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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, Sept. 29, 1999 		Contact: Michael Kharfen
(202) 401-9215

HHS APPROVES SECOND CHILD WELFARE DEMONSTRATION
FOR ILLINOIS

HHS Secretary Donna E. Shalala today approved a second child welfare demonstration waiver for Illinois to reduce the negative impact on children whose parents have alcohol and drug abuse problems and to assist these families in treatment and recovery.

"A recent HHS study reported that more than two-thirds of children in foster care have been exposed to drugs by their families. This is an unacceptable risk for the health and safety of these children," said Secretary Shalala. "Illinois has a very promising plan to ensure the safety of children and meet the needs of the whole family through treatment and a range of services."

Under the demonstration Illinois will focus on intensive support, case management and enhanced coordination of services between substance abuse treatment and child welfare services. The state expects to see higher rates of reunification when it is safe for children, a reduced number of days in foster care, and fewer repeat allegations of abuse or neglect.

The Illinois project will use two levels of care. On the first, a "recovery coach" will conduct outreach and support services for each family. At the second level, families will receive services tailored to their specific needs. These may include medically managed detoxification and withdrawal services, drug-free housing, graduated sanctions, reunification planning, health services, and parental involvement training.

"Illinois has developed an innovative program that recognizes the need to work with the family throughout the entire recovery period with a particular recognition that some families may need to find housing in other areas of the state," said Olivia A. Golden, HHS assistant secretary for children and families. "I commend the state in moving in new directions that will safeguard children's safety and improve the quality of all services for the whole family."

The Adoption and Safe Families Act of 1997 authorized HHS to approve up to 10 demonstration projects each year through 2002. Illinois is the 25th waiver approved under this authority.

The demonstration project will be cost neutral, independently evaluated, and last up to five years.

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Note: For other HHS Press Releases and Fact Sheets pertaining to the subject of this announcement, please click here (www.os.dhhs.gov/news/press/) for our Press Release and Fact Sheet search engine at: www.os.dhhs.gov/news/press/.