June 10, 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.. 1

SPECIAL SESSION OF GENERAL ASSEMBLY. 1

FOSTER CARE INFRASTRUCTURE REPORT. 1

NORTH AMERICAN COUNCIL ON ADOPTABLE CHILDREN-28^TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE.. 2

GENERAL.. 3

CHILD CARE ASSOCIATION ANNUAL MEETING HELD.. 3

'HOLIDAY AT HOLIDAY INN�' PROGRAM AVAILABLE TO CCA RESIDENTIAL FACILITIES.. 3

IMPROVING THE JUDICIARY-PRIVATE AGENCY RELATIONSHIP IN JUVENILE COURT: PILOT FORUMS BEGIN THIS MONTH.. 4

MEMBERS IN THE NEWS.. 4

UPCOMING EVENTS.. 4

SACY TRAINING.. 4

SACY Training for Case Managers (NEW)   June 14  4

SACY Legal Issues and Accountability (NEW) June 19  5

CALENDAR.. 5

SPECIAL SESSION OF GENERAL ASSEMBLY

The General Assembly was called back into special session from Monday, June 10^th to Wednesday, June 12^th, 2002.  They will be reviewing Governor Ryan�s plan to fill a $500 million to $750 million deficit that currently exists in the State budget.  It is expected that the Governor will propose cuts to the spending plan that the General Assembly sent him two weeks ago.  All that is required to pass a reduction veto is a simple majority of both houses.  Once we see what cuts are proposed by the Governor we will let the membership know if there�s anything specific you need to do with your State Representatives and Senators.  (MMB)

FOSTER CARE INFRASTRUCTURE REPORT

The Foster Care Infrastructure Committee met in Bloomington on June 3. The following topics were addressed:

                  Child Specific Services Funded through Existing DCFS Contracts/Programs: A draft outline was provided by DCFS which recapped existing service rates already in contracts and identified the new counseling rate of $69.95.

                  Services Available through WRAP and possible ITS: A draft outline of services available for foster children through these entities was provided

These will be used to guide special service needed to stabilize children in traditional/HMR care as DCFS moves forward in its new design of foster care systems.

                  Request for Review of Authorization for Specialized Foster Care: DCFS provided a draft overview of procedures to be followed when requesting a child be placed in a specialized program. Referrals will be made to the ITS program. ITS will have the option of assessing and recommending screening for entry into specialized, or serving the child as usual through ITS, or providing a WRAP process. Following the ITS screening, a gate keeping system will be used to screen those cases referred for specialized care.

                  Screening Tool/Checklist for Specialized: A draft of the tool to be used in assessing referrals from traditional/HMR for spec care was reviewed.

                  Interstate Placement: The revised draft for procedures and reimbursement for out-of-state placements was provided.

                  Educational Outcomes: DCFS intends to add expectations for achievement of educational outcomes to all foster care contracts. These outcomes include enrollment, transfers, absentee rates, provision of transition services and education reports. Agencies will also collect baseline information to be used in determining future outcome standards pertaining to number of children at grade level, early childhood intervention and number of suspensions/expulsions.

Copies of the materials distributed on these topics are available at the CCAI Springfield office. Call or e-mail Barb Oldani ([email protected]) if you would like a copy.

                  Aggressive Case Management for Residential: The group discussed a possible model of �reach-in� for foster care programs that may accept step-down placements from residential. This model would be similar to that in place for ILO programs.

                  Status of Agency Programs: DCFS projects 27 agencies that currently run specialized programs will not have contracts renewed by the end of FY�03. These are either very contracts or programs that DCFS feels are not performing to expectations. A procedure will be implemented for declining payment as the year progresses so that by the end of the next year, the programs are phased out.  DCFS is still in the process of confirming these agencies.

                  Placement Stabilization: Providers were given notice by DCFS of their intent to terminate these contracts. These contract funds will be moved towards the new model of WRAP services through the ITS providers and LANS.

                  Medicaid Back-Out: For Specialized agencies that will no longer be providing Medicaid services, rates will be adjusted to back-out the portion of the rate intended to support a Medicaid reporting infrastructure. The back out will be $1.50. (Earlier estimates had this amount at $1.62.)

We thank Arlene Happach of Children�s Home Association for this information (MMB.)

NORTH AMERICAN COUNCIL ON ADOPTABLE CHILDREN-28^TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE

The Department of Children and Family Services has provided funding to support the North American Council on Adoptable Children 28th Annual Conference for approximately 500 people.  The NACAC conference will be held August 1-4, 2002, at the Hyatt Regency O'Hare.  Under the Director's plan, all foster and adoptive parents will be invited to attend on a full conference scholarship which includes conference registration for four days, hotel accommodations including room and tax and travel reimbursement.  In addition, 50 conference registration scholarships have been assigned for use by private agency staff.  Private agency staff conference scholarships cover the full conference registration fee. (Additional expenses for staff, including lodging, parking, travel and per diem, will be the responsibility of each sending agency.)

Conference registration scholarships are available on a first come first served basis.  The completed DCFS registration form must be returned by mail or fax to DCFS by June 15th for scholarship consideration.  To request a registration packet, call the DCFS Registration Unit at 877/800-3393. (MMB)

CHILD CARE ASSOCIATION ANNUAL MEETING HELD

The Child Care Association of Illinois held their Annual Meeting and Training Conference on June 5th and 6th at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Springfield, Illinois.  Highlights of the meeting included a review of challenges from the state's legislative session and the recounting of challenges that will face CCA's membership moving forward.  CCA also announced the Association's Advocacy Initiative whereby members would identify advocacy opportunities within their associations and act upon them. Afternoon sessions on training and preparation for lobbying followed morning discussion.  Day one was highlighted by the luncheon address by gubernatorial candidate Jim Ryan, who used his address to announce plans for a Governor's Office of Child Advocacy.

Addressing the 80+ members in attendance, Ryan stated,  "The Office will be headed by a Cabinet-level director who will work with me to put in place my vision for children in Illinois and coordinate our children's programs." According to Ryan, the director of the Governor's Office of Child Advocacy will oversee all of the department directors who work on major children's issues and ensure state government speaks with one voice on the agenda for Illinois children.  In addition, the Governor's Office of Child Advocacy will help set goals for the Administration each year and track progress in meeting those goals.

Day Two of the Annual Meeting included a review of the past year by CCA staff, a look forward by President and CEO Margaret Berglind, and presentation and approval of the Board Slate for FY2003 by Miller Anderson, Chair, CCA Nominating Committee. The Child Care Association budget for FY2003 was also presented and approved.  (LLL)

'HOLIDAY AT HOLIDAY INN�' PROGRAM AVAILABLE TO CCA RESIDENTIAL FACILITIES

In honor of Holiday Inn's 50th Anniversary, a number of Holiday Inns in the Chicago area are offering a weekend stay for appropriately chaperoned children who are in residential care in Illinois.  This mirrors a national program and begins Thursday, August 1st, 2002.  While details are still being firmed up, the weekend will include meals, pool privileges and one or more special events. Participating facilities are responsible for transportation to and from the hotel and to and from any special events. According to Holiday Inn representatives, there are no other costs attached to the program.  Interested facilities may contact either of the following individuals:

Carolyn Rand, Holiday Inn Corporate Offices, Phone # 770-604-2302. Fax # 770-

604-2247, e-mail:  [email protected]

Carla Cannonito, Chicago Area Holiday at Holiday Inn Program liaison, Phone # 312-782-9443.  (LLL)

IMPROVING THE JUDICIARY-PRIVATE AGENCY RELATIONSHIP IN JUVENILE COURT: PILOT FORUMS BEGIN THIS MONTH

The calendar has been set for the Court Improvement Program's Pilot Forums.  Registration forms and invitations will be sent to all CCA agencies in the following circuits:  Cook County, the 1^st Circuit, including Jackson, Williamson, Saline, Gallatin, Hardin, Pope, Johnson, Massac, Pulaski, Alexander, and Union Counties; the 18^th Circuit, comprised of DuPage County; the 10^th Circuit, comprised of Peoria and Tazewell Counties; and the 8^th Circuit, comprised of Adams, Schuyler, Brown, Cass, Mason, Menard, Pike, and Calhoun Counties.

Four consecutive forums will be held in each circuit between now and Fall, 2002 in two-hour increments over the noon hour, with lunch served. The Forums will be held either at the courthouses in these circuits or in locations convenient to the courthouse(s).

There is no charge to attend. The Forums are being funded through the Federal Court Improvement Program. CCA agencies are encouraged to send Program Directors and other executive-level staff that are involved with the courts to these Forums.  Attendance is limited, so register as soon as possible.

CCA members can obtain more information about the forums, a schedule, and registration information by visiting the CCA website at http://www.cca-il.org and downloading the fact sheet and registration form off the website.  They may also contact the CCA office at 217-528-4409, or visit the CCA website at http://www.cca-il.org.  (LLL)

Hope School, a Springfield-based CCA member, was featured in the Springfield State Journal Register on Sunday, June 2 for their Tenth Annual Family Fun Day.  Children and their families were entertained by the Amazing Grace Puppet Ministries and the Abundant Faith Praise Dancers.

Victor C. Neumann Association's Youth Starting Over Program has moved to a newly remodeled location on Chicago's southwest side.  The 26-bed residential treatment facility is currently accepting referrals for males ages 12-21 in need of highly structured and therapeutic residential setting for physical and sexual aggression issues.  Please direct referrals or requests for more information to Amy Kasper, Director at (773) 579-2151 or by fax at (773) 523-4077.

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.  (LLL)

SACY TRAINING

SACY Training for Case Managers (NEW)             June 14

Normative Child and Adolescent Sexual Development, including: sexual maturation and identity, adolescent egocentrism, adult monitoring, culture, peers and friends ∙ The Spectrum of Sexual Behaviors in Youth, including trends and incidences of �normal sexual behaviors and attitudes�, risk factors for problematic behavior, reactive sexual behavior, problematic sexual behavior, aggressive sexual behavior, managing a SACY case, reporting, and creating and enforcing a protective plan

SACY Legal Issues and Accountability (NEW)       June 19

Illinois Criminal Sexual Assault Statute ∙ involvement of Youth ∙ Court Authorities ∙ confidentiality ∙ mandated reporting and Tarasoff issues.

Location: Catholic Charities of Chicago

St. Vincent Hall

721 N. LaSalle

Chicago

Time: 9:00 am till 4:00 pm

Lunch on your own

Topics tailored to meet the current role of individuals working with sexually abusive/ aggressive children and youth.

All training meets SACY standards and presented by certified trainers.

The curriculum meets the requirements for those agencies providing SACY services with the Illinois department of Children and family Services

Complete up to 54 hours of training in less than 5 months.

CEU credit offered.

Special session for Foster Parents.

COST:  $85.00 per person per session

For registration simply go to the CCA Training site www.cca-il.org/training/htm or call Sandy Armstrong at 217-528-4409.

CALENDAR

June 12      Medicaid SACWIS Meeting, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. � The Baby Fold, Bloomington, IL

June 14      SACY Case Manager Training, 9 a.m. � 4 p.m. � Catholic Charities of Chicago, St. Vincent Hall, Chicago, IL

June 19      SACY Legal Issues & Accountability, 9 a.m. � 4 p.m. � Catholic Charities of Chicago, St. Vincent Hall, Chicago, IL

June 19      Juvenile Court Forum, 8^th Circuit, 11 a.m. � 1 p.m., Jury Assembly Room, Adams County Courthouse, 521 Vermont, Quincy, IL

June 20      Juvenile Court Forum, 18^th Circuit, 11:30 a.m. � 1:30 p.m., Multi-Purpose Room 104, DuPage County Courthouse, 505 N. County Farm Road, Wheaton, IL

June 21      Juvenile Court Forum, 10^th Circuit, 11 a.m. � 1 p.m., Jury Assembly Room 215, Peoria County Courthouse, 234 Main Street, Peoria, IL

June 27      Juvenile Court Forum, Cook County Circuit, 11 a.m. � 1 p.m., Cook County Juvenile Court, Auditorium, 2245 W. Ogden Avenue, Chicago, IL

June 28      Juvenile Court Forum, 1^st Circuit, 11:30 a.m. � 1:30 p.m., Kokopelli Golf Club Restaurant Meeting Room, Marion, IL