Good Afternoon,
QUICK NOTES
- The numbers are ticking up a bit… Per IDPH, the preliminary seven-day statewide positivity for cases as a percent of total test from July 2-8, 2021 is 1.5%. The preliminary seven-day statewide test positivity from July 2-8, 2021 is 1.7%.
- The Human Services Research Institute has issued an extension for providers to complete the Staff Stability Survey until July 31, 2021. Please complete!
ACL RESPITE GRANT
EXCITING NEWS! The Division is beyond pleased to announce that we have been awarded a five-year $1.3 million dollar Lifespan Respite Care Enhancement Grant from the Administration on Community Living (ACL) in partnership with the Illinois Respite Coalition! The grant will engage respite providers across age and disability to share information, collect data and expand outreach. The grant will allow for the development of caregiver training opportunities, statewide outreach and communications strategies and materials and emergency respite options. At the end of the grant we hope to have a better understanding of respite needs and desert areas across age and disability, with an equity lens. We can't wait to work in partnership with IRC on this exciting initiative!
NOFO UPDATE
This year is the last year for all grants that were administered under a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) through the Division that began in Fiscal Year 2020. This includes, but is not limited to, Respite grants, Latino Outreach and the Autism Awareness Program.
ISC UPDATE
The Division wants to acknowledge the feedback that we've received regarding the currently anticipated NOFO process for our Independent Service Coordination Agencies for FY23. Please stay tuned for further communication. In the meantime, we want to provide assurance that we will host feedback sessions with stakeholders prior to finalizing any competitive process or timeline.
PUNS CATEGORIES CLARIFICATION
Earlier this calendar year, the Division released a Final Information Bulletin regarding the changes the Division made in fall 2019 to the PUNS selection process, specifically changes to the PUNS categories: (1) Seeking Services and (2) Planning for Services.
In response to several questions, the Division wanted to provide the following clarifications as it relates to that Information Bulletin:
- Seeking Services Category: Individuals with a developmental disability who currently or in the near-term need or want supports and services.
- Planning for Services: Individuals who do not currently or in the near-term need or want supports and services but may in the future.
The Independent Service Coordination (ISC) agencies should fully explain the differences to families at the time of signing up for the PUNS List as well as at the annual ISC check-in. In particular, the ISC agency should also reach out to the individual/family ahead of their 18th birthday to ensure there is an understanding of the change that will occur on the individual's 18th birthday if they are in the Seeking Services category.
Thank you for all you do!
Warmly,
- Allison V. Stark
- Director, Division of Developmental Disabilities
- Illinois Department of Human Services
- 600 East Ash-Building 400, Springfield, IL 62703
- Tel: (217) 782 -6803
The information contained herein should not be considered a substitute for the appropriate official statutes, rules, regulations, or the advice of legal counsel.
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