March 12, 2014 Planning and Grants Committee Meeting Minutes

I. Call to Order

Meeting was called to order at 9:04am.

II. Roll Call

Commissioners: Chairman Lisa Jacobs, George Hill, IJJC Chairman George Timberlake and Rick Velasquez. Quorum established at 9:16a.m.  Staff: Heidi Mueller, Rob Vickery, Julie Stremlau and Monica Kelley. Guests: Susan Witkin, Kanako Ishida and Mark Smith.

III. Approval of Minutes

Motion to approve February 13, 2014 minutes by Commissioner Velasquez, seconded by Chairman Jacobs. All in favor, minutes approved.

IV. Grant/Project Updates

A. Reentry Update

  1. Children’s Home Association of Illinois (CHASI) Update

Mark Smith, from CHASI, explained his role with Reentry. He indicated CHASI has a new case manager that has established a great job rapport with parole. Parole hasn’t really participated in the Reentry past meetings but recently CHASI went to District 4’s parole meeting and re-informed them of what CHASI is doing. Officers there were receptive and positive and other counties wanted to know more about the program to expand it in their areas. CHASI has determined that FFT does not work as well with the older youth and life skills building is a better fit. Commissioner Jacobs asked about length of time in program. Six months or longer is typical, depending on the model they use. Mr. Smith added that there appears to be no consistency as to why youth go back to DJJ and this depends on parole officers with heavy caseloads.

Commissioner Velasquez asked about data on screening instruments and follow up. CHASI has done follow up surveys and achieved 60% satisfaction. They track FFT, substance abuse, mental health, education, employment, etc. He indicated they do not complete as much intake work as they would like. IJJC Chairman Timberlake noted we have more data than we had 2 years ago concerning parole and that information will assist with future planning and possible roll-out of a statewide program. Mr. Smith indicated that they treat substance abuse youth regularly but that mental health treatment is lacking everywhere-they use the standard psychologist through the local hospitals. He indicated referrals are better but they are not treating every youth but doing a good job of getting the high risk youth. The group thanked Mr. Smith for his update.

B. Statewide Conference
IJJC Executive Director, Heidi Mueller gave the update. Conference planning is moving forward nicely. Still working to finalize the agenda and topics.

C. DMC CASP
Rob Vickery gave the DMC update. We have received proposals for use CASP money and will have further information to share at next JDAI/DMC meeting in May.

V. Raise the Age Implementation

Committee members discussed the Commission’s prior allocation of up to $450,000 to support effective local implementation of the Raise the Age legislation, if needed. Based on initial feedback, the Committee agreed to recommend broadening the use of these funds to allow jurisdictions to apply for a range of purposes, depending on local priorities and needs. The Committee agreed to recommend to the full Commission that there be a single RFP for JABG projects, including RtA implementation among other priority projects. The Executive Committee would give final approval to applications, with Commission approval, to meet DHS contracting deadlines. Commissioner Velasquez moved to approve, Commissioner Hill seconded the motion. All in favor motion passed.

VI. Adjournment

Meeting motion to adjourn made by Commissioner Velasquez, seconded by Commissioner Hill. Meeting adjourned at 10:55am.