800/227-6963. Please be sure to say you are attending the Child Care Association meeting to get a $98.00 special rate. To guarantee this rate and room availability, please make your reservation by May 14th.
If you would like to register for the meeting on line with a credit card you can go to CCAI�s website at cca-il.org under �members only� to find the registration form. Email your registration to [email protected].
CCAI�s Annual Barbecue will be held at the Island Bay Yacht Club on Lake Springfield on the evening of the 5th. Please mark your calendar for June 5-6, make your room reservation at The Crowne, and register soon. (SKA)
CWAC FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION
The CWAC Finance and Administration Committee met in Springfield on May 1.
DCFS could not yet determine if the rate methodology could be applied in full. In their efforts to run calculations, significant problems were encountered in reviewing agency materials:
�
Half the submitted CFR�s did not contain the required
opinion from the auditor
�
Some CFR�s misreported grant income in the fee-for-service
line. This forced DCFS staff to spend time backing this amount out of the
final report.
�
Some CFR�s misreported utilization�mixing �01
expenditures with current year utilization. DCFS had to spend significant
staff time correcting these numbers.
These errors are causing delay for the total rate methodology system, since DCFS cannot run totals and calculate medians with erroneous materials. This prevents the decisions on how running the full methodology will impact the full system and the DCFS budget. Therefore, there is no news yet for agencies on the rate methodology.
The
FAS committee strongly recommended to DCFS that they enforce the submission of
accurate reports that meet all requirements. They should not spend any more
time trying to correct the work of private agencies.
These inaccurate reports should be immediately returned to agencies for
correction with a strict deadline for submission or notice of loss of current
funding payments.
We urge all agencies to assure they have submitted accurate reports, that the reports contain consistent yearly information and have been properly opined by auditors.
Budget for FY�03 and Elimination of Family Centered Services
DCFS was directed to reduce another $20 million last week. Family Centered Services grants will be eliminated as the way to cover this shortfall. There may also be reduction of other LANS services grants. The department will convert these funds to cover other essential services. DCFS first has to file notice to the feds to notify them of these changes. They will then notify agencies that are primary contractors so these agencies can notify their sub-contractors. DCFS will also be reviewing older children in care to determine if they are still properly open cases. There appear to be some cases that should be closed. This will result in some savings.
Specialized and Treatment Foster Care/Medicaid Issues
DCFS finance staff outlined the process for removing Medicaid obligations from Specialized I contracts. A new outline for preparing revised program plans will be developed. Agencies will have 30 days to turn around the new plan to get the contract online. DCFS will ask agencies to sign customary program signature sheets in the interest of getting programs online before July l, with the understanding that the full program plan may follow, if the outline is not ready before June 1. The final per diem amount to be backed out of Spec I rates is still to be negotiated. Current Bureau of Labor Statistics show the cost of a data entry clerk level staff to break out at $1.62/day. This would be adjusted for inflation. This is the current ESTIMATE. The final amount is still to be determined. We will alert agencies in the Monday Report as soon as this amount is determined, so agencies can make budget revisions.
DCFS staff also outlined the process for applying Medicaid to Treatment programs. Programs that serve only DD and/or Physically Disabled children will not be subject to the Medicaid requirement. Agencies with very small caseloads of 10 or fewer children will also not be required to be Medicaided. The remaining Treatment programs will receive a timeline for phasing in Medicaid and setting obligation/split levels on the rates.
A few programs have composite rates. These will need some extra calculation and negotiation with DCFS.
Roy Miller of DCFS expressed concern that initial calculations are showing some loss of Medicaid revenue as Spec I is phased out. There may not be sufficient treatment service to offset the loss of Spec. In the long run, this will still be to DCFS� advantage since any recap of IV-E can go to DCFS� specific budget lines and not into general funds as Medicaid flows. In the short term, however, there will be concern from the state as to the loss of Medicaid funds.
DCFS is in the final stages of drafting the revised Excess Revenue Rule. This will soon to JCAR for the customary review and comment period. When the rule is filed, we will send a copy to all agencies for review. The main new provisions will allow agencies to retain up to 7% of the program reimbursable costs, provided that the total utilization is between 85% and 95% of the licensed/approved program capacity, administrative costs do not exceed 20% of reimbursable costs, and staffing level in performance contracts meets requirements. This retention percentage is similar to that allowed to for-profit contractors. Thanks to Zack Schrantz of Uhlich for his leadership on this issue.
DCFS staff reported on the revised analysis of the SACWIS funding. The number of �seats� has been reduced due to reductions in the overall caseload. This will cause revisions on the amount of funds for next year for agencies. Amendments will be coming out soon revising contract amounts.
Boilerplate changes are being drafted. A small work group of FAS will work quickly with DCFS staff to review the changes on behalf of all agencies. Once final budget for DCFS is determined, DCFS will know what all contracts will look like. They will make all efforts to get contracts on line quickly, with substitute care receiving priority. Again, there may need to be signature page turnarounds with the understanding that the full revised contract will be submitted at a later date.
Several agencies received recent correspondence regarding penalties. These only went to agencies that failed to respond to the previous correspondence from DCFS.
Final draft of the Case Management policy was reviewed. This DRAFT is attached for review. Upon internal approval, DCFS will get this out to all agencies. Thanks to Bill Steinhauser of Bethany Moline for his leadership on this issue. Amounts will vary according to type of contract. Cook performance contracts are not eligible for this reimbursement. The situations in which a case management payment will be authorized are as follows:
I.
A child receiving Specialized Level of Care l or II services who is placed
with a caregiver who is receiving specialized payments directly from the
Department (0114/0144 type service code). The case management payment would be
$489.05 prorated on a daily basis. Inclusion of this situation is intended
primarily to address current arrangements. The Department expects in the
future a limited number of situations in which a child receiving Specialized
Level l or II services is placed with a caregiver who is receiving specialized
payments directly from the Department and case management is assigned to a pas
agency.
2.
A child on run who previously was in foster care or relative care assigned to
an POS agency in a Downstate Performance Contract, Small Cook County
Performance Contract or Specialized Level l or II Contract. Payment may be
authorized for a maximum of 30 consecutive days, beginning the effective date
of the runaway as entered on the CFS 906-1 Placement/Payment Authorization
Form, at the applicable administrative payment amount less the add-on
components for the contract in which the child was being served prior to the
runaway (see note #1). If a child is on runaway for more than 30 consecutive
days, the child's case should be transferred to the appropriate DCFS region.
The POS
agency
shall retain case management responsibility until the case is transferred in
compliance with Department Administrative Procedure 9, Case Transfer. The POS
agency must submit a copy of the CFS 1425, Change of Status Form, with the CFS
1042 Billing Summary to the Central Office Client Payment Unit (CPU) which
demonstrates notification of transfer to the Department has occurred. The CPU
will notify the appropriate Downstate APT Supervisor or the Division of
Purchase of Service Monitoring when CYCIS reflects that a case has not been
transferred back to the appropriate DCFS region according to the protocol
described. The POS agency will be compensated for case management until the
Department accepts the transfer.
3.
A child hospitalized for medical reasons who, prior to hospitalization, was
served in foster care or relative care assigned to a POS agency in a Downstate
Performance Contract, Small Cook County Performance Contract or Specialized
Level I or II Contract. Payment may be authorized for all days of the hospital
stay, beginning the effective date of the hospitalization as entered on the
CFS 906-1 Placement/Payment Authorization Form, at the applicable
administrative payment amount less the add- on components for the contract in
which the child was being served prior to the child's admission to the
hospital (see note #1).
4.
A child in a county- operated juvenile detention facility who previously was
in foster care assigned to an agency in their Downstate Performance Contract,
Small Cook County Performance Contract or Specialized Level l or II Contract.
Payment may be authorized for all days of the detention stay, beginning the
effective date of the detention as entered on the CFS 906-1 Placement/Payment
Authorization Form, at the applicable administrative payment amount less the
add-on components for the contract in which the child was being served prior
to the child's placement in detention (see note #1).
5.
A child admitted to a hospital for psychiatric reasons or is admitted for
short- term residential alcohol or other drug and alcohol treatment services,
and the child was served prior to in foster care or relative care by a POS
agency in a Downstate Performance Contract, Small Cook County Performance
Contract or Specialized Level l or II Contract. Payment may be authorized for
a maximum of 30 consecutive days, beginning the effective date of the
psychiatric hospitalization as entered on the CFS 906-1 Placement Payment
Authorization Form, at the applicable administrative payment amount less the
add-on components for the contract in which the child was being served prior
to the child's admission to the hospital (see note #1). If a child is admitted
to a hospital for psychiatric reasons or to a short-term residential alcohol
and other drug treatment program for more than 30 consecutive days, the
child's case should be transferred to the appropriate DCFS region. The POS
agency shall retain case management responsibility until the case is
transferred in compliance with Department Administrative Procedure 9, Case
Transfer. The POS agency must submit a copy of the CFS 1425, Change of Status
Form, with the CFS 1042 Billing Summary to the Central Office Client Payment
Unit (CPU) which demonstrates notification of transfer to the Department has
occurred. The CPU will notify the appropriate Downstate APT Supervisor or the
Division of Purchase of Service Monitoring when CYCIS reflects that a case has
not been transferred back to the appropriate DCFS region according to the
protocol described. The POS agency will be compensated for case management
until the Department accepts the transfer.
6.
Child in a foster home where the foster parents have requested no monthly
foster care payments. Payment to the POS agency should be authorized at a
maximum rate of $408.69 per month prorated on a daily basis if the child is
served in a Cook County contract or $489.05 per month prorated on a daily
basis if the child is served under a downstate contract.
7.
A youth 18 and over that has selected their own placement (see Policy
Transmittal 2002.01, Self- Selected Placements), should be transferred back to
the Department with a current CFS 497, Client Service Plan for emancipation of
the youth and the status of the plan. All other case transfer requirements as
specified in Administrative Procedure 9, Case Transfer, shall also be met
prior to the transfer. Additionally, if the youth has a court hearing or
Administrative Case Review (ACR) scheduled within 30 days of the case
transfer, both the transferring worker and the receiving worker shall attend
the court hearing and/or the ACR. The POS agency shall retain case management
responsibility until the case is transferred in compliance with Department
Administrative Procedure 9, Case Transfer. Payment may be authorized for all
of the days of case management prior to the date on which the case is actually
transferred in CYCIS at a maximum rate of$408.69 per month prorated on a daily
basis. The POS agency must submit a copy of the CFS 1425, Change of Status
Form, with the CFS 1042 Billing Summary Form to the Central Office Client
Payment Unit (CPU) which demonstrates notification of transfer to the
Department has occurred. The CPU will notify the appropriate Downstate APT
Supervisor or the Division of Purchase of Service Monitoring when CYCIS
reflects that a case has not been transferred back to the appropriate DCFS
region according to the protocol described.
8.
A youth in the college or scholarship program who chooses to return to their
previous Independent Living provider during the Christmas and Spring breaks.
The ILO provider shall submit a letter stating the address where the child was
living, the length of time they were living there along with the CFS 1042
Billing Summary requesting payment for the hard services e.g. apartment lease
or storage of belongings with the appropriate receipts only for the time of
the Christmas or Spring break. The type service code to be used on the billing
should be 0215 (vouchered supervised independent living). The ILO provider
will not be reimbursed for any case management. The costs of these hard
services should not exceed $16.08 per day.
9.
A youth in an Independent Living Program provided by a Downstate or Cook
agency is placed in a county operated juvenile detention facility, AODA or
psychiatric treatment hospital, medical hospital or on runaway:
�
.A child on run -Payment
may be authorized for a maximum of 30 consecutive days, effective the date of
the move from the ILO program as reflected on the CFS 906-1 Placement/Payment
Authorization Form; or
�
.A child hospitalized
for medical reasons -Payment may be authorized for all days of the hospital
stay effective the date of the move from the ILO program as reflected on the
CFS 906-1 Placement Payment Authorization Form; or
�
.A child placed in a
county-operated juvenile detention facility may be authorized for all days of
the detention effective the date of the move from the ILO program as reflected
on the CFS 906-1 Placement/Payment Authorization Form; or
� A child hospitalized for psychiatric reasons or AODA treatment may be authorized for a maximum of 30 consecutive days, effective the date of the move from the ILP program as reflected on the CFS 906-1 Placement/Payment Authorization form. (MB)
The CWAC SED Committee met on May 2 in Chicago.
Final drafts of curriculum are in process. Mary Shahbazian is surveying a sample of residential agencies on their opinions of whether the proposed training should be mandatory. DCFS must also find funds in a stressed budget year to provide the necessary match to access IV-E funds to support the training.
Four �1st generation� analyses have been conducted within the Joint planning group. Taken together, these analyses provide information that could more objectively inform planning and represent movement away from intuitive assumptions and anecdotal information. Analysis I: Comparison of Miles Placed Away from Home Across Region of Origin shows youth with complex diagnoses were placed furthest from their region of origin. This was most likely because residential programs designed to provide highly specialized services are generally only available on a statewide basis. Analysis II: Comparison of Diagnostic Categories Across Chrysalis and John Lyons Data show that when the MI, SED and Sub-SED proportions are analyzed, the majority of children in residential settings have relatively moderate clinical problems. The largest group consists of youth with ADD and Conduct Disorder diagnoses. The current mix of beds is not consistent with the population patterns. Less than 7% of residential beds are organized to treat the children with the most severe problems. Outcomes data will be the future foundation of DCFS� methodology for determining service needs. Analysis III: Profiling, represents providers� perceptions of their own programs. Some programs reported they could not serve youth with virtually any symptomology. Several others did not report themselves as high-end. Analysis IV: Statewide and Regional Capacity demonstrated that the statewide capacity to provide services organized to treat youth with psychiatric symptomology and problems should be substantially increased, programs should reorganize their resources to serve more complex client populations, SACY capacity appears consistent with resource needs, and future strategy should match capacity with resource needs. DCFS staff commented that efforts to refine program plans will address the true capacity and resource needs by region.
Work group members reported further concerns that the waiver process is not working well. Some agencies report they have not attempted to request waivers due to the cumbersome process. Agencies are requested to provide feedback to the work group on the UIR process and the waiver process. Comments should be e-mailed to Ed Sherk of Shelter, Inc. at [email protected].
DCFS staff remain concerned about the extent of arrests of youth in residential. There should be further review and analysis, starting with agencies themselves, about whether arrests are proper or whether they are being inappropriately used for discipline or discharges. The Cook County GAL is also very concerned about this pattern and has been expressing concerns about the treatment of specific children in various residential facilities.
The UIC Psychiatry unit is currently responsible for reviewing all consent requests for psychotropic medication. They generally can turn around the review in a few hours. The full consent process appears to break down more at the regional or central consent unit point. DCFS is looking at how to improve the consent process overall. However, there will continue to be diligent review of the clinical recommendations for medications and continued questioning about whether medication plans comply with national protocols. DCFS will be working with UIC and national experts to develop further medication protocols so they will be well known throughout the state.
The group recognized Tom Finnegan of DCFS for his service as co-chair of this group. Tom will be leaving DCFS to join Kaleidoscope as CEO.
The co-chairs will be conducting discussions with the DCFS Director and CWAC Steering Committee on the future structure of SED and the major issues surrounding residential. When these discussions are finalized, notice of future meetings will be announced. (MB)
DOWNSTATE PERFORMANCE BASED WORK GROUP REPORT
The
Downstate Performance Contracting Work Group met in Springfield on Wednesday,
April 24. Issues discussed were:
I. Infrastructure Committee Update
(See
Monday Report of April 22 for full report). There will be adjustments in
counseling funds. A process will be developed for agencies to request
reimbursement when they must spend more than the allocation based on court/ACR
orders. DCFS is urging agencies to keep the counseling dollars in a separate
cost center to clearly identify income and costs.
II.
Reconciliation Process:
Numbers
for Relative and Regular foster care were mailed out by DCFS last week.
Specialized foster care reconciliation numbers will be out soon.(Specialized
is expected to be 18%; above 24% will qualify for a bonus.) Stability and
Permanency results will both be used to calculate performance. For FY02,
80% of Permanency will make up the Performance rate, and Stability will count
for 20%.
III.
Program Concerns:
DCFS
staff reported Director McDonald is willing to not mandate agencies to
maintain after hours intake for foster care as was previously proposed.
Director McDonald is moving to a combined Relative and Regular foster care
referral rotation system, which will include a move to a child-by-child
placement schedule instead of the designated time frame currently in use. The
rotation will be determined by a "qualitative review" of private
agencies and DCFS offices. This review document is being determined,
however is likely to include: Permanency rates, Stability rates, ACR
performance as identified by the monthly reports, pieces of the POS
Statistical Summary information, and Court Performance.
This
led to a long discussion regarding the need for POS agencies to have the
opportunity to review the identified criteria which may be used, the
opportunity to correct information, such as the Monthly ACR Reviews, and the
need to contact the department's General Counsels for input regarding court
performance. The concern is that POS agencies have little contact with the
General Counsels except in problem cases, and therefore the General Counsels
would not have an accurate picture of court performance. It was recommended
that either contact with the judges directly, or a list of objective criteria
be developed, i.e., timeliness of court reports, movement toward permanency,
etc. The major concern regarding any of the criteria identified is that it be
objective.
Another
area of general concern is whether it is fair to compare the qualitative
results of POS and DCFS caseworkers due to the significant discrepancy between
their composition and resources available to them. It is the experience of POS
agencies that DCFS caseworkers are paid significantly more than POS
caseworkers, have significantly enhanced benefit packages, have increased
longevity and therefore increased experience, and numerous support
systems available to them--Homemaker services, counseling contracts, advocacy
contracts, financial resources for foster children placed in DCFS homes,
etc.--which are not available to POS caseworkers.
IV.
Referral Rotation System:
DCFS
will continue to use the current rotation numbers and will incorporate changes
for "corrections" in this process when the information is available.
DCFS did agree to provide quarterly reports identifying the number of
referrals and to which POS agencies they were sent. Agencies were all reminded
to be sure that all referrals are coming via the Referral Desk, and not
directly to POS agencies from DCFS workers. DCFS staff later informed CCAI of
the following:
�The effective date for the revised percentage of referral opportunities is being delayed until Monday, May 13. This decision was made in consultation with co-chair Tricia Fox.
The decision was necessary for two reasons:
1. It took more time than anticipated to correct the problems with the PROs that came up during the meeting on 4-24; and
2. DCFS needed more time to provide sufficient notice to POS agencies and DFCS regions.
One issue that remains to be worked out is the significant swings in permanency numbers that can occur in small foster care programs, i.e.., 50% one year, and 5% the next, etc. A recommendation to look at a 3 year running average was suggested for next year's rotation number.
V.
POS Statistical Summary:
This
was distributed via mail and should have been received by all of those who
notified DCFS as to their designated
person to receive this report. The Department will be including DCFS
information in the future in these reports as well. A suggestion was
made to include percentage information as well as raw numbers if possible;
this will be looked into.
VI.
HMR
Licensing/Permanency Initiative:
DCFS reported that 1/3 of all relative unlicensed homes are
unaccounted for in the reporting system designed by DCFS; only 30 DCFS
relative homes are unaccounted for in Central Region. DCFS intends to
strengthen the placement criteria for HMR, and will get an agreement from that
relative to pursue licensing. This was supported, as POS agencies
believed the sooner the relative was made aware of the effort to license, they
more open they would be to this process. DCFS is recommending that the
assigned caseworker and licensing worker meet together with the relatives to
encourage the licensing process.
DCFS
will now--effective immediately--reimburse the cost for child care and travel
costs to attend Foster Pride 6 hours for HMR foster homes with CURRENT
placements. This reimbursement will be processed via the community colleges
assisting with the Foster Pride classes.
A
performance report on HMR will be coming to each agency, with the foster
child's name and caseworker, to assist agencies in acquiring licensing or
permanency for the identified children/HMR.
DCFS
has extended the $3000 to assist children toward independence for children
ages 14-18 who achieve permanency by October 31, 2002.
VII.
Permanency and Stability Reconciliation Report
Has been distributed to POS agencies, and any corrections need to be addressed
with Laura Fedderson, DCFS.
VIII. Psychiatric Medication Issue
DCFS
reported that this continues to be an issue, and has asked each region to look
at the problems in their area. APT will be gathering the concerns and attempt
to find ways to address them.
Jean
Ortega-Peron, the DCFS Guardian, has indicated that she is unwilling to change
the current process of requiring DCFS psychiatric consultants approving
medication, however she did indicate a willingness to address concerns
personally with individual psychiatrists.
IX.
DCP
Several
issues regarding DCP practices were identified by POS agencies including the
perception that some DCP workers avoid the Referral Desk and make
contacts/placements outside of this process; that some DCP workers do not
acquire a clothing allowance for a placed child; and a request that DCFS make
available the "chain of command" as to who is in charge so that
concerns can be addressed to the appropriate person/position.
The
Paired-Team Model is being implemented system wide by DCFS. This model
includes both a DCP worker and a follow-up worker participate in all
investigations. This model has been implemented throughout all of Southern
Region, will be completed in Northern Region by September 2002, and is in the
process of being implemented in Central Region.
The next Downstate POS Meeting with DCFS will be held on Wednesday, June 19 from 1-3 at the DCFS Office, 624 Adams, Springfield. POS agency representatives will be meeting that day at 10:30 at the CCA Office to prepare for the 1:00 meeting and to identify any new issues, etc. (Our thanks to Lynn Mercurio of Chaddock for this report.) (MB)
HIPAA PRESENTATION AT CBHA APRIL 30TH
The presentation on HIPAA at the Community Behavioral Healthcare Spring Conference on April 30th provided some information on basic HIPAA requirements for providers of medical services. A representative from DCFS did attend but did not participate on the panel and responded to questions after the panel presentation. The DCFS representative indicated that they are still in the process of internal review to determine if DCFS is directly impacted by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. When asked what their timetable was for making a decision, no date was provided. The representatives from DPA who were on the panel indicated that the Governor�s Information Technology Office was asking state agencies to complete a survey to determine the status of the HIPAA�s impact on each state agency. Counsel from each state agency has been reviewing the requirements of HIPAA to determine how it impacts their services. However, the Governor�s Information Technology Office is conducting a Privacy Preemption Analysis which will complete a comparison of HIPAA with all state privacy statutes. A report will be issued to providers and the ITO will be engaging organizations in the future for education and communication around the HIPAA privacy issue.
In FY03 the federal government has included funding for HIPAA Administration Simplification in the amount of $64.1 million. $10 million will be for outreach and education. $9.6 million will be for CMS compliance with transaction code requirements and $44 million for system development. The Department of Public Aid has been working on HIPAA compliance efforts since 1998. Agencies that administer the Medicaid program are specifically mentioned in the regulations.
The first date which will impact providers is Oct. 2002 when a compliance plan must be submitted if an agency wants an extension to complying with the code sets that would be used for billing. This will allow a provider a one year extension in responding to the code set compliance requirement. DCFS is determining if it does apply this may be something that DCFS can convert on their end so providers would not need to change anything with the Medicaid Billing System. The question still remains whether private agencies should submit a compliance extension plan. HHS indicates that anyone who is a Medicaid biller would file for an extension. By submitting the plan, an agency would automatically receive an extension. The extension plan will not be approved or denied. (JMS)
MEDICAID ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING
The CWAC Medicaid Workgroup met on May 2nd in Chicago at St. Joseph�s Carondolet. The agenda included: HIPAA, SACWIS, Spec foster care and Medicaid, rule changes for the appeal process for DCFS and federal legislation that has been introduced to increase the percentage of Medicaid match to the states.
It was reported that at the CWAC Finance and Administration Committee that the seat allocations for SACWIS had decreased from 2700 to 2300; however, the cost per seat would not be changed. This results in a cut to the funds for the POS equipment for Phase II of SACWIS. It was also presented at the FAS Committee that SACWIS funding for equipment would be moving from grant to rate. It was unclear though when this would occur. The group noted that if the intention is to implement a rate once the three year or four grant period expires that would be acceptable. If the intent is to implement a rate in the middle of the grant period, that would cause problems for some agencies that have not begun to implement a SACWIS readiness plan. Also there was discussion about the ongoing role of the SACWIS Advisory Committee and the recommendation by DCFS that it should become a part of the Finance and Administration Committee. From the private agencies perspective concern has been expressed about that structure and on going SACWIS issues that still need to be addressed. No decision was reached on the SACWIS Committee becoming a subgroup of FAS. It was also reported that the Medicaid/SACWIS issue will be addressed through the ongoing work of the smaller workgroup with Carla Amato and John Chesniak from the SACWIS project.
There was extensive discussion about HIPAA and how it would impact DCFS. DCFS is still completing an internal review of the issue. The question was raised about communication with the providers on this issue and if the child welfare providers should also be seeking an extension on the code set compliance issue which would be due Oct. 2002. Although DCFS may not be impacted, providers definitely would be impacted and should be proceeding in such a manner. This was the first news that had been conveyed to child welfare providers that HIPAA would directly impact them. Each provider should be looking at the issue individually and should submit the extension plan. Members of the committee expressed concern that the Dept. should be working with providers to address the issue rather than each provider seeking their own legal counsel on the matter. A recommendation on this action would be made to the SED Committee for further discussion at the full CWAC committee.
It was reported that a bill has been introduced in the federal Congress to temporarily increase the Federal medical assistance percentage for the Medicaid program (S.2221). Due to the many budget problems that states are being faced with, the bill was introduced to prevent any reductions to services under the Medicaid program. This legislation would hold states harmless at their 2003 FMAP levels so that no state will experience a decrease in Federal Funds for Medicaid, while providing all states with an additional temporary 1.5 percentage in their matching rates for three years. It would also target states with high unemployment rates by providing another 1.5 percentage point increase in their FMAP for three years. The Medicaid workgroup recommended that language be added to the bill that any increase given to the state be passed on to the service providers that are billing Medicaid services. (JMS)
HOUSE PASSES FEDERAL CAPTA LEGISLATION
It was reported in This Week in Washington that the House of Representatives passed H.R. 3839, the Keeping Children and Families Safe Act of 2002. This legislation reauthorizes the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) through 2007 and increases funding for Title I discretionary grants and state grants for Title II community-based prevention grants. The bill also reauthorizes the Adoption Opportunities program, the Abandoned Infants Assistance Act, and the Family Violence and Prevention Services Act. The legislation recognizes the opportunity for CAPTA basic state grants to address improvements in the child protection service system and the potential role for the Title II community-based program to focus federal attention on prevention and focuses attention on improving links between child protective services, health care, and developmental services. (JMS)
Voices for Illinois Children completed a report that states how Illinois ranks with regards to the total tax burden as a percentage of personal income, revenue collections against taxpayer income, general fund expenditures as a percentage of personal income. How other states are reacting to low revenues and collecting? For a copy of this report contact Andrea Ingram with Voices for Illinois Children at:312-516-5556. (JMS)
WORK, WELFARE AND FAMILIES ANNOUNCES LOBBY DAY ON MAY 8
CCA members and other advocates are Work, Welfare and Families has
announced a Lobby Day in Springfield on Wednesday, May 8th. The
objective is to urge lawmakers to support revenue enhancements over budget
cuts. The events of the day are:
10 � 11 AM, Stratton Building, Room D-1 � Attend a briefing about the
budget proves and the latest proceedings from Kent Redfield, Professor or
Political Science, University of Illinois, Springfield
11 AM � 1 PM � Participate in office visits to legislators. Urge them
to reject budget cuts and to support revenue enhancements
1PM � 2 PM � The Rathskeller. Attend an afternoon lunch to recap the
day�s events and discuss next steps for advocates.
For more information, contact Megan Handley at [email protected].
HELPFUL ARTICLES AND INFORMATION FROM THE CCA COMMUNICATIONS DEPT
NEW OFFERING: Media
Lobbying: Using the editorial board meeting to influence lawmakers
Media lobbying broken down step-by-step, from a presentation by Joel
Blackwell, ASAE�s �Mr. Grassroots�. Powerpoint presentation will also be
available soon. (Available
electronically)
NEW OFFERING: Better
Read than Dead: Avoiding Deadwood in Your Writing
Handy tips for cleaning up writing clutter when you write for the media, or
for that matter, for anyone (Available electronically)
How to Get in the Newspapers without Committing a Crime
Helpful suggestions from the Illinois Press Association on getting
your good news in the local press (Available
electronically)
Dealing with the Media Under Pressure:
Ten Quick Tips
Does the idea of an Editorial Board meeting give you nightmares? Do
upcoming press conferences make you sweat? Here are a few quick tips for
staying cool under pressure. (Available
electronically)
Helpful Websites for Public Policy
and Advocacy
A listing of websites and their
descriptors to help you identify and contact
legislators, track legislation, and review policy information from advocacy
groups.
(Available electronically)
Media
saying of the day:
�The media�s a shark. If you don�t feed it, it�ll come after
you.� � Bill Grimes, Communication Consultant, Zagnoli, McEvoy, Foley Ltd.
Looking for something not listed here? Contact Linda Lenzini, Director
of Marketing and Communications, at 217-528-4409, ext. 27, or via e-mail at [email protected].
Kaleidoscope Names New Executive Director
Thomas Finnegan has been appointed by Kaleidoscope�s Board of Directors
as its new Executive Director effective May 28th, 2002. Mr.
Finnegan is currently Deputy Chief of Staff for the Illinois Department of
Children and Family Services. In addition to his vast government experience,
Mr. Finnegan also served as the Senior Vice President of Program Operations at
Mercy Home for Boys and Girls. He holds a Master of Social Work degree from
the University of Illinois, Chicago.
Mr. Finnegan will succeed Karl W. Dennis, who has retired after 27 years of
service to the agency.
(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.)
IV-E TRAINED STUDENTS AVAILABLE FOR EMPLOYMENT
DCFS has made available to CCAI, an opportunity to screen and recruit new
graduates of BSW programs. Meetings
have been scheduled for recruiting IV-E trained students in the Southern
region on May 8, Central region on May 9 and Cook County & Northern region
on May 10. I URGE all of
our interested agencies to attend one of these meetings.
If your agency is not hiring at this time you can still attend the meeting,
as some of the students won�t be graduating until June, August or December.
This will give you the opportunity to meet the students and possibly
hire them as a summer intern until you have a spot for permanent employment. It would great experience for the student while helping out
the agency workload. Bring your
job descriptions, salary information and the sites interested in employing the
students with you to the meeting.
If you would like to attend one of the scheduled meetings, please contact Barb Oldani in our Springfield office at 217-528-4409 ext. 21. (BMO)
Child Care Association would like to invite the agencies involved in SACWIS to a CCAI sponsored MIS meeting. CCA has asked Steve Bradshaw (DCFS Private Agency Liaison) to update the private agencies on the SACWIS FY03 calendar and answer any technical questions/issues.
The meeting will be on May 21st, 10:30 AM, at the Catholic Charities of Chicago Facility at 651 W. Lake Street, Chicago Illinois. There are paid and metered parking available in and around the Lake Street area, and the meeting is scheduled to end at noon.
If you plan to attend, please send an RSVP, by May 20th, to Rommel Sangalang at [email protected]. I am working with Steve to arrange for a duplicate meeting in the Springfield area around June. We highly encourage your POS Technical Staff to attend. (RJS)
CCAI Website Ranks Number One In Search Engine Results
According to an April 16th article by Gwendolyn Mariano at CNET NEWS.COM, 46% of Internet searches are done in Google.com, and 20.6% are done through Yahoo.com. Search engines such as Google.com and Yahoo use a �relevancy� rating formula to judge a website. Using both of these search engines for a web page match, the CCAI website currently holds the top spot when searches are done using:
 | Child Welfare in Illinois |
| Child Welfare Jobs in Illinois |
What is interesting is that the Department of Children and Family Services ranks behind CCAI.
CCAI Members can post their job openings for free at the CCA-IL.ORG web site by simply e-mailing their request to Rommel Sangalang at [email protected]. The job-posting request should have all the information needed for a qualified applicant to respond to, including mailing address (with department name if needed), fax number, e-mail address, etc. Non-CCAI members are charged $100 to post a job listing. (RJS)
May 8 � Meeting to recruit IV-E Trained Students--Southern Region �10:00-1:00, Hoyleton
Youth & Family Services, 1500 N. 58th Street, Washington Park, IL
May 9 � Meeting to recruit IV-E Trained Students�Central Region � 10:00-12:30, Central
Baptist/Hudelson Baptist Children�s Home, 3 South Old State Capitol Plaza,
Springfield
May 10 � Meeting to recruit IV-E Trained Students�Cook County and Northern Region�
9:00-12:00 Noon, Lutheran Social Services of Illinois, 1001 E. Touhy Avenue, Suite
50, Des Plaines
May 9-10 - Third Annual Spring Conference, Illinois Administrators of Special Education,
Holiday Inn, Collinsville IL, features Steve Van Bockern, Co-Director of the Black
Hills Seminars and Alan Coulter, President�s Commission for Excellence in
Special Education. For more information contact Nancy Newbold at (618-395-
8626).
May 9-10 - Spring Legislative Conference, National Association of Private Schools for
Exceptional Children, Holiday Inn on the Hill, Washington, D.C. For more
information call (202-408-3338).
May 14 - The 3rd Annual Autism Conference, Holiday Inn and Convention Center, 18501 S.
Harlem Ave., Tinley Park IL 60477. For more information contact (708-206-1930).
May 30 - Meeting of agencies with Presiding Judge Patricia Martin Bishop, 10:00 a.m.�Noon,
at the Juvenile Court Auditorium.
June 5-6 � CCAI�s Membership / Annual Meeting / Barbecue, Crowne Plaza, Springfield
July 10-14 -
Developing Local Systems of Care for Children and Adolescents with Emotional
Disturbances and their Families Training Institutes, Marriott Wardman Park
Hotel, Washington, D.C. For more information phone (202-687-5000)
| For
further information on any of the above, contact the staff member noted
in parentheses at the end of the text: MB = Marge
Berglind 312/819-1950
([email protected])
JMS = Jan Schoening
217/528-4409 ext. 25
([email protected]) BRH= Bridget
Helmholz 217/528-4409 ext.
24 ([email protected]) BMO=Barb
Oldani
217/528-4409 ext. 21
([email protected])
|
RJS=Rommel J.
Sangalang 217/528-4409 ext.26
(RJS@cca-il.org) SKA = Sandy Armstrong 217/528-4409 ext. 22
([email protected]) LLL = Linda
Lenzini
217/528-4409 ext. 27 ([email protected]) CMS=Cindy
Stich
217/528-4409 ext. 23 ([email protected]) |
