The MST Model is an intensive family and community-based therapy that addresses multiple determinants of serious antisocial behavior in juvenile offenders. It utilized a family preservation model of 4-6 months duration that is home-based, goal-oriented, emphasizes systemic changes through work with the school, community, parents and peers of youth. Family members are viewed as full collaborators in the treatment planning and delivery process. Parent and family in this model is defined to include any adult who serves as the youth�s primary parent figure or guardian.

The advisory committee will work with DCFS on further ideas for the clinical components that can be included in the waiver in the near future, and then will serve as the necessary advisory committee is the waiver is approved and implemented. The group raised a number of questions regarding the suitability of using the MST model with foster and kinship families that may be brand new to the child. There are also some concerns about the use of the MST model with all youth that are considered �antisocial.� It is unknown whether MST adapts to permanency outcome work. The group agreed to do further reading and research on the MST model. DCFS will place the bibliography of the MST model on their web site for easy reference. Questions were also raised about how this group will impact existing performance contracting numbers. Agencies will be needed to develop capacity to work with the populations identified and the MST approach, and to cultivate foster parents who can adapt to this model.  Small work groups were formed to address specific pieces of the waiver proposal. These will meet prior to the next overall meeting in September.

System of Care Work Group

The System of Care Work Group consists of providers of SOC services and foster care providers, along with DCFS staff. The SOC work group will assess the current SOC, identify problems and barriers and advise DCFS on potential solutions.  

�      Finance: These programs are unique so agencies will be unable to retain any excess revenue from these programs to invest in �like programs.� Since this program is new, there is no way to accurately estimate costs for claiming. Providers will be asked to do a best �guesstimate� by looking at the 3rd � cost report and providing the 4th quarter narrative with expense page. DCFS will then move in the 4th � to monthly payments and work to reconcile payments.  Training for the Access Software system should be provided in the next month for SOC agencies.

�      Wraparound Transitions: DCFS tried to reconcile all pending WRAP plans and issues existing prior to the SOC implementation. Any previous WRAPS that are problematic for agencies can be discussed with Jane Hastings at 312-814-3057 or e-mail: [email protected].

�      Population Add-Ons: Some new populations have been identified for the SOC target group:

�         Children stepping out of residential to the home of parent

�         Children in home of DCFS foster parents receiving an enhanced (specialized) rate but getting regular services

If a provider feels hardship in adding these new populations they can seek reimbursement from DCFS on a case-by-case basis.  Providers felt the initial data reports of types and projected numbers of children by LAN needing SOC services appeared manageable. However, this will need to be watched closely.

�      Foster Parent Education: Providers identified that many foster parents have not been informed or educated on the new system. This impacts a number of DCFS foster parents previously receiving a lot of services in previous WRAP plans. The group suggested a DCFS letter outlining the system, its requirements and services and access information should be sent to all foster parents. The summary should also go into the Fostering Illinois newsletter.

�      Staff Training: DCFS workers appear to be unaware of the new system. DCFS staff reported there is a designated trainer in each region that is to assist in team questions, training and consultation. They are to meet with all DCFS supervisors and managers. Regional meetings will be scheduled in September regarding the SOC and how is regionally working. The providers suggested further training is needed in how the child and family team is involved as SOC services are provided and suggested best practices develop consistent messages for staff on client care.

�      Protocols: Guidance is needed on proper assignment to LAN once it is determined SOC is needed. When a foster parent threatens a 14-day removal, SOC�s are getting referrals even when the foster parent is clear that the child must be moved. Why would a SOC in one LAN get involved in this case when a new SOC in the new foster parent�s area will be needed? Tracking is also needed to determine how large a systemic problem this will be. PRT committees are also automatically sending rejected referrals to SOC. This needs to be studied.

�      Program Plan: The revised contract of August 27 was distributed. Providers need to review and get comments to Jane Hastings immediately.

�      Unique Court Cases: the group identified that there are sometimes cases closed by court for the child but the family case remains open with DCFS. There needs to be a guarantee that providers will be reimbursed for services on these cases. This population also needs tracking to determine if this is a system problem or one confined to specific regions.

�      The voluntary providers will continue to collect anecdotal information on how the SOC is going. These can be e-mailed to Ed Sherk of Shelter, Inc., e-mail: [email protected].

The next SOC subcommittee is scheduled for October 8, 9-11, Central Baptist, Springfield. (MB)

TRAINING WAIVER AND FOUNDATION TRAINING ADVISORY COMMITTEE

The Advisory Committee met on August 26 in Chicago.

�      Enhanced Training: Seven agencies have been selected as �1^st tier� participants. The experimental teams will be eligible for enhanced training between August and October. One agency asked for a team to be removed from the sample after committing to the project. This disrupts the randomization necessary for the waiver. Removal of the team will prevent the agency from future participation.  The next tier will soon be notified with workers eligible for enhanced training starting in October. DCFS will call the CEO and trainer contact to confirm participation and restate expectations. Training staff have been in contact with Cook AP to assure participating enhanced agencies are not being pressured if cases are in the supervisor�s name for more than 30 days.

�      Foundation: DCFS has received some information from applicants who were denied employment with an agency because they were �unlicensed� and were encouraged by the agency to attend training first. DCFS reminded agencies that the Direct Service Employee License is only good for existing employees; it is not a freestanding license. Only employees of authorized agencies are permitted into the foundation training. Attendance is low at the current foundation classes overall. DCFS is on a hiring freeze so has no new employees. Many agencies have downsized so new employees are few. This makes it difficult to continue to provide the full rotation of classes in all regions.

�      Trainer Evaluation: The format for evaluation of trainers was reviewed. It is based on trainer competencies developed from a number of national sources. Each trainer will be observed and rated on the competencies with a discussion to follow the observation.  A QI system will also review the curriculum to determine if the curriculum and materials need changing for everyone involved in the training.

�      Field Support: DCFS is implementing the field support component of the training. This will include trainer/supervisor coaching, trainer shadowing for new hires to determine if the effects of training are lasting, and group meetings with supervisor and team. Field support will last for one year following the enhanced training.

�      Stipend Claims: DCFS will develop a brief instruction sheet to guide agencies in claiming the stipends for enhanced participants. (MB)

GUBERNATORIAL CANDIDATES YOUTH FORUM

Uhlich Children�s Home will help sponsor a gubernatorial forum geared for young people on September 25, 6-8 pm, at Garfield Park Conservatory, Horton Hall, 300 N. Central Park, Chicago.  The forum will be an opportunity for our young leaders to pose questions around: school and community safety; leadership affecting their generation; and education to the two candidates. The candidates are due to appear separately.

There will also be a brief Q/A afterwards for audience questions. The event will be free, and will be another great opportunity to hear how our candidates are planning to attend to the issues that most concern us and our young people. Questions and further details about the event can be directed to Jodi Doane, at 773-290-5821. (MB)

CWAC SED ILO COMMITTEE

The committee met on August 28, 2002 at Hull House.  There was discussion regarding the reach-in proposal for youth in residential targeted for an ILO or TLP. DCFS recommended that if providers are facing barriers with the process to please contact Larry Chasey as soon as possible.  He can be reached at 309-937-1071; or by e-mail [email protected].

Training on the new Policy Guide for Approval Procedures for ILO/TLP was scheduled for Cook County on November 12^th, from 10:00-12:00, at 6201 South Emerald.  A date will also be scheduled for downstate.  The training is targeted at private agency foster care, residential, and ILO/TLP providers- each provider is asked to send one representative per program area, per agency.  ILO/TLP providers will be asked to stay after the training to discuss any questions/concerns and to schedule their next �All-provider� meeting as the training will be taking place of their quarterly meeting.  The Policy guide- 2002.09 went into effect on August 1. Agencies should assure that staff is aware of new procedures as the training is still a few months away.  (We thank co-chair Susan Cowen of Youth Network Council for this report.) (MB)

REMINDER � IPCRB RULES MEETING SEPTEMBER 5 IN SPRINGFIELD

The Illinois Purchased Care Review Board will hear comments regarding its proposed rule on Thursday, September 5, 1:00 � 4:00 p.m., State Library, 300 S. 2^nd St., Room 403-404, Springfield.  This is not the formal JCAR proceeding.  CCA member testimony at this meeting is important to avoid a legislative fight with the IPCRB (BRH).

�IDEA Reauthorization,� Dr. Thomas Hehir, Special Education Leadership Academy, October 2, 2002, Holiday Inn Select & Conference Center, Tinley Park, IL (618-395-8626).

ROMMEL SANGALANG LEAVING CCAI

It is with deep sadness that we are announcing that Rommel Sangalang, Information

Systems Specialist with CCAI since October 1999, will be leaving effective September 13, 2002.  Rommel has played a key role in developing CCAI�s information system to support the day-to-day operations and strategic plan activities of the Association.  CCAI through Rommel�s guidance has also succeeded in making it�s web site a useful information tool with access to job listings, registration forms for current trainings and updates on key policy issues.  We wish Rommel the best in his new position and will miss him.

CCAI INFORMATION SYSTEMS SPECIALIST POSITION

The Child Care Association of Illinois is seeking to fill the position of Information Systems Specialist.  The position oversees and manages all aspects of the Association�s information system which includes: word processing, e-mail operations, Internet services, data base development, automated accounting and office management software.  In addition, the position is responsible for in house administration, maintenance, updating and oversight of the Association�s web site with knowledge of FrontPage 2000 or HTML.  Other requirements include basic network knowledge using Windows 2000 Server, Windows 98/2000 clients and  Office 2000.  Must be able to trouble shoot information system problems for a small association network system.  EDP training and experience and/or education required.  Please send resume and cover letter to the Child Care Association of Illinois, 300 E. Monroe St., Suite 202, Springfield, Ill.  62701.  Resumes will be accepted until the position is filled.  (JMS)

CCAI SCHEDULES HIPAA SEMINAR � SAVE THE DATE- SEPTEMBER 17

CCAI has scheduled a seminar for September 17, 2002 to conduct a brief overview on �what is HIPAA�.  HIPAA represents the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act.  It was designed to implement standards related to electronic transfers of health information, the security of that information and how privacy of the information is protected.  It is not as easy to say that all services funded through Medicaid are impacted or all non-Medicaid services will not be impacted.  The Child Welfare League of America is still working on the clarification of these regulations and who will be considered a covered entity or business associate for purposes of addressing the requirements of this Act.  At this time it is difficult to state the exact impact it will have on child welfare agencies, but due to its ambiguity with the child welfare system and that the first deadline that is approaching is October 15, 2002, we felt is was essential to inform everyone about the purposes of this act.  CCAI is also recommending that all agencies file this extension for compliance with the code sets that is due October 15, 2002 in order to receive an additional year to implement the requirements if it is determined that your agency is covered by the act.  Filing the extension does not mean that you become a covered entity, but provides coverage in the event that HIPAA applies to you.   It may not be possible to address all your questions at this time, but this seminar will at least provide some basic information about the act and explain what it is designed to do.  The speaker for the session will be Deanna Mool, Partner with Sorling, Northrup, Hanna, Cullen and Cochran, Ltd. In Springfield, Illinois.  Deanna Mool is also serving as the consultant with the Governor�s Office on the implementation for HIPAA in Illinois.

Copies of the registration form were mailed to your agency and also posted on the web site (www.cca-il.org).  The session will be on Sept. 17, 2002 from 10 to 2 at the Holiday Inn Select in Naperville.  The cost for members will be $65 and for non-members $75.  A small block of rooms is being held at the rate of $80.  Call the hotel directly to make a reservation.  If you have any initial questions about HIPAA, please direct them to Jan Schoening.  We can also include those as part of the agenda for the seminar.  Any questions about registration for the seminar should be directed to Sandy Armstrong.  (JMS)

FALL MEMBERSHIP MEETING - SAVE THE DATE and MAKE YOUR RESERVATION

The Child Care Association of Illinois� Fall Membership Meeting will be held on October 23 & 24, 2002 at Starved Rock Lodge and Conference Center, Highway 178 & 71, Utica, Illinois.  Rooms are being held at Starved Rock for the nights of October 22 and 23.  If you would like to make your reservation you can call 800.868.7625 or 815.667.4211.  Rooms range in price from $85.00 to $105.00.  Please be sure and tell them you are attending the Child Care Association meeting.

Many of you have attended association meetings at Starved Rock in the past.  We have not been to Starved Rock in two years so we are happy to be going back there this year.  We have heard from many of you how much you enjoy Starved Rock and visiting this picturesque area of our state, especially in the fall.  If you would like to visit Starved Rock�s website go to www.starvedrocklodge.com.  Make your reservation and plan to attend October 23-24. (SKA)

SACY TRAINING FOR SEPTEMBER

Group Treatment: Residential and Outpatient                                 Sept. 9

Process oriented groups ∙ psychoeducational groups ∙ victim empathy training ∙ behavior management ∙ deviant sexual fantasies ∙ the relapse chain and relapse prevention planning.  Specialized Group Interventions, including social/interpersonal skills training, anger management and conflict resolution, chemical dependency issues, and school-related issues.

Reunification Issues with Sexually Problematic Children      Sept. 26

The necessary skills and prerequisites for family reunification ∙ assessing parental skills and appropriateness of the home environment ∙ apology, reconciliation and reunification ∙ risk assessments for reunification.  Creating a system of external support: Making sure the WRAP stays wrapped.

Location: Catholic Charities of Chicago, St. Vincent Hall, 721 N. LaSalle, Chicago

Time: 9:00 am till 4:00 pm--Lunch on your own

COST:  $85.00 per person per session

For registration simply go to the CCAI Training site www.cca-il.org/training/htm or call Barb Oldani at 217-528-4409, ext. 21.

Calendar

Sept.  9           SACY Training - Group Treatment: Residential and Outpatient

Sept. 17         HIPAA SEMINAR, 10:00 a.m. � 2:00 p.m., Holiday Inn Select, Naperville, IL

Sept. 23         Retooling with WRAParound Services, Springfield

Sept. 24         Retooling with WRAParound Services, Chicago

Sept. 26         SACY Training � Reunification Issues with Sexually Problematic Children

Oct. 23-24      CCAI�s Fall Membership Meeting, Starved Rock Lodge and Conference Center