June 24, 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

FOSTER CARE INFRASTRUCTURE UPDATE. 1

Relative Foster Care. 3

Step 1�Licensure Intent 3

Step 2�Interested Caregiver Follow-Up. 3

Downstate Issues. 3

Advocacy Language. 4

COOK PERFORMANCE CONTRACT WORK GROUP. 4

�      ERC/DCP Issues. 4

�      APT Issues. 5

�      Counseling Funds. 5

�      Sibling Visitation. 5

�      FY03 Contract Requirements/Provisions. 6

�      Educational and Interstate Requirements. 6

�      Specialized Foster Care. 7

Documents Available. 7

Next Meeting. 7

GENERAL.. 7

CHILD POVERTY TOPS 50 PERCENT IN 14 U.S. COUNTIES. 7

FAITH-BASED INITIATIVES. 7

KIDS COUNT DATA BOOK FOR 2002 AND ONLINE DATABASE. 8

LATEST ON WELFARE REFORM REAUTHORIZATION.. 8

HEALTHCARE FOR WORKING FAMILIES ACT. 8

RESTORATION OF SOCIAL SERVICES BLOCK GRANT. 9

MEMBERS IN THE NEWS. 9

UPCOMING EVENTS. 9

Downstate Performance Based Contract Meeting. 9

First Nonprofit Mutual to Hold Drucker Collaboration Challenge Seminar in Minneapolis. 9

CALENDAR.. 10

 FOSTER CARE INFRASTRUCTURE UPDATE

The Foster Care Infrastructure Committee met by teleconference on June 17.

Specialized Foster Care

DCFS shared its continuing plans for downsizing of the specialized system.  The plan includes 750 new cases for FY�03�a decrease from the 1100 new cases opened this year. Five hundred kids who would previously have stepped up into specialized care will be reviewed and wrapped through the community system outlined. The entry process for cases actually entering specialized programs will be tightly monitored with a streamlined process.

DCFS has identified 3 categories of programs currently with specialized contracts. All agencies were notified via letter from DCFS this week.

Group A: Agencies with small caseloads of specialized programs that originated as a result of add-ons from TFC/HMR. These programs will be phased out by the end of FY�03. They will not be open for new referrals. Attrition of cases will be due to permanency exits or other discharges. Cases remaining at the end of FY�03 will be moved to another program/agency or stepped down. Agencies in this category should be working diligently with DCFS to identify plans and resources for the cases.

Group B: Agencies with larger programs in which a review of performance history by the department yields a decision to eliminate the program by the end of FY�03. There will be expectations for exits to permanency and due to attrition. Kids that remain in these programs by the end of FY�03 will be reviewed and transferred to other specialized programs or other forms of care.

DCFS will implement a bonus strategy for those agencies not receiving referrals to allow agencies to keep some of the savings associated with the expedited movement of existing caseload to permanency. DCFS will pay the admin. costs for the impacted contracts at a fixed level, allowing agencies to maintain predictable staffing patterns and to be rewarded for performance above the system expectation.

Assumptions:

30% annual attrition to permanency, emancipation, scholarship/YIC/YIT

(If the 30% is not reached, a penalty would be applied.)

Admin payment to be vouchered based on quarterly set census

Board payment to terminate upon exit from the caseload

Quarterly adjustments to be made for exits to residential step-ups, ILO, Runaway, Detention, TFC, HMR, or other living arrangements associated with administrative costs.

The POS members of the group suggested a staggered amount of the quarterly adjustments:

            1^st Quarter�based on 7/1 census

            2^nd Quarter�7.5%

            3^rd Quarter�9.5%

            4^th Quarter�10.5%

Group C: These programs are those remaining that will be open for referrals throughout FY03. The New Parameters of this contract will be:

Performance of Specialized and Treatment programs in the same agency will be combined into one indicator.

Relative Foster Care

DCFS is expecting licensure performance in HMR programs. Effective 7/1/02:

Step 1�Licensure Intent

Agencies initial evaluation will be based on their performance in securing CFS-578-1 (Relative Caregiver Intent) from the baseline population through 6/30/02.

For every child placed in an unlicensed home without the 578-1 from the baseline, the administrative rate will be reduced by 5% for the 1^st quarter. This group will become the �Unlicensed/Unknown Intent� group.

Once each �, new unlicensed homes with a placement(s) present in the home for at least 90 days will be added to the Unlicensed/Unknown group. For every child placed in an unlicensed home without a submitted 578-1 from the agency�s baseline, the administrative rate will be reduced by 5% for the subsequent �.

The administrative rate will continue to be reduced by 5% for each � in which a 578-1 has not been received by DCFS.

Step 2�Interested Caregiver Follow-Up

Agencies� initial evaluation will be based upon their performance in getting an application for licensure submitted by caregivers that indicated their interest in getting licensed on form 578-1.  For every child placed in an unlicensed home where a caregiver has indicated interest in becoming licensed but has not submitted a completed application for a license within 90 days of receipt of the 578-1, the administrative rate will be reduced by 5% for the 1^st � of Fy�03. This group will become the �No Licensure Follow-Up group.�

Once each �, new unlicensed homes indicating interest at least 90 days previously will be added to the �No Licensure Follow-Up� group. For every child placed in an unlicensed home without a submitted 578-1 from the agency�s baseline, the administrative rate will be reduced by 5% for the subsequent �.

The administrative rate will continue to be reduced by 5% for each quarter in which an application has not been received by DCFS.

POS members suggested that there is a need to clarify that the follow-up is a completed application. There also needs to be a way to acknowledge when a family will not be able to submit an application within 90 days, although they may have stated that as their original intent.

Downstate Issues

The issue of the unified rotation system for downstate will still need to be clarified after review of the data. This is still on the table. Issue that came up through revisions of the downstate program plan but affects all contracts is the definition of Advocacy.

Advocacy Language

DCFS maintains advocacy and mentoring were always included in the agency�s portion of the counseling funds. This is a service frequently put in place in LANS wrap staffings, so there will be significant impact on agencies if this is now considered part of the agency�s counseling expectation. This will be clarified further in future meetings.

Homemaker Language: When the final contracts are re-done, wording should read that each DCFS region will have a set number of available homemaker units for foster care cases and that agencies should have access to these units as well as DCFS sites.

The group will continue to address these issues at the next meeting on June 27. (MB)

COOK PERFORMANCE CONTRACT WORK GROUP

The PBC Work Group met on June 13 in Chicago.  Discussion focused on:

�         ERC/DCP Issues

Melissa passed out the new Checklist for Children at Initial Placement .The checklist is to be completed by the worker making the decision to place a child on ALL cases entering substitute care even if the child was previously placed in substitute care.  The checklist must be included in the case opening packet at the time of case assignment.  All of the items that appropriately describe the child�s special needs are to be checked.  The option �none� should only be checked if the child does not have any of the special needs listed on the checklist.   If ANY of the items other than �none� are selected, the worker making the decision to place a child should fax the form and supporting documentation to 312-814-1905 Attention:  DCFS Specialized Gatekeeper. 

If the child is approved by the DCFS Gatekeeper for Specialized Foster Care, he/she will be eligible to be placed directly in a specialized program and the gatekeeper will assist in locating an appropriate agency to meet the child�s needs.  There will be instances in which the child�s special needs will not be known and/or documented at the time of initial assignment.  If any of the conditions included on the Checklist become known and documented within the first ten days after assignment via rotation, the child�s case should be referred to the DCFS Specialized Gatekeeper for an Expedited Review.  In addition to the Checklist, the review packet should include: A summary of the child�s needs, including diagnosis, statement as to why a more intensive setting is needed, what services are (or have been) put in place, and what additional services the child needs. Original Medical and/or Mental Health Certification Form(s) (depending on the child�s special needs).

When a specialized program is deemed appropriate, the gatekeeper will determine to which program the child will be referred.  If the current agency has a specialized program that addresses the child�s special needs, the case may remain at the existing agency.  When a child is approved to enter a specialized foster care program and the child is in a foster home that is able and willing to meet the child�s needs, it may be necessary to transfer case management to another agency.  The foster parent can choose to remain with their agency for licensing, or transfer their license to the agency that will be providing case management.   If the case is approved for a specialized foster care program within the first ten days of assignment, whether at a new or the existing agency, the referral will be backed out from the performance contract, and the child�s case will not be credited towards the agency�s referral goal (Cook) or percentage of referral opportunities (Downstate). 

Children with special needs identified more than ten days after assignment should access ITS services to support the child in placement.  A child that is severely compromised where his/her functioning in all domains (foster home, school, community) are significantly impaired, may be considered for a DCFS Specialized Gatekeeper Scheduled Review after ITS services have been accessed.    

Ann Marakis from DCP reported on Phase I of SACWIS. She explained that there is a built in hand-off summary that takes the place of many of the handwritten DCP forms. There are still paper forms that are not on the system so agencies can expect some hand written forms when they receive files.

�         APT Issues

Treva reported that she and Cook Central AP are now back at 1026 S. Damen and can be reached at their old telephone numbers or by the receptionist (312)793-8527/8528.

A letter was mailed to agencies that detailed those children through 05/30/02 who had NOT yet achieved Adoption or Subsidized Guardianship by an unlicensed caregiver and were eligible to receive a $2000 bonus. Cases with final orders entered by 09/30/02 would be eligible to receive the $2000 bonus. Agencies need to have all 578-1�s submitted by 06/30/02 even if the relative is in the process of being licensed.  Agencies that fail to submit 578-1�s will be sanctioned by having a hold placed on their intake.

Melissa raised the concern that there are over 400 children in Foster Care with the department who are 18+. Question was raised as to why these children continue to have open cases. Some of the group cited court issues as a reason in that the GAL�s  not wishing for the cases to be closed. Another reason cited for keeping the cases opened is that foster parents wish to continue to receive the board check.  There appear to be ethical dilemmas in closing these cases. The argument as to whether a child is merely stable or flourishing was brought up by the group for discussion. 

�         Counseling Funds

The FY02 Counseling Rate is found in the BAT/BARC or per diem payment. In the FY02    rate schedule, counseling dollars are found in two places-an add-on of $27.54 in counseling dollars, and $27.54 is included in the administrative rate, for a total of $55.08 per child. Although the rate is per child, the counseling dollars are to be used for the child and family as defined in the case plan.  For FY03, counseling dollars have been increased to $69.95 per child for all contracts. The additional funding comes from a 5.7% across the board shrinkage of Cook HMR agencies.

�         Sibling Visitation

Ten agencies, the majority being POS, were sanctioned. The total of the February sanctions was $56,000.  There were 98 letters Statewide that were mailed out for March. 69 of the 98 letters went to POS. The total of the March sanctions was $103,000.  70 letters were mailed out for April.  Inadequate documentation typically the reason for receiving sanction. Some concern raised at the May workgroup meeting as to the various letters being mailed out as some people stated they were receiving letters from QA staff as well as Mary Sue Morsch. The concern was also raised that the letters being mailed from QA often were directed to the supervisor rather than the Execs. Melissa reported that she met with QA to streamline this process.

�         FY03 Contract Requirements/Provisions

Executive Directors received FY03 Contract Projections in late May. Final contract adjustments will occur in October.  There is an anticipated 15% shrinkage in HMR in FY03. DCFS determined that agencies would not lose contracts for poor performance but that levels of hold would instead be placed on these agencies (full open, � hold, full hold). Agencies on half hold intake status would shrink 17% throughout the year and agencies with full hold status would shrink a minimum of 20% depending on add-ons.  The provisions of how to implement these decisions was discussed in the Infrastructure Committee.

In Traditional, a possible growth is anticipated. The same intake levels for HMR would occur in Traditional (full open, � open, full hold). For agencies with � hold status, a 12% shrinkage would occur and for full hold, a minimum shrinkage of 20% depending on

add-ons.

DCFS is also looking at historic performance and to include stability in average. For HMR, looking at average of FY�s 1998-2002 and for Traditional, average of FY�s 1999-2002. Performance accounts for 80% of rank and stability 20%.

5.7% adjustment in HMR contracts and intake projections for HMR and Traditional will occur 07/01/02. Adjustments occurring in October will be retroactive to 07/01/02. Adjustments will occur twice annually in FY03.

�         Educational and Interstate Requirements

FY03 will be a year to focus on educational outcomes and to gather data. Similar to the current AODA reconciliation process, it is recommended that FY03 achievement of educational benchmarks not have contract implications but instead lead to technical assistance. With a baseline developed in FY03, however, educational outcomes will be tied to contract decisions in FY04. Please see attached FY03 Performance Contract Educational Outcomes Draft that details the data to be measured for agency evaluation and tracking.

For children placed outside of Illinois with an authorized Interstate Compact, the agency is expected to utilize their administrative payment to cover travel costs associated with case planning and supervision. Travel costs include but are not limited to: mileage reimbursement, round-trip train/bus/air fare, car rental, overnight housing costs, per diem equivalent to the State of Illinois established reimbursement rate. Emergency travel associated with caregiver and/or host state request for removal, or resulting from child safety issues should also be covered through the agency�s administrative payment. Exceptional costs can be brought to the Department for possible reimbursement when the travel related to the child exceeds amounts (see Performance Program Plan Interstate Draft) over the fiscal year.

�         Specialized Foster Care

The May 2, 2002 Policy Transmittal outlines how the Department is taking steps to ensure that the needs of children in foster care that exceed the agency�s capacity will have access to a statewide system of services. Statewide, HMR and Traditional Foster Care Contracts include reimbursement for comprehensive casework, appropriate services, and foster home support in order to meet the needs of a child. The performance contract administrative rate covers a variety of services that may be deemed appropriate based on an assessment of the child�s needs (i.e., case management, 24 hour accessibility, counseling, advocacy services, foster parent training and support, and permanency services). Effective July 1^st, 2002, children in HMR or Traditional Foster Care who may need more intensive services than those offered through foster care contracts should be referred to the Intensive Therapeutic Services (ITS) provider in the LAN where the child�s foster home is located. Agencies must first utilize all resources available through the performance contract and/or Departmental programs.

Documents Available

CCAI members who need copies of any of the document drafts referred to in this report can contact the CCAI office in Springfield (217-528-4409.)

Next Meeting

The next meeting will be held on July 17th, 2002 from 9:30 � 12:00 at LSSI, 10 West 35^th Street (IIT Building) on the 15^th Floor.  There is parking across the street and the Green El Line also is conveniently located across from the building. Contact Marcia Wefflen of LSSI at (847) 635-4623 if you should have any questions or if you would like to add items to the agenda.  (We thank Marcia Wefflen of LSSI and Kara Teeple of DCFS for this report. MB)

CHILD POVERTY TOPS 50 PERCENT IN 14 U.S. COUNTIES

A Children�s Defense Fund analysis of new data released from the 2000 Census shows that some counties in the United States have as many as 3 out of 5 children living in poverty.  The President of CDF, Marian Wright Edelman stated that while, �Americans tend to picture poor children living in big cities, but there are 38 counties with child poverty rates higher than in the poorest big cities, virtually all of them rural counties.�  The counties with the highest child poverty rates include: Buffalo County, Zieback County and Shannon County in South Dakota with 61.8 percent, 61.2 percent, and 61.0 percent. Out of the ranking of states, Illinois ranked 24^th in child poverty at 14.3 percent with the District of Columbia ranked 51^st at 31.7 percent and New Hampshire ranked 1^st at 7.8 percent.  A complete ranking of all 50 states, the largest cities, and 38 worst counties is available at the CDF website.  www.childrensdefense.org/release020604.php.  (JMS)

FAITH-BASED INITIATIVES

HHS announced the availability of $30 million in funds to help level the playing field for faith-based and community-based organizations competing for federal grants and other funding.  The Compassion Capital Fund represents the first appropriated federal funds that are specifically targeted to assist grassroots organizations since President Bush announced the faith-based and community initiative last year.  Under the Compassion Capital Fund demonstration program nearly $25 million will be made available to 15-25 intermediary organizations that will provide technical assistance to help faith-based and community organizations.  For additional information about this program go to: www.hhs.gov/faith/compass.html.  (JMS) 

KIDS COUNT DATA BOOK FOR 2002 AND ONLINE DATABASE

The 2002 KIDS COUNT Data Book shows that seven of the indicators of child well-being conditions improved between 1990 and 1999, while child well-being worsened on two other indicators and remained unchanged on yet another.  State-by-state and national indicators of child well-being are now available through an interactive database where state profiles can be viewed, in addition to graphs, maps and rankings, and raw data can be downloaded.   For Illinois the child well being conditions improved for 8 out of 10 and for the two that worsened those were less than the national.  Child well-being indicators reports include: 1.) percent low-birth weight babies (worse), 2.) infant mortality rate (better), 3.) child death rate (better), 4.) rate of teen deaths by accident, homicide and suicide (better), 5.) teen birth rate (better), 6.) percent of teens that are high school dropouts (better), 7.) percent of teens not attending school and not working (better), 8.) percent of children living where no parent has full time employment (better), 9.) percent of children in poverty (better), and 10.) percent of families with children headed by a single parent (worse).  For additional information go to: www.aecf.org/kidscount/kc2002/.   (JMS)

LATEST ON WELFARE REFORM REAUTHORIZATION

The Senate Finance Committee will vote on a new welfare reform bill this week and it�s very likely that a bill will be out of Committee and considered by the entire Senate by the July 4^th recess.  Twenty-two Democrats signed Kennedy�s letter of welfare reform principles that were sent to the Finance Committee.  Senator Durbin from Illinois was one of the Senators that signed that letter.  As the Senate moves forward to act on this legislation, CCA sent a letter to both Senator Durbin and Fitzgerald asking for their support or to continue their efforts to insure that improvements are addressed through this legislation.  Issues of particular concern are:  1.) the definition of work should include job training and post-secondary education; 2.) maintain the 30 hour per week work requirement instead of the 40 hour in the House bill; 3.) increase funding for child care essential for work support; 4.) oppose the super waiver if it is introduced; 5.) include an inflation factor for TANF funding; and 5.) have provisions that stop the clock for those recipients due to physical and mental health conditions or emergencies related to child care, domestic violence, housing or transportation.   (JMS)

HEALTHCARE FOR WORKING FAMILIES ACT

CCA received a call from Senator Kennedy�s office requesting our endorsement of the Healthcare for Working Families Act.  In short, this act would mandate businesses with 100 or more employees to provide health insurance for workers and their families.  Other specific provisions include: employers must pay 75% of the premium with employees being responsible for the remaining 25% and insurance premium would be paid for on a pro-rated basis for part-time workers employed for less than 30 hours a week. No contribution would be required for workers employed less than ten hours per week.   CCA has circulated a copy of the Act and a fact sheet to some members for their review and comment on impact.  The general concern is the cost to implement this mandate when there continues to be shrinking revenues.  (JMS)

RESTORATION OF SOCIAL SERVICES BLOCK GRANT

CCA received an alert last week from The Social Services Block Grant Coalition.  They were asking organizations to sign on to a letter being sent to the Congressional Leadership for restoration of the SSBG to $2.8 billion.  A copy of the form was distributed to all CCA member agencies with instructions in the completion of the form and returning it to the CWLA contact.  Efforts have been continuing to restore the SSBG with the continued reductions that have occurred over the last several years.  SSBG has always been a primary stream of federal funding to support state and local child welfare services and in FY00, states utilized over $818 million for such child welfare services as foster care, child protection, case management and adoption.  In fact, with only $21 million available federally under the Child Abuse and Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) for the protection of children, states made use of over $301 million in SSBG for the same purpose.  SSBG funds for Youth at Risk go toward programs that include special services, pregnancy and parenting services and independent/transitional living services.  These services are designed to provide guidance and promote self-sufficiency and responsibility among youth.  In FY 00, states utilized over $108 million SSBG funds for Youth at Risk; $5.6 million of this was specifically for pregnancy and parenting services.  (JMS)

Effective March 21, 2002, the Council on Accreditation for Children and Family Services (COA) approved the full accreditation of SOS Children�s Village Illinois located at 17545 Village Lane; Lockport, Illinois 60441.  In addition, COA advised the Village that we were found to comply completely with their weighting system, and therefore eligible to take advantage of their expediting policy.  This policy allows organizations that qualify to submit the report directly to the President and Chief Executive Officer, therefore, bypassing the formal COA Board approval process. 

If you have any questions or need additional information, please do not hesitate to contact

me directly at (815) 740-7290.  Thank you for your assistance regarding this matter.

(From Dr. Job West, Chief Executive Officer SOS Children�s Village Illinois �

Reported by RJS)

Downstate Performance Based Contract Meeting

The Downstate Performance Based Contract Meeting has been rescheduled for July 10th from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the 2nd floor conference room at DCFS, 628 E. Adams, Springfield, IL.  The Providers meeting has been rescheduled for 10:30 a.m. at the CCA office on July 10th. (MB)

First Nonprofit Mutual to Hold Drucker Collaboration Challenge Seminar in Minneapolis

Chicago, IL � On Thursday, June 27, 2002, First Nonprofit Mutual will hold a seminar in Minneapolis entitled Drucker Collaboration Challenge from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The presentation will be given by Gary J. Stern of Stern Consulting International.

This full-day, interactive program developed by the Drucker Foundation, will teach the audience techniques on how to develop strategic alliances between nonprofit organizations and businesses. This workshop will help participants appreciate the assets that nonprofits bring to strategic alliances with businesses and clarify key elements for successful management. You�ll return to the office with a new change of perspective and confidence that your nonprofit can accomplish your mission.

Gary J. Stern is the president of Stern Consulting International. Stern has written Marketing Workbook for Nonprofit Organizations Volume I: Develop the Plan (Second Edition, 2001) which was adapted as the official marketing workbook of United Way of America. Most recently, he co-developed the Drucker Foundation�s Meeting the Collaboration Challenge Workbook, based on Dr. James Austin�s, The Collaboration Challenge: How Nonprofits and Businesses Succeed through Strategic Alliances.

For additional information about this seminar, contact Sue Alcantar at (312)627-1531.

CALENDAR

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 - SESSION IS FULL!

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

July 10            Downstate Performance Contract Meeting, 1:00pm - 3:00 p.m., 2nd floor conference room at DCFS, 628 E. Adams, Springfield, IL.