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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 1993EVANSTON MENTAL HEALTH BOARD MEETING MINUTES. THURSDAY, JANUARY 13, 1993 (Minutes recorded - not yet approved) Members Present: Art Diers, Nicki Pearson, Michael Kerns, Sally Ennis, Ellen Browne, Dale Dellutri, Susan Stroh, Ellen Reynolds Presiding: Sally Ennis, Chairperson Staff: Jay Terry, Harvey Saver, Audrey Trotsky, Susan Watanabe Guests: Richard Koepke (Greenwood Care); Dennis Tossi, Bill Brotman (Albany Care) CI] CALL TO ORDER - INTRODUCTION OF GUESTS - ANNOUNCEMENTS Ms. Ennis called the meeting to order at 7:35 p.m. and asked the guests in attendance to introduce themselves. [III MINUTES OF OCTOBER 28, AND NOVEMBER 11, 1993 MEETING Ms. Pearson moved and Ms. Browne seconded a motion to approve the minutes of the October 28 and November 11, 1993. Passed unanimously 7 aye - 0 no. [III] GUN CONTROL RESOLUTION IN EVANSTON Ms. Pearson reported the City Council and the two school districts adopted an 8 point gun control resolution in November (coTies were sent to Board members). Ms. Pearson asked the Mental Health Board tc consider endorsement of the resolution as a Board. Mt. Dellutri and Mr. Diers questioned several points of the resolution and did not believe the manufacturer should be held responsible for what guns do. Ms. Browne commented she felt it would be appropriate for the Mental Health Board to be involved in the issue because gun are tied into violence and violence is a public health issue. She said whether or not the MHB agrees with the specific text of the resolution it would be appropriate for the MHB to be concerned about and deal with the issue. There was discussion about which points of the resolution were acceptable. Ms. Reynolds said the issue was whether the MHB could support the resolution and not to amend the resolution by deleting certain points. Ms. Pearson added she was only submitting the Gun Control Resolution to the Board to consider for their support and not to rewrite the resolution. Ms. Ennis said the MHB could support certain points of the resolution and would endorse those points. Ms. Pearson moved and Me. Stroh seconded a motion to endorse the Proposed Gun Control Resolution. Motion approved 4 aye - 3 nay (Dellutri, Diers, Ennis) - 1 abstention (Kerns). January, 1994 MHB Meeting Minutes Page 1 [IV] LONG TERM CARS ISSUES L= Commui,ttee Revoxt. Mr. Dellutri, Chair of the MHB Long Term Care Committee, reported on the LTC Committee's meetings. The first meeting was for the purpose of self education, brainstorming and discussion of ideas. The second meeting the Committee met with City staff to determine how the Health Department, Police Beat Patrol Officer and Commission of Aging Ombudsman interact with the long term care facilities in Evanston. Mr. Dellutri said the Committee received reports that problems were being dealt with, and that there was ongoing cooperation between the facilities and the City staff. The Police Beat Officer exxppressed doubt that the worst incidents reported were the responsibility of the residents of long term care facilities. He expressed a belief that the most aggressive panhandlers in the downtown area were people who were homeless from Chicago. A separate meeting was held with the administrators of Greenwood Care. The Committee was informed there is an established protocol tc deal with complaints from the community. However, sometimes complaints are misdirected and referred to Greenwood Care even though they do not relate to Greenwood's residents. Mr. Dellutri was assured that the facility has daily contact with each of the residents. The Greenwood administrator pointed out the residents receive only $30 a month for personal expenses which leads many of them to panhandle. Such a small monthly allowance does not enable residents to purchase clothes, cigarettes, and other personal items. One possible response would be to contact legislative representatives in Springfield to increase the amount of the allowance which would helpp alleviate some of the problem. Mr. Dellutri said there appeared to be a cooperative attitude between the LTC facilities and City departments. Greenwood Care's administrator told Mr. Dellutri if the LTC Committee has any suggesr.ions for the facility he is willing to listen and to work with the Committee. Mr. Dellutri will get back to him after conferring with the Committee. The Committee wants to make sure people understand the concerns in the community are being heard and dealt with. Ms. Ennis suggested additional volunteers, in addition to the Ombudsman visitor volunteers, would be helpful at Greenwood Care and Albany House. There are some agencies in the area that always have a great number of volunteers and perhaps these agencies could educate other agencies in how they go about recruiting and maintaining volunteers. Ms. Ennis said a community education campaign about the needs and problems of persons with mental illness in the neighborhood would be very helpful. Mr. Terry informed the MHE that Alderman Newman reintroduced a reference asking the Human Services Committee to analyze problems of the downtown area and to develop a plan of action to respond to problems such as panhandling, aggressive panhandling, crime, sleeping in apartment building vestibules, and other incidents of a similar nature. The next Human Service Committee meeting will consider that reference from Alderman Newman. January, 1994 MHB Meeting Minutes Page 2 Albany House Visit. The MHB will visit Albany Care on Monday, January 31st at 6:30 p.m. Evil] CONSIDERATION OF MT. PROSPECT ORDINANCES RELATED TO UNDERAGE DRINKING AND DRIVING Mr. Saver said the material in the packet about Mt. Prospect's ordinances related to parental responsibility and underage drinking were received from Mayor Morton and sent to Mr. Terry for consideration. Mr. Saver showed a video of a news program which provided details of how the ordinances are being implemented. Mr. Terry informed the MHB the Trustee of Mt. Prospect who sponsored the legislative changes sent the ordinance and information to all village presidents and mayors in the suburban area. Mayor Morton sent her copy to Mr. Terry for his opinion knowing the work that MHB and the Evanston Substance Abuse Prevention Council (ESAPC) have done in this area. Mr. Terry said he also discussed this with the Chief of Police who thought the ordinances were a good idea. If the MHB decides to pursue the matter there is data the Traffic Engineer is collecting for the MHB's consideration in terms of the extent of the problem in Evanston. Mr. Kerns raised questions about how the Mt. Prospect ordinances relate to state ordinances, and asked about the due process issues tc insure that people have their day in court. Mr. Kerns said there were already laws against underage youth purchasing alcohol but there may not be laws specifically related to underage youth driving while intoxicated. The ordinances seem to sell out that underage youth will be charged if driving while "impaired by alcohol" and not necessarily "under the influence" because they should not be able to purchase the alcohol in the first place. In part, Mt. Prospect is trying to address this issue. Mr. Saver pointed out that the State Legislature attempted to deal directly with that issue 2 gears ago by trying to reduce the blood alcohol content used to determine "under the influence" for underage youth_ The measure was defeated. Mr. Dellutri expressed concern about dealing with underage drinking and driving, or the impoundment of a vehicle, in this manner because due process issues are ignored and the field tests for determining blood alcohol content are not reliable. Ms. Reynolds thought there was a double standard regarding persons who drink and drive. There is a push to tighten up the law related to underage youth, but there is a need to focus attention and tighten the laws related to adults who drink and drive as well. It is also often the adults who are providing alcohol to the youth. Ms. Reynolds expressed concern that underage youth not be able to ignore their own responsibility through laws which are also trying to make their parents be held liable. There was discussion regarding the Mt. Prospect ordinances and the issue of under aged drinking. Mr. Diers suggested the MHB consider the issues and ask staff to research the matter to determine what local ordinances would need to be amended. There was consensus that the MHB was not prepared to make a decision about changes they would January, 1994 MHB Meeting Minutes Page 3 quo . 'k.ylI IIlAI liilldlm 6bl INI like to recommend to the Human Services Committee at this time. Staff will research the ordinances in other communities and provide the MHB with a fuller understanding of the issues. Ms. Browne asked to also see copies of the Buffalo Grove and Des Plaines ordinances. Ms. Ennis announced this issue would be tabled for further discussion at the February MHE meeting. Nil BERAV10RAL HEALTH CARS UPDATE ftdicaid Reductigu f-Qr ICF9/MR. Mr. Saver reported on proposed cuts in the State's Medicaid reimbursement rate for hospitals and long term care facilities who work with low income individuals, and for ICF/MR programs like SHORE Homes East. This is the second time since the FY94 budget was passed that the Governor has attempted to reduce the rate. The current proposal will reduce the rate retroactive to the beginning of July, 1993. This will mean the funds which facilities receive will be less than the reduced amount that is being roposed because the reduction will all have to be made up in the ast 6 months of the year. One of the arguments made for the need to cut the rate was over enrollment in the Medicaid program. It is an entitlement program, and more people are actually using services than state budget staff had projected. There are several court suits which are being proposed to challenge the rate reduction by the health care associations and medical groups. A sample letter opposing the cuts was reviewed by the MHB. In response to questions Dennis Tossi and Rick Koepke indicated the ICF/MI facilities they administer would also be affected by the rate reductions. Mr. Dellutri moved and Ms. Pearson seconded a motion to write to Evanston's State legislators and the Governor opposing the reduction in State Medicaid rates and providing information about the impact upon Evanston's programs and residents. Motion passed unanimously 8 aye �- 0 no. Board members were encouraged to individually contact their legislators about the matter as well. National Health Care Reform. Ms. Ennis reported she conferred with Ron Rozensky regarding the inclusion of behavioral health care in the national health care reform package. Dr. Rozensky said he had a conversation with Senator Paul Simon who was very discouraging about the possibility of mental health being included in reform plans. Dr. Rozensky offered to work with the MHB to advocate with the local Congressional delegation. Governor Edgar is developing a committee to work on Illinois' involvement in a National Health Care Plan. Staff was asked to obtain information on what is being regarding the inclusion of mental health services at the State level regarding the national health care reform. Ms. Browne asked staff to obtain information from other states that are being used as model for mental health care in the debate on health care reform. Mr. Diem moved and Mr. Dellutri seconded a motion for the MEB to send a letter to Evanston's Congressional delegation strongly urging the inclusion of mental health services in the plans for national health care reform. Motion passed unanimously 8 aye - 0 no. January, 1994 MHB Meeting Minutes Page 4 (VII] EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING WITH DR. RON ROZENSKY, EVANSTON HOSPITAL DEPARTMENT OF OUTPATIENT PSYCHIATRY Ms. Ennis reported on the Executive Committee's meeting with Dr. Ron Rozensky to discuss the MHB's reduction in FY94-95 funding for Evanston Hospital. It was clarified that it was not the intention of the Mental Health Board to decrease the funding from Evanston Hospital in order to increase the funding to St. Francis Hospital. Suggestions were made regarding Evanston Hospital's budget presentation and heightening the visibility of the Department of Psychiatry in the community. Ms. Browne requested that, in the future, discussions with agencies which had concerns about their budget hearings or allocations be brought before the entire Board. (Vill] MHAE WORKSHOPS ON VIOLENCE Ms. Ennis reported the on Mental Health Association of Evanston's 2 winter workshops on the effects of violence on children. They will be on Wednesday, February 23 and Saturday, March 12. The MHB has been providing resources to help support the workshops and is listed as a cosponsor. All Board members are invited to attend. Anyone interested in assisting/volunteerin for these programs is invited to a meetin scheduled to finalize activities for the program at the MHAE offices at 2120 Lincoln St., January 20th at 7:30 p.m. Mr. Saver reminded the MHB they had some funds available for workshops and conferences. Any MHB members interested in attending either of these workshops should call Audrey if they are interested in having their registrations processed. [IS] EVANSTON LOCAL AREA NETWORK (ELAN) Mr. Saver reviewed the report on ELAN activities. He reported that P.A.258, passed in the last legislative session, is going through the rulemaking process. It is anticipated that it will have a significant impact on the local mental health services. The law requires that anyone being considered for admission into a state operated facility must be prescreened by a "participating mental health center" (PMHC) in their local community and found in need of those institutional services. This activity is currently being provided for many individuals by Evanston Hospital's Crisis Intervention Services. The PMHC will have to be Medicaid certified. It will have to be mobile, and have an assessment team available to do screening and assessment anywhere in the community, or at Chicago Read if necessary. There is a possibility that, in the rulemaking, a hospital -based program will not be allowed to be a PMHC directly. A hospital might be able to provide the service under a subcontract. Decisions will have to be made on a large range of issues in the community when this rule is formalized and it will require new procedures as well. Mr. Saver will keep the Board updated as this issue develops. January, 1994 MHB Meeting Minutes Page 5 [XI CHILD AND ADOLESCENTS' LOCAL AREA NETWORK Me. Watanabe submitted a re ort on the beginning development of a Child and Adolescent's Loca Area Network (C&A LAN). She said the main difference between the C&A LANs and the adult LANs is that there will be 4 state agencies involved in the coordination and planning instead of just one: DCF'S, DMHDD, DASA and the State Board of Education. Youth Organization Umbrella (Y.O.U.) will initially be the Evanston coordinating agency. The initial meeting about the development of the C&A LAN in Evanston is scheduled for January 25. MHB members are invited to atCend. [XII SUBSTANCE ABUSE LOCAL AREA NETWORK Mr. Saver submitted a reported on the first meeting of substance abuse providers in developing local area networks. The process is being facilitated by the Illinois Alcoholism and Drug Dependence Association, rather than by DASA. The goals of the substance abuse LANs are less developed than the mental health counterparts, and the geographical areas are huge and less well-defined. Much of the emphasis is upon the development of integrated service networks so agencies can be competitive and viable in a managed care environment. The first step is doing a service needs assessment of what services are being provided in the area. Mr. Saver is developing the service profile for Evanston and will incorporate that into the information from the rest of the region with which Evanston is associated. At some point it will be important for community service providers to determine how and where they think they should be included in substance abuse LANs. [XIII UPDATE ON TRILOGY Mr. Saver reported Trilogy's doors are open and their phone system is working. They have an initial lease at 909 Foster through the end of February. They have been providing case management services to people in the Housing Options Program. Trilogy is actively looking for referrals. They have screened a number of people and are asking for verification of a history of mental illness. Most of the people they have spoken with do not. Mr. Saver sent the Director of Trilogy information to assist with their marketing services in Evanston. [XIII] NTSW PROPOSED HOUSING Mr. Terry reported that Niles Township Sheltered Workshop is changing their corporate identifier to NTSW. They have been developing plans for special needs housing with a primary focus upon housing for older persons. NTSW sees this as a means of stabilizing their revenue position. It is their hope to have a building run by a private management firm and have a flow of income into their budget on a monthly basis. They hope to achieve a savings for NTSW by housing either First Step or Great Opportunities Day Care in the same building. Two sites were originally of primary interest. The first site has gone under private development. NTSW is now looking to January, 1994 MHB Meeting Minutes Page 6 111„ 11 1 . II .., Il,i , I .uI it II u , I i Ills . I� W I i I i Ill ,III Ills , III iI A IliYl it ll, II�II III Y�I III establish special needs housing at 1830 Ridge (where Green Bay Road and Ridge merge). Their primary funding source is H.O.M.E. funding to the county but they have received a commitment of $50,000 from the Community Development Committee of the City Council. Some inquiries have arisen from the neighborhood. A zoning text amendment is needed through the City Council for this plan to come about as this building currently is not zoned for congregate housing (30 to 40 independent units). The Commission on Aging had a dsicussion with NTSW as to how they had identified the need for this building in Evanston. NTSW told the Commission on Aging this would be housing for the elderly only but their funding only states "special needs" population. Mr. Terry will keep the Board informed about the status of this building. (XIV] MEETING WITH JOHN BUCKLEY ABOUT CHILD ABUSE PROGRAM Ms. Ennis reported the Executive Committee met with John Buckley and Tana Paul from Family Counseling Services (FCS) about concerns related to changes in philosophy and actual services being provided in the Child Abuse Program. The MHB's concern was that the agencies' heavy caseloads made it necessary adopt a policy allowing for the placement of some high risk referrals on a waiting list. Mr. Buckley reported that there has historically been trouble with funding from DCFS. However, he also said FCS was not having problem with funding for cases. The difficulty was with the lack of increase in funding to reimburse the other 3 agencies in the child abuse coalition for their services to high risk families. The Executive Committee felt all 4 agencies should come together at the next Executive Committee meeting to provide more information about their circumstances. 1XV3 ADJOURNMENT Ms. Dellutri made a motion, seconded by Me. Browne to adjourn the meeting. Motion unanimously passed 8 aye - 0 no. The meeting was adjourned at 9:20 p.m. Respectfully submitted, A If ea Audrey is y Executi Secret January, 1994 MHB Meeting Minutes Page 7 EVANSTON MENTAL HEALTH BOARD FETING MINUTES THURSDAY, JANUARY 14 1993 (Minutes recorded - not yet approved) Members Present: Art Diers, Sally Ennis, Ellen Browne, Anita Kimmerle, Nicki Pearson, Marcia Nelson Presiding: Art Diers, Chairperson Staff: Jay Terry, Harvey Saver, Audrey Trotsky Guests: Jane Lizars (League of Women Voters); Jerry Gulley (SHORE) [I] CALL TO ORDER Chairperson Diers called the meeting to order at 7:40 p.m. [II] INTRODUCTIONS AND COMMUNITY COMMENT Jerry Gulley, Executive Direetax of SHORE, provided an update on the Medicaid assessment issue. All nu ng homes and hospitals, regardless of whether they serve Medicaid clients, and some residential providers for persons with developmental disabilities are being assessed to provide matching dollars for the state's Medicaid funds. Because of the federal guidelines, some of the facilities incur a net loss. SHORE and a number of other developmental disabilities agencies/programs benefit from the program. Should the legislature drop the tax it could precipitate a crisis because the State would stand to lose $750 million in Medicaid funds. It will have an especially hard impact on DD programs. Mr. Gulley asked the MHB to send letters to the Legislature and the Governor to either make the tax permanent, extend the tax 1 more year to provide more time to research alternatives, or find an alternative source for the matching funds. A motion was made by Ms. Nelson and seconded by Ms. Kimmerle for the Mental Health Board to write to local legislators to express concern and recommend they take into strong consideration the impact upon services for people with developmental disabilities as well as those individuals in nursing homes when they reconsider the Medicaid Assessment Program. Unanimously approved 6 aye - 0 no. [III] MINUTES OF NOVEMBER 19, 1992 MEETINGS A motion was made and seconded to accept the minutes of the November 19, 1992. Unanimously approved 5 aye - 0 no. [IV] REVIEW SUBSTANCE ABUSE PREVENTION COMMERCIAL CONTEST WINNERS A video was shown of the commercials roduced from the three winning entries created by District #65 school children in the Substance Abuse Prevention Commercial Contest last year. A significant amount January, 1993 MHB Meeting Minutes page 1 of time was donated by a professional production company to produce the one and a half minute commercials currently running on Channel 66 TV. The contest was sponsored by a student group at District #65, Students Together Organizing Prevention (STOP) . Winning entries (students and schools) received certificates of excellence. [V] CONSIDERATION OF PROPOSED CHANGES TO MEMBERSHIP IN MHB ENABLING ORDINANCE The MHB reviewed the City Manager's communication about the preliminary recommendation of the Mayyor's Committee on Boards and Commissions to amend Section 2-7-1 of the City Code regarding composition of the MHB. The proposed changes would reflect the loss of an Aldermanic position and include an additional Board member to keep the composition of the MHB at nine. The MHB discussed and agreed with staff recommendations to amend 2 additional areas of section 2-7-1 in the process. Ms. Nelson moved and Ms. Kimmerle seconded a motion to accept the proposed revisions to section 2-7-1of the City Code about Membership on the MHB and recommend the following additional changes be added: "No member may be a full or part-time employee of the Illinois Deppartment of Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities, the Il inois Department of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse, the Illinois DeVgrtment of children and Familv Services, or any agency, facility or service which receives funds from the Board. to lay associations concerned with ... controlled substances addiction, mental retardation developmental _.sabilities, as well as labor, business..." Unanimously approved 6 aye - 0 no. Mr. Terry said he would have the Law Department review the recommendation to determine if there were any legal issues. [VI] MENTAL HEALTH BOARD'S FY 1993-94 OBJECTIVES & COMMITTEE STRUCTURE goarg Composition. It was previously agreed to have 9 members serving on the Board. Changing the appointment schedule could present problems only ill the event several members went off the Board at the same time. Should this occur members could remain until replacements were found. A suggestion was made by Ms. Kimmerle for new Board members to have mentor assigned to initially guide and familiarize them with the functioning of the Board. This suggestion was accepted to become a tradition for future members. Ms. Browne suggested the Board member job description be clearly specified and included with a listing of Board member responsibilities in the orientation packet. The responsibilities would also serve for Board members to annually evaluate themselves. Ms. Browne offered to work with Mr. Terry on developing this project. Committee Assianments. Mr. Diers said whenever an issue has arisen there have been volunteers to serve on committees and whenever anyone January, 1993 MHB Meeting Minutes Page 2 has been asked to serve on a committee the Board members have always responded affirmatively. This method has worked very well for the Board. The MHB Bylaws make reference to only one committee, the Nominating Committee. All other committees are to be appointed by the Chair for specific tasks. Ms. Nelson moved and Ms. Pearson seconded a motion for the Board to continue to appoint committees in the manner laid out in the Bylaws and have the Chairperson appoint committees as issues need to be addressed. Unanimous 6 aye - o no. Motion carried. Ms. Ennis sugggested an Ad Hoc Educational Committee be appointed. She offered to compile a calendar of issues needing MHB attention, their priority and when they need to be accomplished. Ms. Browne questioned whether people other than Board members can be on the MHB's ad hoc committees. This would be beneficial in relation to discussions about collaboration to have agency people included for their input. United Wav's ffeeds ssessme9t. Mr. Saver said the United Way's community needs assessment is being Belayed until January, 1994. The planning for the project is expected to begin in the Fall of 1993. Ms. Browne supported the MHB's initial interest to work on this project so that questions could be included which focus upon mental health concerns. It would be too costly for the MHB to do a needs assessment on their own. Mr. Saver said the State is expecting the local area networks to do a needs assessment for an annual plan about community services for persons with serious mental illness. Ms. Nelson said this information would also be beneficial to the MHB. Mr. Diers said it was of sufficient importance to the Board to be kept informed of these issues, to become educated about needs assessment and to work with United Way when they begin their project. pJ laborati.on. Mr. Terry distributed a Government Accounting Office report reviewing all Federally funded and privately funded collaboration efforts. The report shows the system -wide collaboration efforts have not been successful. Ms. Browne stated in prior years there was not the pressure there is today for people to work together. Mr. Diers added collaboration is now necessary for the MHB to deal with, especially in view of the cuts in Mental Health funds. Ms. Nelson suggested a different agency be invited to Board meetings each month to talk about collaboration on an informal, one-to-one basis, and to discuss their current issues. This would also serve as an educational component for the Hoard. Ms. Nelson moved and Ms. Ennis seconded a motion to develop an Ad Hoc Board Education Committee that would organize educational forums with funded agencies, and would emphasize collaboration in its initial efforts. Motion carried unanimously 6 aye - o no. Zoning. Mr. Terry said the current City Council is attempting to pass the pro osed Zoning ordinance by April 30th. The Human Services Committee will be developing licensing regulations for categories which require licensing. The Committee has asked the Mental Health Board to develop recommendations on licensure for group housing. The proposed Zoning Ordinance requires both categories of Residential Care Homes (4-8 persons and 9-15 persons) be licensed by the City under the Residential Care and Group Care Home Ordinance. Mr. Terry January, 1993 MHB Meeting Minutes Page 3 said the Cit 's current licensing ordinance is quite detailed and, in addition to zoning is perceived as an obstacle to group homes being established. Hs intern Lisa Arnold is currently doing research with other communities to determine who else is locally issuing licenses for group housing. Mr. Diers appointed Ellen Browne, Marcia Nelson, Nicki Pearson and Michael Kerns as the Licensing Committee. Mr. Diers also apppointed a Board Education Committee of Ellen Browne, sally Ennis, Nicki Pearson, Sally Kimmerle, Florence Winfield and Art Diers. Ms. Pearson was asked to convene the Board Education Committee. It was suggested an agency be lined up for an informal dialogue of about one-half hour about what they are doing and what new issues have developed, to be presented prior to the business part of the February meeting. Ms. Ennis volunteered to work with staff to put together a calendar for Board members for the year about tasks the MHB is considering and when activities need to occur that would enable members to make commitments in terms of time and resources. (VII LAN ISSUES The Evanston Local Area Network (ELAN) has developed an Executive Committee made up of the b DMHDD funded agencies, including the PAS/MH entity, the Mental Health Board and 2 primary or secondary consumers. ELAN is also considering how to more closely involve the ICF/MI facilities in the ELAN activities. Their participation will be =mpoctant if the LAN is going to be able to accomplish its objectives. ELAN decided to have Community Alternatives Unlimited (CAU) continue to provide the PAS/MH functions. A work group was also established to work on problems with community placement and housing activities in Evanston. Mr. Saver discussed the first draft of the ELAN job description for the Coordinating Agency. As the Coordinating Agenccyy for ELAN the MHB will share responsibility with the Executive Committee to see that ELAN's responsibilities are carried out. This will require greater participation on the part of all of the DMHDD-funded agencies in the work of the Network. In response to a question Mr. saver said between 25 an 50 per cent of his time in a given week has involved LAN activity. There have been a number of meetings, committees and Read Advisory Council meetings at Read. There have also been a number of subcommittee meetings that will cease to exist when their initial work is completed. He projected that there will be an ongoing need for about 20 percent of a staff person's time involved with LAN. This will particularly be the case if DMHDD's plans for reorganization of the mental health system are enacted. More responsibility will be given to local communities about the allocation and utilization of resources, planning for mental health services, accoilishment of s ecific outcomes in relation to state operated facilities. The Sta e's plans will require legislative changes as well as the redistribution of state funds from state operated facilities to local communities. Mr. Terry said the material from Don Moss which was enclosed in the packet identified working relationships between DMHDD and DPA as a January, 1993 MHB Meeting Minutes Page 4 0. critical area in implementing some of the changes. DMHDD is actively involved in the process of changing the state's mental health system, while the De artment of Public Aid is paying the bills for all individuals n long term care facilities. Those two state departments have not been working together on developing plans for local area networks. [YIII] INFORMATIONAL ITEMS MatWn�e a Centel. Mr. Terry attended the grand opening of the her Foundation's new geriatric facility, where the two lower floors are for skilled care residents of the Georgian, the Mather and Fairfield Court. On the 3rd and 4th floors are the residents with developmental disabilities from Campus Town. Public Aid has a contract with the Mather Foundation which specified that all Campus Town residents will be out and placed elsewhere in communities by March 31, 1993. It is not clear how the Mather Foundation will handle the situation in the event the deadline is not met. Pebblewood. The delay in the opening of this facility is due to a problem that has arisen regarding a change in the group which will operate the facility from the one that applied for Pebblewood's certificate of need. unitgd aly and 4G,s Day Cade Hear�na. United Way has invited the Mental Health Hoard to again participate in the day care centers hearings conducted with 4Cs. Ms. Kimmerle volunteered for the January 28th hearing and Ms. Pearson volunteered for February 4th. united y y campaign Resujtfi. Letters have been sent out to agencies informing them the United Wa� has had a bad campaign year. This will also affect the current year s funding. It is not yet known what the actual funds for FY93-94 will be. All suburban area United ways are reducing their current allocations by 5.5% effective February 1, 1993. These are annualized reductions which will have to be made up in 5 months, so rather than a reduction of 5.5% a month the loss will be closer to 10.5% or 11%. Tom Jager wanted the MHB to know that the United Way's commitment to 4C's, because of the community match, is being maintained. eital Health Associat"og Workshop. s op. Workshop on "Children and Racism" to be held Saturday, March 6th, from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m., at First Congregational Church. Meeting with District #65 Staff. Mr. Terry met with District #65 staff concerning a state Board of Education request for proposal for collaborative projects to avoid residential out placement of kids with behavioral disorders. Ms. Nelson commented about a concert given at the holiday season by Over the Rainbow. This was a wonderful concert and everyone should keep it in mind to try to attend next Christmas time. Ms. Pearson announced she will be meeting with Evanston High School's social workers and head of health services regarding Mr. Isquierdo's January, 1993 MHB Meeting Minutes Page 5 replacement. Motion was made to adjourn the meeting at 9:40 p.m. Motion approved unanimously. Respectfully submitted, are Trot t�xB secr Lary Ru y y Minutes\Janua93_ January, 1993 MHB Meeting Minutes Page 6 EVANSTON MENTAL HEALTH BOARD MEETING MINUTES THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 1993 (Minutes approved) Members Present: Art Diers, Sally Ennis, Nicki Pearson, Florence Winfield, Alderman Gene Feldman Presiding: Art Diers, Chairperson Staff: Jay Terry, Harvey Saver, Audrey Trotsky Guests: John Buckley Tana Paul (Family Counseling Services); Clair McCarthy Peterson (H.O.M.E.); Stephanie Kraemer --Lyons (ACORN) [I] CALL TO ORDER AND INTRODUCTION OF GUESTS Chairperson Diers called the meeting to order at 7:40 p.m. welcomed the guests and asked them to introduce themselves. [Ii] MINUTES OF JANUARY 14, 1993 MEETINGS The minutes of the January 14, 1993 meeting were reviewed. A motion was made and seconded to accept the minutes of the January 14, 1993 as corrected. Unanimously approved 5 aye - 0 no. [III] DIALOGUE WITH FAMILY COUNSELING SERVICES John Buckley, Director, and Tana Paul, Assistant Director, of Family Counseling Services (FCS) joined the MHB. Mr. Buckley discussed suggestions he made in a letter to the UBP funders around areas in which local agencies and the funders could collaborate. One example was health insurance, in which his agency's health insurance premium was increased 46% as of January 31 (approximately $19,000 a year). Last year United Way of America put together a group health insurance program for United Way funded agencies throughout the country and within a year the rates escalated. Some Suburban Area Agencies have joined together and set up meetings with a broker experienced in self insured programs for municipalities. Mr. Buckley sent a letter to local not -for -profit agencies to encourage their participation in a similar endeavor. A joint endeavor would not save money initially, but over the long term would prove financially beneficial, giving local agencies the ability to control their costs and have greater influence over the levels of insurance benefits provided. Mr. Buckley also said agencies might collaborate with the UBP funders to develop an Evanston Joint purchasing program, with local, not -for -profit agencies 39ining together to purchase supplies and materials at Evanston businesses. Mr. Terry said the City's own policy is to purchase where it can get the best price. Mr. Buckley suggested the UBP Panel funders approach the Chamber of Commerce and February, 1993 MHB Meeting Minutes Page 1 businesses in an attempt to work out a program that would give substantial discounts, greater than the customary lot, to make it more competitive for agencies to shop locally. If the agencies pooled their purchases it would enable them to buy in volume locally, and keep tax dollars in Evanston. Alderman Feldman said the agencies should develop and submit a plan to sell this type of program and also present it to the Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Buckley said it might be more successful if the agencies and the UBP panel agreed to work on this together. Mr. Buckley said there was a need for a clearinghouse for information about used furniture and equipment available from businesses and corporations. There is often equipment available from businesses in the community which are closingg moving or refurnishing their facilities. It might be possibie to obtain the equipment and furniture for nonprofit organizations. Mr. Buckley said he would look into the details of this type of project and discuss it with Mr. Saver. Mr. Buckley also suggested it would be very helpful to have agency representatives involved with any other UBP Task Force discussions about collaboration. Mr. Buckley said the FCS Child Abuse Program is a collaborative effort which has served as a model program over the past 15 years. The Child Abuse Program is a coalition of 4 agencies (FCS as the lead agen(y, Evanston Hospital, St. Francis Hospital and FCDC) working together to provide counseling for child abuse to Evanston families. Ms. Paul said FCS has a separate contract with the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services to directly provide follow-up and counseling for founded cases of child abuse. Referrals of families identified in the community for possible risk of child abuse also are made to FCS. The latter cases are referred to the other 3 agencies. These are not motivated families and often require a great deal of outreach and many home visits. Ms. Paul said she coordinates intake and works with a liaison from each of the agencies. The program is in danger due to lack of sufficient funding. The money the MHB contributes, $28,800/ ear, goes from FCS directly to the other 3 agencies to reimburse them for the counseling they provide for families at high risk for child abuse. The rate of reimbursement is $25 for an appointment{ which is only 25% of the cost of the service provided. The billings submitted to FCS by the 3 agencies in FY91-92 was $28,000 greater than the amount of money available to provide reimbursement. The agencies are becoming increasingly concerned about the level of reimbursement they are receiving to participate in the Child Abuse Program. The program has been operated as a no decline option, i.e., when FCS makes a child abuse referral to one of the 3 agencies they have to accept the case. The program is beginning to experience difficult yy because the agencies know when they accept a case they will be reimbursed at a rate significantly less than their actual costs. The child abuse cases are, therefore, becoming less of a priority than the other cases with which they work. Ms. Paul reported the program has a waiting list of 5 cases. The demand for service is greater than can be collectively handled. Last year FCS handled 170 child abuse cases. February, 1993 MHB Meeting Minutes page 2 Mr. Buckley said FCS currently has 30 cases on the waiting list for family and individual counseling and the waiting time can be up to 2 to 3 months. The senior services program is running between 20 and 25 cases on its waiting list. Alderman Feldman expressed concern about the most difficult cases being of lesser ppriority. He said he believed this was not due to a $25 reimbursement rate but rather to the immensity of the problems involved. Mr. Buckley said there has been no increase in resources and the demand for services has been going up, creating a crunch with which the agency has been dealing. Mr. Terry said Family Counseling Services will be experiencing the largest cut in total dollars from both Evanston United Way and Suburban United Way. He asked what impact this will have on the agency? Mr. Buckley said the United Ways' reductions will be approximately $16 000. In conjunction with the health insurance increase this will mean a loss to the agency of $35,000. The Family Counseling Services' Board has not yet pplanned cuts in the budget. They have been having special meetings to raise an $20,000-30,000 between now and June 30. Mr. Buckley said, rather than developing a new collaborative effort, the Unified Budgeting Panel should set aside any new funds that become available to hire a part-time or full-time grant writer for the community. The cost could be shared by the City, United Way and the Mental Health Board and Township to look at state and federal resources to bring additional money into the community for agencies and/or programs. Mr. Buckle yy said FCS obtained a 2 year grant from the Chicago Community Trust to hire a Development Director. The person has been on board for 6 months. They have developed new marketingmaterials and have been submitting grant applications to raise additional operational funds. FCS was notified today of a new $10,000 grant from a foundation (the amount has already been built into the budget). Mr. Diers thanked Mr. Buckley and Ms. Paul for coming to the meeting and informing the Board of the current status of programs and funding at Family Counseling Services. [IV] INFORMATIONAL ITEMS/OPEN ISSUES c mmuntty WorXst Q.g. Ms. Ennis said she met with Barbara Cleveland, Director of the Mental Health Association of Evanston (MHAE). The MHAE is considering sponsoring a community wide program on violence and peacemakin in Evanston in 1994. An ETHS teacher, Mr. Branch, is trryyin4 to deveyop a school program that will teach different behaviors and responses for students instead of responding in violent ways. This will include violence in the environment, in the community and in the family. Ms. Ennis had a full -year curriculum that (12 different programs) on violence issues and will offer it to the ETHS teacher. She also spoke with the MHAE regarding contacting the PTA and suggested talking to the Ecumenical Action council in Evanston about asking churches to concentrate one year on the issue of violence. February, 1993 MHB Meeting Minutes Page 3 p� There will be a public hearing March 1 conducted by tFi SpecialIl!ommittee on Hoards and Commissions. The MHB's recommendation the regarding the Aldermanic position on the Board being filled by a citizen was accepted. Mr. Terry said there was another issue for consideration related to boards and commissions. A City budget amendment was proposed to allocate $13,000 for training and travel for board and commission members. In the next fiscal year there may be some funding available for MHB conferences or special training. Alderman Feldman said the justification behind this was due especially in relation to the Mental Health Board and the Commission on Aging experiencing the loss of professional staff support. For Board members to assume greater res onsibility there is the need for them to be better trained, bet er educated and more involved. The Commission on Aging raised the issue because they felt if they were going to accepgt more responsibility they wanted the training that comes with conferences, courses, subscriptions, etc. Customer Servicq Training, Mr. Terry will participate in a 2-day training in customer service as a member of the City's senior staff. Customer service is the City Manager and City Council's major objective for this year and the coming year. The City has engaged the services of one of the nation's top customer service experts to provide the training. All City employees will eventually receive training to provide focus on the citizen's needs, and to provide the best possible service to that individual. This will be the primary emphasis for all staff's jobs. Collaboration. Mr. Terry reported three different grant proposals, all touching upon collaboration, have been submitted Two are from District 65. one was submitted to the Illinois Board of Education for a collaborative pro ect to prevent residential out -of --district placement for behavioral disorders. The grant.calls for a case manager at each of the middle schools to organize before and after school services for specific identified students with problem behaviors. The Child Abuse group has. been working with other staff at District 65 to develop a grant for Project Success funds which would provide case management activities for school -related issues for some of the families at high risk of child abuse. The Health Department has submitted a grant to the Illinois Department of Public Aid for Healthy Moms/Healthy Rids money. It will provider case management related to health care services for high risk families. Mr. Terry noted the proliferation on dollars available for case management and wondered who would manage all the case managers. QOMM nity Health. Need. The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is changing the way it identifies and designates local public health entities. The present structure requires providing 10 core services in order to be certified as a local health department. The requirements are changing to require 4 core areas. There is a new assessment process for local entities to use to identify their own February, 1993 MHB Meeting Minutes Page 4 needs and capabilities to address those needs and priorities. Certification from IDPH is based on doing this. The Evanston Health Department is beginning a year long process to do this organizational assessment and assessment of community needs. It is currentlyy in the organizational phase and when completed will begin a process to assess the community need. The Mental Health Board and the Commission on Aging will be used as key informants. Mr. Terry pointed out Evanston does not have a Board of Health, and has not had one for 12-14 years. The Health Department has not had the benefit of systemized citizen input that the other entities of City government have had. State Mental, Health System flees. Mr. saver provided information and an '5v��tation to a hearing on reforming the State's mental health system on Friday, February 19th, at the state of Illinois Building. DMHDD Director Jess McDonald and community members of the Mental Health system Advisory Council will discuss the major changes being proposed.. Mr. Diers sugggested the MHB attempt to get Director McDonald to make a similar presentation in Evanston. Mr. Saver said he has already spoken with Barbara Cleveland of the Mental Health Association of Evanston regarding this possibility. Thera was consensus for the MHB to sponsor a local presentation on the proposed changes in the state's mental health system. Ms. Pearson and Ms. Ennis volunteered to assist in the planning. ETHs Jiealtil _Urvices . Ms. Pearson reported on her meeting with Debbie Koppleman, head of health Services at ETHS. She indicated there has been an alarming increase in the number of pregnancies at the high school. The high school's count at the middle of January was 41. Preventive measures have not been as effective as before. There is an additional problem because there is reluctance on behalf of the hospital doctors to accept responsibility for patients who are farther along in their pregnancy and have not had any previous medical attention. This is an issue with which the community will need to be deal. The P.T.A. Council also has an HIV Task Force working on pushing Districts 202 and 65 on prevention curriculum. Ms. Ennis brought up the Planned Parenthood program and suggested they be invited to talk to the MHB about their program and success rate. This could be a presented to the P.T.A.'s as well. Ms. Pearson said there is much disagreement among parents regarding the issue. Ms. Ennis offered to contact Planned Parenthood and arrange to have them come and educace the Board regarding the issue. IV] CONTRACT POLICY GUIDELINES FOR FY1993-94 PURCHASE OF SERVICE AGREEMENTS Mr. Saver reviewed the changes made in the Contract Policy Guidelines for FY1992-93. He said there were no than es recommended for FY1993-94. Ms. Ennis moved and Ms. Winfieyd seconded a motion to approve the Contract Policy Guidelines for FY1993-94 Purchase of service Agreements. Unanimously approved 5 aye - 0 no. February, 1993 MHB Meeting Minutes Page 5 Evil UNITED 'WAY/4 Cs DAY CARS HEARINGS Mr. Diers and Ms. Kimmerle attended the first United Way/4Cs hearings for day care centers, and Ms. Pearson attended the second hearing. The MHB reviewed Ms. Kimmerle's written report. Ms. Pearson reported that much of the second hearing centered on money, the problem with reimbursement rates from the state and the difficulty in raising funds for staff salary increases. Much of the discussion of the evening focused on the pregnancy rate at the high school. The Teen Baby Nurse has a cagac'ty of 16 and is currently filled, with a waiting lis of 17 high schhool girls. The high school's figures reflect that the number of reported pregnancies at ETHS was 38 two ears ago, 44 last year and 66 this school year. Ms. Pearson said he director of Infant Welfare society reported the rimary issues involved are prenatal care, families in chaos, and other issues affecting the children. Ms. Ennis said we should be concerned with the incidence of pregnant teens at ETHS because the census figures show the freshman population has increased this year, will drop in the next two years and go up after that. Mr. Terry informed the MHB that Helen McCarthy, the Director of 4Cs, has a raduate student working on a comprehensive overview of the availability of center care. It will be available sometime later in the year. He added there is a perception the two proprietary centers in town, A Caring World on Howard and Central Evanston on Dempster, are not doing well either in business terms or in consistent delivery of quality services. Mr. Terry indicated Reba Place has received Community Development funding to expand their facility and will be doubling their enrollment. JVIII) GROUP HOME LICENSING COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS Mr. saver reported the Group Housing Licensing Committee met twice to develop recommendations. They are recommending local registration for Residential Care Home Type 1 (4-8 people) and Residential Care Home Type 2 (9-15 people) which alread has a state license. The assumption is the smaller programs wil already be licensed and regulated by the state in some form. If a Residential Care Home Type 2 does not have a state license it will be required to provide additional information and obtain a local license. Most of the information being requested is very minimal in nature. The information on the draft application form requests basic information about the operation of the home, and about the applicant a ency or individual who will be running the home. Mr. Terry sugges ed there should be an opportunity, before the MHB completes its recommendations, to present them to the Human Services Committee (HSC) for feedback. The Law Department will review all final recommendations before they are presented to the Human Services Committee. Alderman Feldman said the HSC will look to the MHB for their anal s*s and rationale. Ms. Pearson said the major focus of the Commit ee has been how to keep the disreputable operators out without making it too difficult by setting standards too high and deterring good programs from etting started. Alderman Feldman said the values and standards should be clearly articulated and easily comprehended by applicants. Ms. Pearson moved and Ms. Winfield February, 1993 MHB Meeting Minutes Page 6 seconded a motion to approve the initial, draft recommendations from the Licensing Committee about licensing of Residential Care Homes. Approved unanimously 5 aye - 0 no. [IX] BOARD RESTRUCTURING PLAN Ms. Ennis presented recommendations for restructuring the MHB. She said some of the proposed committees may be activated for short periods of time, as needed, while others may be ongoing. This plan takes into account what the Mental Health Board has been responsible for in the past and is being asked to be responsible for in the future. It is not mandated that Board members will be responsible for fulfilling each item listed on the plan. There is a great need to establish priorities. A solution is needed for the best way to accomplish this, either by the Planning committee working on priorities and reporting back to the Board at the March meeting or for the MHB to be polled for their input about priorities. The Board has made commitments for next year which have to met. Ms. Pearson questioned whether MHB members had a reaction to the proposed board structure because it is different from the previous structure. It requires more work on the part of the Board, itself. Alderman Feldman agreed with the proposed new structure and said it looks like an organizational structure in which the Board will have more control over issues and tasks. Ms. Pearson said the new structure would involve the Board members more and make them more responsible. Ms. Winfield indicated she had concerns about the structure and had communicated them the Mr. Diers. She felt there should be more discussion on the matter before making any decisions. The Planning committee will provide additional recommendations at the March meeting. [X] IN MEMORIAM Mr. biers announced that Mary Gibb, former Executive Director of the commission on Aging, passed away late last month. Ms. Gibb's loss will be felt by the Cit 's human services community. The Mental Health Board expressed heir regrets to Mary Gibbs freinds and family, and shared a moment of silence in her memory. Motion was made to adjourn the meeting at 9:50 p.m. Motion approved unanimously. Respectfully submitted, Auarey-rropsKy, MHB sec tart' Minutes\Feb93 February, 1993 MHB Meeting Minutes Page 7 EVANSTON MENTAL HEALTH BOARD MEETING MINUTES THURSDAY, MARCH 11 1993 (Minutes recorded - not yet approved) Members Present: Art Diers, Ellen Browne, sally Ennis, Florence Winfield, Alderman Gene Feldman Presiding: Art Diers, Chairperson Staff: Jay Terry, Harvey Saver, Audrey Trotsky Guests: Leon Intrater, Caroline Frowe, Marcella Bicoff (ACORN); Larry Gavin (H.O.M.E.) (I] CALL TO ORDER AND INTRODUCTION OF GUESTS Chairperson Diers called the meeting to order at 7:35 p.m. and welcomed the guests. (III MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 11, 1993 MEETINGS The minutes of the February 11 1993 meeting were reviewed. A motion was made and seconded to accept the minutes of February 11, 1993 as corrected. Unanimously approved 5 aye - 0 no. (III] QUARTERLY REVIEW WITH ADULT COMMUNITY OUTREACH NETWORK (ACORN) Caroline Frowe (Board President), Leon Intrater (Executive Director) and Marcella Bicoff (Coordinator of Evanston Day and Residential Program) from ACORN Joined the MHB. Ms. Frowe provided an update of events at ACORN: establishing a safe place for the mentally ill and mentally ill homeless participants to spend afternoons and evenings productively; making a priority of being good neighbors; monitoring ACORN's participants in the community; improving the physical appearance of the agency; taking referrals and working closely with other Evanston social service providers (e.g., Evanston Hospital, St. Francis Hospital, Center for Public Ministry Shelter, H.O.M.E.). Ms. Frowe said ACORN's work is personally rewarding to their staff who have done an excellent l7ob. They are now seeing people moving out of their program to productive lives through housing and jobs. However, there are those who cannot function on their own and remain at ACORN for extended periods of time. They are achieving positive results throu h intensive case management with their participants. Ms. Bicof gave some examples of the methods used to accomplish this. Mr. Intrater said there are at least 4 Evanston families living in their Chicago programs for mentally ill mothers and children, and there are 2 or 3 Evanston referrals in ACORN's Chicago -based mentally ill homeless older adolescents and young adults program. Mr. Intrater invited the MHB to attend their programs both in Evanston and Chicago. March, 1993 MHB Meeting Minutes Page 1 - •� tea• �F�� -_ Mr. Saver asked about the impact of ACORN's renewed activity with the Food Depositor Mr. Intrater said ACORN is etting most of their Food through the Food Depository because it is significantly less expensive and enables ACORN to spend more of their FEMA funding on housing rather food. ACORN provides participants 2 good :Heals per day (lunch and dinner), 7 days a week. Participants have taken on the preparation and serving of the food, so staff is rarely involved with the food. Mr. Diers inquired regarding the number of clients on medication and staff's monitoring of these clients. Ms. Bicoff answered there are at least 50% of the clients on medication. ACORN's staff is only permitted to remind them to take their medication or give them water to take the medication. ACORN does conduct groups on the importance of taking medication. Mr. Intrater said there is a great deal of case management involved in hooking up the clients ACORN serves with appropriate psychiatrists and hospitals. Mr. Diers said ACORN accomplished a great deal in the past several months. He added he hoped this enabled ACORN to work throe h some of the problem they had been encountering in the Fall. Mr. In rater commented that out of the controversy came tremendous strength, growth and improvement. ACORN had recognized the issues and problems. The staff and Board of Directors had been working on them before they came to the attention of the City Council, otherwise this turn around could not have occurred in such a short period of time. The public debate was a push to ACORN to make things happen within a specific time period. Alderman Feldman noted the MHB had always felt ACORN was a valuable community resource. The agency's response to the issues which were raised solidified those feelings. He said the experience was a wonderful growth experience for both the MHB and ACORN. Ms. Bicoff commented the ACORN staff has grown stronger and is now working together toward the same goals. Mr. Intrater thanked the MHB for their positive comments regarding ACORN and attributed ACORN's success to the their wonderful volunteers and staff. Mr. Diers asked Mr. Intrater what ACORN's main problem was currently. Mr. Intrater said their major concern was funding. Mr. Diers thanked the ACORN representatives for coming and presenting their report. [IV] DISCUSSION WITH ANY COEN, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR PLANNED PARENTHOOD Amy Coen, Executive Director of Planned Parenthood, joined the MHB. Ms. Coen said she has been in reproductive health care for 20 years and is a parent of ETHS students. Planned Parenthood, primarily a family parenting provider, has been in Chicago for 50 years. The have 5 centers located in Cook County and serve almost 20,000 women a year. They have a very effective program of intensive community education. Educationally they see between 35,000 to 45(000 contacts a ear. Ms. Coen said their most effective program is in high schools. With the growing rate of teenagers in this country becoming pregnant, there has also been an increase in cases of sexually transmitted diseases. The sexuality education provided in the schools is too limited to make a strong impression or have a big impact. March, 1993 MHB Meeting Minutes Page 2 Ms. Coen said the way to have an impact on teenagers for not getting rerant is to have very high quality, extensive sexual education tha is built into a curriculum from grades kindergarten throughl2th grade which focuses upon all living skill areas, not just sexuality. This should include confidential, affordable services geared toward teenagers. When this curriculum and services are available a drop in teenage pregnancy is seen. Education slows sexual activity. Education in schools is crucial, however values, ethics and morals come from the family, churches and parent training. More community support is needed in the schools. Ms. Coen was asked whether she could envision a role for the MHB in the teenage pregnancy issue. Ms. Coen discussed the issue as an important public health issue but said there are mental health aspects to the consequences of unintended pregnancies. Planned Parenthood has seen an 80% drop in teen preegqnancies over a 4 year period at CVs High School with an enrollment of 2500 students as a result of their program. It is presented by a Planned Parenthood educator and a Catholic priest. Ms. Ennis said that at the Evanston substance Abuse Prevention Council (ESAPC) meeting she attended there was a suggestion to train parents and teachers to run small groups at ETHS to deal with AIDS, substance abuse and teen sexuality. A suggestion was made to have someone from the school come to the MHB meeting to discuss the issue thus letting the schools know the Mental Health Board has identified this as an issue of concern. Mr. Terry said the figures at the high school for teenage pregnancies appear high because the: girls are able to continue to attend classes and to complete their education as a result of the Teen Baby Nursery services and counseling programs. In earlier years pregnant teens dropped out of school. Mr. Diers thanked Ms. Coen for her presentation. Ms. Ennis said she would keep in touch with the issue and report back to the MHB- I V] GROUP HOME LICENSING COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS Mr. Saver said the Committee revised the .initial recommendations and raised a new issue regarding licensing recommendations for Category II homes that do not have a state license. They were concerned the pro osed standards were too vague and were in need of more specific criteria if they were to be used. Mr. Saver and Mr. Terry met with Kathy Brenniman, Assistant Corporation Council, for an informal review of the MHB's draft recommendations. Ms. Brenniman raised the same concerns the Committee had regarding the vague standards because it would be difficult to determine whether or not someone was in compliance. An option for the Board to consider is not doing local licensing but having a registration process. There are already existing focal standards in relation to safety and health which could be utilized. Mr. Saver said the development of more specific licensing standards will require a great deal of research. The criteria developed would need to be s ecific to mental illness or developmental disability, as well as to the different levels of functioning and skills for the specific individuals who would be in a March, 1993 MHB Meeting Minutes page 3 particular homes. Ms. Brenniman suggested the Committee further refine their recommendations and submit them to her for a legal review. Ms. Brenniman also informed Mr. Saver and Mr. Terry that the regulations that could be included were limited as the courts have ruled that regardless of intent if there is a disproportionate impact on special populations that limits their housing availability it is a violation of the Federal Fair Housing Amendments Act. Mr. Terry suggested that the Law Department should address the City Council about the legal issued before the MHB goes any further. The MHB discussed development and location of small group homes in the city. Alderman Feldman indicated the City Council is still debating group housing in the proposed Zoning Ordinance. Further Mental Health Board education about the issue might be helpful. The Board agreed to present its concerns and position about the proposed Zoning ordinance before the City Council prior to City Council's passing of the Ordinance. A question arose about licensing the Category II homes which were not licensed by the state. The Law Department had raised the concern regarding Category I and Category II homes as they are described in the Zoning Ordinance. They are based on standards related to density and special issues which do not exist in licensing. Mr. Terry and Mr. Saver were instructed by the Law Department not to enforce the existing ordinance as one cannot move to enforce what they believe to be an inappropriate ordinance. A suggestion was made to wait before proceeding with the issue. The Committee's recommendations could be carried through without any reference to licensing but only registration. There was some question as to whether or not the City Council would be in favor of licensing rather than registration. Ms. Brenniman offered to provide the Board with a formal legal opinion. There is still time to develop the licensing ordinance. The MHB agreed to develop a background statement to present to the City Council. Ms. Brenniman will be asked to look at the areas identified by the Committee. IV] INFORMATIONAL ITEMS Mental Health Svstem Reform Forum. Mr. Saver reminded the MHB the forum was scheduled for Thursday, March 11th at 7:30 p.m. There was a conflict in Director McDonald s schedule. He has been scheduled to present the DMHDD budget to the Senate Appropriations Committee on the same day and may be unavailable. There is a possibility Felicia Norwood, the Governor's Cabinet officer for Human Service, may appear in his place. Reoraanization of Boards and Commissions Ordinance. The Ordinance to reorganize Boards and Commission was passed. After the April meeting Alderman Feldman will no longer be on the Mental Health Board. reeti Services Committee Meetings. Mr. Diers suggested MHB members to send a representative to the Human Services Committee ngs. The Human Services Committee meets the 2nd and 4th Monday of the month at 7:30 p.m., prior to City Council meetings. Evanston Substance Abuse Prevention Councfij S C Ms. Ennis � �= attended the February ESAPC meeting and will make her report at the March, 1993 MHB Meeting Minutes Page 4 next Mental Health Board meeting. Her comments will tie in with a survey taken by the Junior League results of 85 organizations, school administrators, and other community leaders feelings about what they perceive as Evanston's greater problems. [VI] RECOMMENDATIONS FOR MHB STRUCTURE Ms. Ennis said the Planning Committee was unable to meet after the February meeting and hopes to meet prior to the April meeting. There will be a mailing between Board meetings regardingg changes in structure and the prioritization of MHB responsibilities. [VII] AD HOC EDUCATION COMMITTEE REPORT Ms. Ennis reported there was no Educational Committee report as Jess McDonald was to be the Board Education in April. Some suggestions for future education presenters include: a representative from Evanston Township High School to talk to the Board about pregnancy; someone from Voices for Illinois children, to talk about Children s LAN. The next Planning Committee meeting will develop a calendar for the next few months MHB education topics. Motion was made to adjourn the meeting at 9:50 p.m. Motion approved unanimously. Respectfully submitted, u rey ro xy, eC 5ary Minutes\Mar93 March, 1993 MHB Meeting Minutes Page 5 m &. . - ui 1 16 � u 11 i1 , C.111nil EVANSTON MENTAL HEALTH BOARD MEETING MINUTES THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 1993 (Minutes approved) Members Present: Art Diers, Anita Kimmerle, Sally Ennis, Florence Winfield, Nicki Pearson, Ellen Browne, Alderman Gene Feldman, Michael Kerns Presiding: Art Diers, Chairperson Staff: Jay Terry, Harvey Saver Guests: Claire McCarthy Peterson (H.O.M.E.); Davidson Ream (Mental Health Association of Evanston); Ann Graff, Carol Henes [I] CALL TO ORDER - INTRODUCTION OF GUESTS Mr. Diers called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. and asked the guests in attendance to introduce themselves. [II] SPECIAL RECOGNITION OF RETIRING BOARD MEMBER - GENE FELDMAN Mr. Diers invited community members to oin the Board.in honoring Alderman Gene Feldman who was leaving de Mental Health Board. He said with the reorganization of City Council all boards and commissions were losing their aldermanic representative. Davidson Ream, President of the Mental Health Association of Evanston, thanked Alderman Gene Feldman for his work on the Mental Health Board and said his speaking out on behalf of people with special needs would be missed. He said Alderman Feldman had been a very forceful and effective advocate. Mr. Ream expressed concern about the loss of the aldermanic representative on the MHB and said it would be important to continue to bring mental health issues to the attention of the City Council. He expressed confidence that Alderman Feldman would continue to be responsive to the concerns of the mental health community. Carol Henes, former MHB member, made the following comments: "When I 'retired' from the Mental Health Board last summer, Gene Feldman wrote a very eloquent and somewhat embarrassing tribute to me. Well, I could never be as eloquent as Gene but I can try to be embarrassing[ "Here's how I summarize Gene's involvement in the Mental Health Board. "1. He was our official aldermanic representative -- our liaison to the City Council. But Gene wasn't just a figurehead appointment. He jumped into the middle of things and wrapped himself up in our issues and affairs. He separated himself from the group only when it was useful to our cause. April, 1993 MHB Meeting Minutes Page 1 "2. He saw the whole picture, but picked out --and at --the salient things. Sometimes these things made us uncomfortable, but he picked anyway, always focusing on what seemed important and right. "3. Gene cared, and was passionate. I remember one time when I was chairperson, Gene had sunk his teeth into some issue and was ratcheting up the volume notch by notch. I was frantically looking around the group, tryingg to figure out how to handle this tactfully. Finally, I ]ust raised mmyy voice to match his and screamed, "Gene, you're yelling at us!" He looked startled for a minute, but then gave me one of his mischievous smiles and settled back down. "Gene, I know the Board will miss your presence at their meetings. But I also know that you'll continue to be a persuasive advocate for mental health issues on the City Council. "I'm very glad to have had the opportunity to serve with you on the Mental Health Board." Ann Graff, former MHB member, made the following comments: "I come here this evening to pay tribute to a former colleague and, I hope, good friend, Gene Feldman, known to all of us as The Quiet Man. T "While others swagger and swear in and around the corridors of power in this illustrious building, Gene creeps close to the wall hoping no one will notice him. He has kept his light under a bushel for so lone that many of people do not realize that he actually holds opinions - It's just that he dares not express them. After others fling themselves into the fray, he timidly raises his hand to respond to a call for a yea or nay vote. While some of his fellow aldermen are blustering and blowing steam, he sits back in a reflective mode analyzing each argument. After his keen mind sifts through the many debate points, Gene will fall on one side or the other, often at the very last minute - sometimes when his vote no longer matters. "We come together tonight to honor this shrinking violet as he leaves the Mental Health Board, known throughout Evanston as a bastion of serenity and tranquility - where visitors beg to attend meetings so that the wisdom and karma of the Board can rub off on them. "We urge Gene to increase his self-esteem as he leaves this nurturing environment to go out into the great world - to throw off the shackles of his inferiority complex, acquired, no doubt, on the pplaying fields of Hyde Park High School. Forget you are a southsider, Gene, in a world of Northsider and Northshorers. Get with the empowerment program and release those inhibitions that have crippled you for all these years. April, 1993 MHB Meeting Minutes Page 2 Seriously - "Those of us who have served on the Mental Health Board know that no matter how wise and wonderful it is as a body, in a democracy it is the elected officials who ultimately make the biq decisions and fight the big battles in Council committees and on the floor of the city Council. Gene has represented the Board so well and for so long - not really this body, but those the Board represents - those people in the community who have no voice, no lobbyists, no claque and are not a voting block. "so it has fallen on Alderman Feldman to carry the torch - to fight for the men, women and children who always seem to be the first to be criticized, the first to have services cut, the ones about it is so often said - This isn't our responsibility. Please never forget them, Gene. Even though you will no longer be part of the deliberations of the Board, continue to carry the spirit with you." Nicki Pearson read the following comments which were sent in by Gerald Gulley, Director of SHORE: Community services. "Dear Gene: I understand that you will be saying "Farewell" to the Evanston Mental Health Board, and I want to be one of the many people who wish to express their appreciation to you for your volunteer services to this fine group. "I am sure it was not easy to find the additional time this Committee assignment required, but you did it aid it was done admirably. Those concerned with the mentally disabled, whether they be the developmentally, disabled or the mentally ill are very special. The challenges faced by those working on the needs of individuals with mental disabilities are not easily resolved, nor are they necessarily popular causes, therefore, all the more reason to salute your services. "My very best wishes to you in the new roles you will assume." Claire McCarthy Peterson s oke as a member of the community and said she was grateful for the a l of the time Alderman Feldman invested as a member of the MHB on behalf of people with mental health problems and developmental disabilities. she thanked him for effectively bringing the concerns to the City Council. Art Diers made the following comments on behalf of the Mental Health Board: "Tonight we honor Alderman Gene Feldman and thank him for his participation as a member of the Mental Health Board. Gene is n, retiringfromfrom the Mental Health Board. This may be the only time= we will be able to use the word "retiring" in relation to Gene.=y He has been an effective advocate. The issues he has raised with #t us, his concerns and his passion P have shown caring and compassion g P for those in our community who are most in need and least able to do for themselves. April, 1993 MHB Meeting Minutes Page 3 "Gene always wore 2 hats in his work with the Mental Health Board. This meant he sometimes had to appear in 2 public meetings at once. But he was always available to provide expert technical advice about how to raise the visibility of our issues and to successfully sell our position to the community and to City Council. He encouraged us to focus upon not only doing well but doingg it for the right reasons. Through Alderman Feldman we learned to be politically wise. "Gene provide encouragement for us in the difficult task of developing comprehensive amendments to the Long Term Care ordinance which were more responsive to the rights of recipients, and to the programming and habilitation needs of our target populations. He helped us to raise issues and advocate with the State about the inadequate services in long term care facilities for persons with developmental disabilities and mental illness. And he helped in the review and development of our recommendations about group housing for revisions to the Zoning Ordinance. "Gene never let us forget our responsibilities to - and our mandate from - the community to help craft an Evanston that was more responsive more inclusive and more equitable for the needs of all of its citizens. We thank you and present you with this plague with an inscription that reads: "The Evanston Mental Health Board for the City of Evanston recognizes Gene Feldman. Your voice has provided strength and assurance to those Evanston residents *ith special needs. In appreciation for outstanding service on the Evanston Mental Health Board. June, 1989 - May, 1993." Alderman Feldman thanked the MHB and the members of the communit . He said the Mental Health Board is different than most of the other boards in city government. It is a unique and difficult job because one is called upon to fairly represent and speak for other people's interests. These are often people with very extreme needs and unable to participate in representing their own concerns. Alderman Feldman said he had been stimulated by the knowledge, compassion and concern that he found among the members of the MHB during his tenure. He promised to carry on that kind of concern for the people represented by the MHB, and hoped that he would continue to be used for consultation about the development of policy in mental health matters. Alderman Feldman said he respected the work of the MHB deeply. It has a very special place in the community and to City Council. (The MHB took a brief recess to have refreshments provided for the celebration). (Florence Winfield excused herself because she was ill and left the meeting at 8:10 p.m.) [III] COMMUNITY COMMENTS Claire McCarthy Peterson, President of H.O.M.E., said the April, 1993 MHB Meeting Minutes Page 4 organization would be closing on its second residence, a three -flat in Evanston, the next morning. H.O.M.E. has already been working on its relocation plan. The program will serve 6 low-income persons with chronic mental illness in a homelike environment and provide them with intensive casse management. The start-u is anticipated in late summer. Ms. Peterson asked the MHB for a let or of support for its request to DMHDD for an additional $25,000 to fund the program. Ms. Browne moved and Ms. Pearson seconded a motion to support the request of H.O.M.E. to DMHDD for $25,000 to fund the additional program costs for its second residence. Passed unanimously 7 aye - 0 no. [Iv] MINUTES OF MARCH 11, 1993 MEETING Ms. Browne moved and Ms. Pearson seconded a motion to approve the minutes of the March 11, 1993 meeting as delivered. Passed - unanimously 7 aye - 0 no. IV] INFORMATIONAL ITEMS / UPDATES Child Abuse Advisory Committee. In response to questions from Ms. Pearson and Mr. Diers, Mr. saver discussed changes that are being discussed by the Child Abuse Advisory Committee (CAAC) in the way that Evanston agencies deal with suspected child abuse cases. In addition, CAAC is developing community protocols for reporting abuse which include notifying the Evanston Police Department (PD) at the same time the DCFS Abuse Hotline is called. There is.a workshop being planned for the Fall with the PD, child care providers, school personnel and social service agencies to talk about the implementation of the new procedures and any problems that might arise. Director's Report. (1) Mr. Terry reminded the MHB members to submit their financial disclosure statements to the City Clerk; (2) City Council has adopted a new policy which makes any members of boards or commissions who are appointed to fill out a term eligible for 2 full terms. As a result of the new poll, Art Diers and Michael Kerns would each be eligible for an addicytional year on the MHB. (3) The current census at Campus Town is 22 people. All are living on a single floor. Placements have been identified for all of the individuals. The facility is scheduled for closure at the end of April. (4) The City will be meeting with EvMark to discuss a new program for the greater downtown area. The program would assist with marketing for downtown businesses, but would also be available to help identify and deal with mental health issues and panhandlers who are in the business area. It is tentatively scheduled to start in mid May. Board Training Funds. Mr. Saver reviewed several upcoming training opportunities for the MHB. He said these would be sent out as regular information items for the MHB. Alderman Feldman encouraged the MHB to use the funds which have been allocated for board training in the City Budget. The Council will look to see how the funds are being utilized in determining future allocations. April, 1993 MHB Meeting Minutes Page 5 [VI] GROUP HOME LICENSING COMMITTEE UPDATE Mr. Terry said that, after consulting with the City Manager and the Legal Department, he recommended the MHB let the City Council process to revise the Zoning. Ordinance run its course before the MHB further developed its licensing recommendations. several members of City Council were expressing interest in more rigorous licensing requirements for group housing than the MHB is willing to currently recommend. There are also a number of legal issues regarding licensing which will need to be addressed so it seems premature for the MHB to put too much effort in develo ing extensive recommendations without additional direc?ion. Mr. Saver informed the MHB that Skokie had a lawsuit pending regarding group housing. The Skokie Zoning Ordinance requires a special use process for any home which does not have a state license. A private company which works with people with physical disabilities is refusing to go through the special use and alleging it should be allowed to develop a small group home as a permitted use based upon the Federal Fair Housing Amendments Act. [VII] ACORN SUBCOMMITTEE UPDATE ON MONITORING Mr. Terry said the purchase of service agreement for ACORN was drafted to include certain provisions, based upon discussions with the agency last Fall. However, ACORN is now balking at submitting their board minutes and believes this singles out the agency too much. Mr. Terry asked the MHB for direction. There was consensus that the submittal of board minutes was unnecessary and too intrusive. The MHB agreed that the specific information which was of interest could be provided in the quarterly review of ACORN. Ms. Ennis identified areas which were highlighted for further report by ACORN. Mr. Terry will use the issues identified by the ACORN Subcommittee to develop the quarterly reporting requirements for ACORN. The document will be shared with the MHB at the May meeting. [VIII] ROUND TABLE DISCUSSION: DEVELOPMENT OF PRIORITY ISSUES Mr. Diers asked the group to discuss their interests and concerns about their participation on the MHB. Ms. Browne said she was concerned about the group being unfocused and trying to deal with dribs and drabs in too many areas. She said she would like to have the MHB focus on a few areas where there is actually room to make inroads and to accomplish something. She did not have a particular priority issue. Mr. Kerns expressed concern that the issue of collaboration was dropped; believes the issue of duplication of services needs to be pursued. He said he would like to have each Board member assigned to be liaison to an agencyin order to learn about its problems. Ms. Browne said she would like to be able to pick a specific agency or issue she is most interested in rather than be randomly assigned. Ms. Kimmerle said she was feeling the need for more direction, and for the MHB to take more of a lead role in making events occur. she also wanted to be a liaison with agencies as an informed person seeking out concerns and issues to be shared with the MHB. Ms. April, 1993 MHB Meeting Minutes Page 6 Pearson said she feels like things are in a holding pattern. The MHB finallyy needs to consider what a decrease in available staff time means in terms of the work the MHB should be doing itself. Ms. Ennis said the purpose of the MHB should be to encourage a response to issues, to educate the community about mental health concerns and to move people to solutions. Alderman Feldman said there has to be more to the purpose of the MHB than funding and monitoring. There need to be some substantive issues in order to keep people involved. He suggested the MHB explore possibilities. some ideas may be rejected because there is not personal interest in pursuing them. But there needs to be more time in deliberation about what to do as a ?groue. He also recommended the MHB engage service reci ients for their points of view, where possible, whale developing liaison relationships with agencies. Ms. Ennis said she would like to be able to discuss issues about which Board members are passionate. Board members could individually pursue issues and discuss them with the Board. Ms. Pearson said there would need to first be some affirmation before an individual could represent the MHB as a Board member. Mr. Diers said he thought the MHB was struggling with what it can do within its capacity with less staff time. The MHB has been dealing with substantive issues but needs to think about what it can do in a more limited framework. Mr. Terry said the MHB still has significant staff support and the abiliy to accomplish its agenda, but it has to first develop and identify its own priorities and give direction to staff. Ms. Pearson said the MHB became overly dependent upon staff providing its direction in the past. Ms. Browne said she thought the MHB was feeling the lack of staff guidance. It was helpful to have issues ientified and be able to make choices as to their relative importance. Alderman Feldman noted other boards lost staff support and a pear to be functioning at a more productive level than the MHB. While there IN may have been a loss in staff positions, he has not noted a decline in staff resronsiveness. He is sensitive to that issue and is monitoring it closely. I, The MHB agreed to discuss at its May meeting the change in the role of MHB staff, changes needed in the role of Board member in relation to changes in MHB staff support and to clarify the relationships between Board members and staff. They will also tallk about why they are on the MHB. staff was requested to prepare a list on which Board members will sign up to identify agencies with which they want to be liaison. Meeting adjourned at 9:40 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Harve ' D . - Saver Assis ant Director April, 1993 MHB Meeting Minutes page 7 EVANSTON MENTAL HEALTH BOARD MEETING MINUTES THURSDAY, MAY 13, 1993 (Minutes approved) Members present: Art Diers, Anita Kimmerle Florence Winfield, Nicki Pearson, Marcia Nelson, Michael Kerns Presiding: Art Diers, Chairperson Staff: Jay Terry, Harvey Saver Guests: Linda Selway, Clare Monroe, Katherine Linsenmeier, Theresa Hazard, Pam Horstmann (Evanston Township High School); Kate Mahoney (PEER services) [I] CALL To ORDER - INTRODUCTION OF GUESTS Mr. Diers called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. and asked the guests in attendance to introduce themselves. [II] MINUTES OF APRIL 8, 1993 MEETING Ms. Winfield moved and Ms. Pearson seconded a motion to approve the minutes of the April 8, 1993 meeting as corrected. Passed unanimously 5 ape - 0 no. (Mr. Kerns joined the Board at 7:35 p.m.) [III] BOARD EDUCATION ABOUT SUBSTANCE ABUSE Linda Selway, ETHS Student Assistance Services Coordinator; Rate Mahoney, Executive Director of PEER Services; and, Clare Monroe, Katherine Linsenmeier, Theresa Hazard and Pam Horstmann, members of ETHS student -To -student, joined the 14HB. Student Assistance services. Ms. Selway described the ETHS Student Assistance Services proggram (SAS) which has been in the high school for 6 years. SAS provides comprehensive prevention, intervention, support and educational services for students related to the use of alcohol and mood -altering chemicals. Ms. Selway said SAS participates in ETHS's Substance Abuse Awareness Week in the Fall for all freshmen. PEER services also works with the high school in providing information to the students during the week. Student -To -Student also participates in the events of the week, and provides information through freshman advisories. SAS also has a "Because I Care" program in which staff at the high school refer students who are exhibiting symptoms which might indicate signs of substance abuse. Ms. Selway said she would either deal with the situation directly or arrange an appropriate intervention. If substance abuse is not involved but there seems to be a problem SAS will make a referral within the school or to a community agency for whatever follow-up is indicated. May, 1993 MHB Meeting Minutes Page 1 Ms. Selway reviewed the range of different programs which are provided through SAS. The Students Under The Influence program offers students who violate ETHS's substance abuse policies a voluntary alternative to a 10 day out -of -school suspension. The alternative offers education skill -buildings and an evaluation. Parent participation is required. some of the programs are done in conjunction with PEER Services. Kate Mahoney assists in facilitating Parent -Adolescent Workshops, while PEER Services staff provide early intervention counseling for at -risk students. SAS also provides staff development and teacher training related to student substance abuse. Student To student. Ms. Solway said the students who were with her at the table were from student -To -Student (STS), another of the SAS rograms. This is a eer leadership grogram in which experienced and rained high school students help train other students in substance abuse prevention and leadership skills and. The goal is to present substance abuse prevention programs to students in both the high school and area elementary schools. The students discussed their participation in STS. They said it was a peer leadership program in which they received training and were developing skills to teach other students to say no. STS has weekly meetings to develop skills and to learn about feelings and their effect upon behavior. They also learn how to help other students talk about their own feelings and how to deal with them. Every year STS goes to Dawes Elementary School in the Spring to work with 4th and 5th graders. They try to help the kids develop "refusal skills". The STS group also makes different recognition awards with a prevention theme that are distributed to kids STS trains to reinforce and encourage the growth that goes on in training groups that they lead. There are about 20 students who regularly participate in STS. Students who join make a public commitment not to use alcohol or tobacco, to remain drug free and to stay out of gangs. Ms. Selway interjected that this would describe many of the students at ETHS, however students in STS have agreed to make a public stand about their commitment. If they slip on the their commitment they cannot be in STS because they are visible in the community and provide leadership for other students. It would hurt the credibility of STS if the participants were abusing substances. The students said they got involved in STS because it provides a .f support system; it is a way to make a commitment to a particular system of personal beliefs; its is a valuable alternative to less desirable activities which are available to youth in high school. Ms. Pearson commended the group for having the a to stand up coura g about an issue like this. In response to questions from the MHB the students from STS provided the following answers: It is generally v obvious when a student falls away from their commitment to STS and# does not come forward voluntarily to admit it or to ask for help.`''' The greatest temptation for you at ETHS is alcohol and smoking; Kil store owners in town are not very concerned about sellingcigarettes to underage youth; alcohol is more readily available to high school students if they go into Chicago - there are a number of places where_ May, 1993 MHB Meeting Minutes page 2 ETHS students purchase alcohol or have it purchased for them. STS does recruitment by talking about the program with every freshman during Substance Abuse Awareness Week; presenting information twice during student advisories; and, discussing it when there are presentations in classrooms. Students who do not follow through with the program during the to day Student Under The Influence supervision are suspended but SAS reaches out to them and tries to do follow up; information is provided to other staff so they are aware that assistance was offered to a student who might be in trouble or at -risk and that it was turned down. SAS programs and prevention education are integrated into regular classroom curriculum whenever possible; the Because I Care program is explained to new teachers at a luncheon so they will be more alert and respond to a student who is "waving a red flag" by exhibiting problem behavior. In addition to Dawes, STS has done presentations at Nichols and Haven Middle schools and Washington Elementary school. Generally, students have been very favorable and positive about the DARE program, but it is not clear what the long term impact has been. Ms. Selway said PEER services' Early Intervention counselor spends 2-3 full days a week providing group and individual counseling. The program provides support to a large number of kids, but it is able to meet the need at this point. she said she is providing support groups for many kids who come from families where there is chemical abuse in one of the parents. This seems to be a large and growing need. This intervention also serves a prevention function because the kids in these families are at high risk for substance abuse. Mr. Diers thanked Ms. selway and the youth from Student To Student for their presentation. Reg Identification Bill. Kate Mahoney said she was representing the Evanston substance Abuse Prevention Council ESAPC) and its efforts to have a beer keg identification ordinance In Evanston. The idea began in Massachusetts 2 years ago. The Regional Prevention Group began to consider the legislation last year, and saw it as a way locally to support existing laws about it being illegal for youth to drink. Hs. Mahoney said she was approaching the MHB about supporting the effort because of their history of workin in conjunction with ESAPC on social policy issues related to subs ance abuse. A keg identification law is a prevention initiative because it will remind the purchasers of keg beer of their responsibility for the contents of kegs, and to ensure that undera a youth do not have access to the beer. She explained the purpose o? the keg ordinance which was adopted in Wilmette, and of the model ordinance developed by the Northwest Municipal Conference. While a keg ordinance is not going to stop.undera a youth from drinking, it is another buildin block in developing a strong prevention message in the community. I? gives a message to the community about the danger of youth having access to beer. Ms. Mahoney said the problems with underage youth drinking were elaborated upon in the first round of a key informant survey being conducted by ESAPC. The preliminary results were with high school staff, substance abuse professionals and police departmen personnel All 17 respondents interviewed indicated that youth have access to keg beer. They said it was available either by "arranging for older May, 1993 MHB Meeting Minutes Page 3 people to buy it for them", or "at parties given by adults where adults and youth are in attendance. All 17 respondents said they would support local legislation like a keg identification ordinance. They said they would support anything which would slow down youth access to beer. In response to Ms. Nelson's question, Mr. saver said he had interviewed the owner of the liquor store in Wilmette which sells keg beer 3 months after their ordinance went in to effect. The owner was very supportive and positive about the Wilmette ordinance. He said it did not appear to be effecting his business, and was enabling him to document that he was in compliance with other laws about not selling to minors. Theresa Hazard, from Student -To -Student, said she supports the idea behind the keg bill but did not know how much impact it would have in Evanston. she believes keg beer is generally being purchased by minors in Chicago with very little difficulty. Students also have access to keg beer at parties thrown by college students. Mr. Terry asked whether it had been established that the keg bill was able to be prosecuted? Ms. Mahoney said the ordinance only had the loss of a deposit as the measure for enforcement. As a law it served to support other existing laws about sale of alcohol to youth. Mr. Diers and Mr. Kerns added it would also provide some measure of evidence in a civil suit over damages that resulted from drinking possibly in con unction with social host responsibility or parental respons:ibilit Ms. Ms. Pearson suggested the ESAPC also present information about a keg bill to the ETHS PTA and the District #202 School Board. Ms. Mahoney said these were being considered as well as the Chamber of Commerce. Ms. Nelson moved and Ms. Kimmerle seconded a motion that the Mental Health Board keep apprised of the development of a local keg identification ordinance, and request the Evanston Substance Abuse Prevention Council to return to the Mental Health Hoard when there is an ordinance ready for support. Passed unanimously 6 aye - 0 no. Mr. Kerns volunteered to represent the MHB in helping develop language for the keg identification ordinance in conjunction with the ESAPC. Ms. Nelson expressed appreciation to Linda Selway, the Student To student representatives and Kate Mahoney for a very informative presentation. She thanked staff for the background information distributed beforehand and said it was an approach which should be used in the future with Board educational presentations. Ms. Kimmerle discussed the Student Wellness Fair being produced on June 5 at Washin ton School by Students Together Organizing Prevention (S.T.O.P.7. She said that anyone Board members able to help in the events for that day should contact Harvey Saver. Ms. Selway thanked the MHB for their interest in substance abuse issues. She said it was important that more people in the community become aware of the problems and support the efforts of youth trying to help themselves. May, 1993 MHB Meeting Minutes Page 4 1�I u,i Y i, , ,i III . ,III IY W Il,e 1 Jl I ill II uIII JI II �hiII, Il , i I I II II I 1 1 1 A WIWIII A(IIII 1111416 [IV] ROUND TABLE DISCUSSION: DEVELOPMENT OF PRIORITY ISSUES The MHB reviewed the reports from the Planning Committee. They discussed the issues raised by the Committee and, by consensus, requested the following for future Board activity: [1] Reaffirmed that one of the major functions of the MHB is funding; monitoring and analyzing data and outcomes; and, documenting contract compliance. (2) The MHB requested that board education by outside groups be a component of Board meetings whenever possible. [3] Interested Board members are encouraged to take responsibility for becoming familiar with and developing knowledge about an agency or an issue area, and for reporting about these{ as needed, at monthly MHB meetings. (A sign-up sheet of issues and areas of interest was reviewed.) (4) MHB members will be responsible for arranging their own site visits during the year and duringthe UBP hearings. (5] The MHB requested that training opportunities and notices of meetings and conferences should be sent to MHB members in whose interest area they lie. [6] Agreed to develop a new MHB orientation packet. (The City is working an a new orientation manual for all boards and commissions.) [7) Agreed to develop a new reporting mechanism with Human Services Committee (HSC). Requested minutes of HSC minutes for the MHB packet, and that the HSC agenda be distributed to the MHB chair and Vice -Chair on Thursday prior to HSC meetings. [a] Reaffirmed the need to ppaarticipate in community needs assessments being done by the United Way and the Health Department. (9] Reaffirmed the need to follow up on the Health Department's Annual report on Long Term Care, and retain an active interest in the activities at Evanston's long term care facilities for the mentally ill. [10] The MHB has pursued the development of recommendations for licensure requirements for Residential Care Homes and can proceed no further, at this time, without answers about le al issues and additional direction from City council. Reques?ed staff to pursue the expectations and thoughts about the licensing ordinance with Human Services Committee. The MHB agreed that, as an end in and of itself reviewing the Memorandum of Understanding with the Mental Heath Association of Evanston (MHAE) was not a priority. The MHB will continue to work with the MHAE on an issue by issue basis. The MHB agreed to continue the discussion about priorities and a focus for Hoard activities at the June meeting. The MHB did not reach consensus on the following: [1] No one present at the meeting signed up for a priority issue area of agency. What is necessary to move this forward? [2] What is the next step in pursuing collaborative initiatives? Can ELAN be a model collaborative effort or is their another target population for collaboration which is a higher priority? May, 1993 MHB Meeting Minutes Page 5 [3] Teen pregnancy and its negative community impact is a concern for the MHB. However the extent to which the Board feels this is a priority for ac�ion and leadership by the MHB has not been resolved. [Y] ACORN SUBCOMMITTEE UPDATE ON MONITORING Mr. Terry provided an update on the additional monitoring requirements for the FY93-94 Purchased service Agreement with ACORN. [VI] NOMINATING COMMITTEE REPORT Ms Winfield presented the slate from the Nominating Committee for officers of de MHB. sally Ennis was nominated for Chairperson and Nicki Pearson was nominated for Vice -Chairperson of the MHB. Mr. Terry clarified that the new officers would assume their positions at the Jul yy meeting. The MHO Bylaws require the MHB to vote upon the slate of candidates at its June meeting. The actual term of office is one year from July 1 - June 30. Ms. Nelson reported that, at her inauguration, Mayor Lorraine Morton announced that the Evanston Reyie► would be publishing a description of all the City's boards and commissions so that she could actively solicit citizens to serve as new members. Meeting adjourned at 9:45 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Harvey u. saver Assistant Director May, 1993 MHB Meeting Minutes Page 6 EVANSTON MENTAL HEALTH BOARD MEETING MINUTES THURSDAY JUNE 10, 1993 (Minutes approved) Members Present: Art Diers, Florence Winfield, Nicki Pearson, Sally Ennis, Michael Kerns Presiding: Art Diers, Chairperson Staff: Jay Terry, Harvey Saver Guests: Larry Gavin, Gail Brownmiller (H.O.M.E.); Martha Whelan Robinson, Sally DeVicentis (Neighborhood services); Jeanne Fox (ACORN) [I] CALL TO ORDER - INTRODUCTION OF GUESTS Mr. Diers called the meeting to order at 7:40 p.m. and asked the guests in attendance to introduce themselves. (II] BOARD EDUCATION: UPDATE ON CHICAGO-READ MENTAL HEALTH CENTER Marva Arnold, Facility Director at Chicago -Read Mental Health Center (CRMHC), joined the Mental Health Board. She said the changes she is instituting at the facility are in response to the Mental Health Reform Plan being proposed to Governor Edgar. The mental health system in Illinois is a 2-tier system, like other parts of the health care system. The proposal is a 5-year plan which is attempting to eliminate the 2 different levels o service and to develop continuity between community -based and institution -based mental health services. CRMHC is beginning to implement changes even before the Reform Plan is fully instituted, and is working to form partnerships with mental health clinics in the community. In response to questions which were submitted by the Mental Health Board Director Arnold provided the following: Explanation and rationale for the reorganization of CRMHC's clinical services. What are the objectives? Currently, between CRMHC and community mental health providers there is neither a shared understanding about what CRMHC is able to do with people who are institutionalized, nor about the capabilities and resources of the community providers. To counter this CRMHC's units are being reorganized. Individuals were previously admitted and assigned to a unit at CRMHC on a rotating basis. Now, each unit is being identified with a specific local area network (LAN); in some cases, or 3 LANs will share 1 unit. The intent is for people who are admitted to the facility to be placed on units based upon the geographic area from which they come. It is hoped the change will make it easier for community providers to find and follow-up on clients from their LAN service area, and eliminate conflicts at both admission and discharge. This is also intended to facilitate better working relationships between the community and institutional staff, and provide for greater continuity of care for the service recipient June, 1993 MHB Meeting Minutes page 1 The state is trying to provide a more "seamless' system of public mental health services, with less fragmentation. The reorganization is also intended to help control admissions to CRMHC. There are currently more than 7000 presentations and 4000 admissions at CRMHC annually. Director Arnold said she is hoping admissions will go down as services in the community are increased. As the demand for institutional services is decreased the State's plan is for resources to be shifted to the community to support more services. Right now there are 100 beds at Read that are for Yon term clients. These beds do not turn over. CRMHC's length of stay is short because there are always people with greater needs coming for admissions and needing beds of people with less severe needs. The plan for CRMHC is to work with smaller numbers of people from a more severely disabled population. Beds for these individuals will open up as resources are developed for people in the community. Director Arnold said many of the people who are deflected from CRMHC are probably not being served well by anyone. But the State is trying to avoid expanding costly services in the institution - at an average cost of $150 per day - in favor of putting more resources into the expansion of less restrictive, less expensive, community services. This would enable the community to serve more difficult clients. There will be the need to reeducate the facility staff and to reorganize services for any change to occur. Governor Edgar is prepared to ask for an increase in community funding levels over the next 5 years. As facilities are downsized there will be an attempt to shift resources to the community. (Mr.Kerns joined the Board at 8:00 p.m.) Director Arnold said she would like to see communities fully involved at CRMHC within the next 12 months. Minimally,a community agency or i LAN representatives would come to CRNHC for an ndividual's first staffing after they are admitted and would also be involved during discharge planning. As LANs develop their own service capabilities, Director Arnold said she hoped the unit affiliations would enable the community to work with institutional staff on developing treatment strategies for each unit and to share resources in providing services in the community and the institution. Each unit's plan would be dependent upon the types of services each LAN would be willing to make available. Where possible, she would like community staff to be directly involved in providing some services on the CRMHC units. What has been the impact of the DMHDD Inspector General on the job of a Facility Director? Director Arnold said the DMHDD Inspector General (IG) has had a dramatic impact upon all state facilities. With the IG's involvement it is now easier to impose discipline on employees. Previously, it was difficult to impose discipline upon an employee who was found guilty when a problem was identified. The facility director is able to review and make recommendations. That is just the first stage in reviewing charges of abusive or neglectful behavior. The facility director is several steps removed from the ultimate decision making review and authority which is handled by the State's Central Management services. Typically, a facility director has to use the chain of command and issues are handled quietly, through the State's internal system of review. June, 1993 MHB Meeting Minutes page 2 The IG is able to raise an issue publicly in the press. When she recommends discipline she is able to make it stack by not having to got through all of the layers of review for a problem situation. The IG has a direct relationship with the Governor's office and her recommendation is less likely to be overturned. The IG's involvement has also made employees more aware of the seriousness of their job and the need to deal with people with problem behaviors in an appropriate manner. Which of the problems at CRMHC have you been most successful in resolving since you became Facility Director? Which are still unresolved? What is being done about those? Progress has been slow. Before she is able to implement the changes that are needed she is having to deal with attitudes. The staff at CRMHC have had to contend with constant criticism in the press and constant scrutiny through surprise inspections. They have also had to bear the brunt of an inadequate budget and understaffed units. Director Arnold said she has been successful in helping burned out staff and administrators begin to change their attitudes and deal with an overwhelming situation. Director Arnold said she has also had some initial success in helping employees by providing support to make their jobs easier. The facility has a limited amount of funds she has redirected to the purchase of computers to eliminate some of the repetitive but time consuming parts of the job, like charting and treatment planning. CRMHC will also be used as a pilot project for the computerization of medical records. A computer expert is being used to analyze the needs. There are still a number of problems. The physical plant is the most obvious. Because environmental and safety codes have been upgraded CRMHC is not up-to-date for fire safety and prevention standards. This will result in the loss of accreditation of CRMHC and will force the State to make expenditures to bring the buildings in line with current code. What impact are the emplo ee unions having on your plans for change? Director Arnold reported Ne unions have been slowing down the change process. They are challenging changes being proposed in employee practices that have developed over the years. But there has to be a change in both policies and procedures at CRMHC in order to create an appropriate setting for treatment. She said she believes the unions and the employees are slowing coming around. On the CRMHC's Community Advisory Board local area networks have been encouraged to bring their clinical resources in to the facility's units as a part of their responsibility to coordinate services. What is the state facility's responsibility to provide resources to community agencies? Director Arnold said she has asked the agencies to come in to the facility in order to develop a team approach to providing clinical services to persons with mental illness. She said the immediate payoff is that it will provide support for the facility's staff and make the job on the units easier, The state facility's resources are limited, however. The only way resources can flow to the community is by downsizing the facility and reducing June, 1993 MHB Meeting Minutes Page 3 staff. she said she believes dollars will be moved to the community but she said she does not think it will be enough over the 5 years projected for the implementation of the Reform Plan to make a significant difference. Are there any people who are "untreatable"? If so, what does cRMHc do with people who are "untreatable"? Director Arnold identified a population which is involved with substance abuse and is short term in their use of CRMHC. They turn over quickly and they show u frequently. She said she does not want to burn up the facilitp y's resources for these individuals who are generally not receptive to treatment. CRMHC will stabilize them, provide detoxification and get them under control. Then they will try to link them with a substance abuse agency in the community. If and when they are ready they will be able to use the services at CRMHC. Mr. Diers thanked Director Arnold for her thoughtful comments and for taking time in the eveningg to come to discuss her plans with the community. He asked her to keep the MHB informed about changes at CRMHC, and said the MHB would continue to monitor those activities through its role as Coordinating Agency of the Evanston Local Area Network. [III] CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES OF MAY 13, 1993 Ms. Pearson moved and Ms. Winfield seconded a motion to approve the minutes of the May 13, 1993 meeting as corrected. Passed unanimously 5 aye - 0 no. [IV] REPORT ON EVANSTON LOCAL. AREA NETWORK MEMBERSHIP MEETING Ms. Pearson reported on the June 8 Membership Meeting for the Evanston Local Area Network. She said there was a very good turnout of about ?o people.including many consumers and family members. They were obviously anxious to have their concerns and issues heard by the group. One representative and one alternate were selected to represent primary consumers and secondary consumers. Mr. Diers said the exchange of information was excellent and provided a very special, unusual opportunity to discuss mental health consumers' issues. He added that the meeting was very well planned. The presentors were very concise and informative in discussing the local and state mental health systems. Ms. Ennis said the meeting was an important forum. There was a list generated during a brainstorm activity at the meeting in which the people in attendance were asked to identify their issues and concerns with the mental health system. She suggested the MHB might want to consider that list in the future to help identify issues with which they want to get involved. June, 1993 MHB Meeting Minutes Page 4 [V] REVIEW PRELIMINARY REQUESTS FOR FY94-95 MHB FUNDING Housina Options for the Mentally T11 in Evanston.Larry Gav n, St -and Gail Brownmiller, Executive Director, of H.O.M.E. joined the MHB. Ms. Brownmiller distributed the agency's new brochure. she said the agency grew out of the efforts of individuals who were involved in the original introduction of group housing in Evanston's Zoning Ordinance. Their mission is to create an array of housing.options for persons with mental illness. Rather than developing an array of support services which other agencies can offer, H.O.M.E. contracts for those services for the people in their housing. Ms. Brownmiller said the agency is getting 3-6 calls per week from people looking for housing. Last year there were 125 calls. There has been an increase in calls as a result of an article in the Chicano Tribupe, but even when there has not been any publicity there has been a steady stream of calls for housing. Ms. Brownmiller said housing is a critical link to help stop the "revolving door" in institutions. It provides a home base to return to, even if a person is hospitalized. It provides a familiar ph sical and mental space, and affords some degree of stability to return to after hospitalization. Ms. Brownmiller discussed the new housing unit being developed by H.O.M.E. There will be no on -site staff. Intensive case management will be provided for the people in the program. They hope to have them moved in by early September. Their goal is to have a 3rd program, a group home, open in.Evanston in 2 years. Ms. Brownmiller said the agency wants to avoid clustering their programs so they are locating in different areas of the community. The agency gives a priority to Evanston residents and people with an Evanston connection, i.e., they either live her, have family here or receive services in Evanston. Their first program has 6 people from an ICF/MI, 2 people who lived at the YMCA, 1 person who had been hospitalized and 1 person who was living in their own home in Evanston. H.O.M.E.'s funds come from DMHDD, private fundraising and a consumer participation fee. Only 53% of the FY92-93 budget was from DMHDD. So far there has been no increase in funding to support the new program so the percentage of state funding will drop to approximately 4N Mr. Gavin said H.O.M.E. would view MHB funding as a very visible, positive sign of local community support. The local support would also help H.O.M.E. build confidence when they approach other funders and banks. Mr. Kerns moved and Ms. Ennis seconded a motion to table the decision to consider agencies' requests to be able to submit a proposal for consideration for FY94-95 funding during the 1993 MHB allocation until the July MHB meeting. Ms. Pearson said she thought the decision should be postponed until there were more MHB members able to thoroughly discuss the issues involved with considering new agencies for funding and having no new funding. Mr. Kerns said the decision would have to be made in enough time to enable the agencies to participate in the UBP Kickoff. Staff were requested to prepare an overview of past MHB program allocations for the July meeting. Motion approved unanimously 5 aye - D no. June, 1993 MHB Meeting Minutes Page 5 Neighborhood Services. Sally DeVicentis, board member, and Martha Whelan Robinson, Executive Director, of Neighborhood Services joined the MHB. Ms. Robinson said the agency is bringing back to communities individuals with developmental disabilities (DD) who were isolated for many years in institutional and nursing home settings. They are presently providin housing in Community Integrated Living Arrangements (CILA? for 18 people. Fourteen of these individuals are being fully supported in apartments in 5 communities; 4 people are being provided support in their own homes. Neighborhood Services is now providing housing for 5 people in 2 CILAs in Evanston. The agency is providing housing for 9 people who were Evanston residents living at the Campus Town Developmental center (aka Kensington) for 15 years.. They were overlooked or rejected in screenings by other agencies because they also had serious physical handicaps which no one else was prepared to provide for in CILA settings. Neighborhood Services has developed an effective program model which has enabled them to be successful with individuals with very severe disabling conditions. Ms. Robinson said Neighborhood Services is working with people who, in addition to their need for developmental training and habilitation, in many cases need 24-hour physical support. They have helped people who were previously bedridden or stayed in a dayroom chair all day begin to develop skills to get around by themselves. Four of their residents previously used wheel chairs but no longer need them. The agency has developed all of their housing arrangements for 3 or fewer people. They are looking for ways to help people live in small groups which they would choose themselves. Most people, given the choice, would not want to live in a large group but would want a small, personalized living arrangement with 1 or 2 other people. Neighborhood Services needs support to pay for programming that is not fully supported through their State funding. They want to be able to facilitate more community integration and to provide more training in skill development. Ms. DeVicentis said Neighborhood Services is providing support for people with DD who cannot talk, can't walk, and need help with eating and toileting. These are people who used to waste away in institutions for years and never got out of their unit or off their own floor. Many of them went through our schools through the early special education laws, but when mandatory schooling was over they stayed at home or went into institutions. Neighborhood services provides the alternative. Their cost is approximately $47,000 per year. However, if these individuals were in institutions or nursing care it would cost upwards of 510,000 per month because of their extreme needs for residential and physical support services. Mr. Diers thanked the representatives from H.O.M.E. and Neighborhood Services and said the MHB would be making a decision about their request at the July 8 meeting. June, 1993 MHB Meeting Minutes Page 6 [VI] MHB ROUND TABLE DISCUSSION: DEVELOPMENT OF PRIORITY ISSUES Ms. Ennis presented the Planning Committee's repport. Ms. Pearson expressed frustration at trying to talk about planning and riority issues without all MHB members available to participate in he discussion. Mr. Kerns agreed and said the lateness of the hour also made it difficult to give the issue careful and thorough consideration. The MHB agreed to hold over the issue for consideration as the major agenda item for the July meeting or at an alternate time when everyone would be available. [VII) ELECTION OF OFFICERS Ms. Winfield moved and Mr. Berns seconded the Nominatingg committee's recommendation to nominate Sally Ennis as chair and Nicki Pearson as Vice -Chair of the Mental Health Board for 1993-1994. Mr. Diers asked for other nominations and there were none. Motion approved unanimously 5 aye - 0 no. [VIIII ANNOUNCEMENTS Mr. Terry reported that the Downtown Greeter Program would start on Monday, June 14. EvMark will hire 10 peo le from Youth Job Center and from senior Action Service. They wil be working 7 days a week until labor Day, from i0:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. They will be promoting tourism and the use of Evanston businesses. They will also have contact with some of the people who are on the streets or homeless, so they received an orientation from Mr. Terry about the mental health and social services available in town. Meeting adjourned at 9:35 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Harvey v. saver Assistant Director June, 1993 MHB Meeting Minutes page 7 e EVANSTON MENTAL HEALTH BOARD MEETING MINUTES THURSDAY, July 8, 1993 (Minutes approved) Members Present: Art Diers, Anita Kimmerle, Florence Winfield, Nicki Pearson, Marcia Nelson, Michael Kerns, Sally Ennis, Ellen Browne Presiding: sally Ennis, Chairperson Staff: Jay Terry, Harvey Saver, Audrey Trotsky Guests: Larry Gavin, Gail Brownmiller (H.O.M.E.); Jeanne Fox (ACORN); Loretta Espert-Barriff (Family Focus -Evanston); Dave Ream (Mental Health Association of Evanston); Pam Watson (Rimland Services for Autistic Citizens); Dale Dellutri [I] CALL TO ORDER - INTRODUCTION OF GUESTS Ms. Ennis called the meeting to order at 7:37 p.m. and asked the guests in attendance to introduce themselves. [III] MINUTES OF June 10, 1993 MEETING Ms. Browne moved and Ms. Winfield seconded a motion to approve the minutes of the June 10, 1993 meeting as corrected. Passed unanimously 8 aye - 0 no. [II] SPECIAL RECOGNITION OF ART DIERS CHAIR OF MHB 1990-93 Ms. Ennis announced there would be a special recognition for Art Diers, past Chairman of the Mental Health Board. Art chaired the Board for 3 years, from 1990 to 1993, and has been a member of the MHB for 7 years. During that time he has made many friends in the Evanston mental health community, some of whom were in attendance. She invited them to come forward to present any comments they might like to make to Art. Jeanne Fox delivered a letter of thanks and appreciation from Carolyn Frowe, President of the ACORN Board. She said she wanted to take the opportunity to say a special thank you to Art: "Art, at this time of your retirement as chairman of the MHB, I want to express my appreciation for your leadership and support during my tenure as Executive Director. "For the Board, the chairman is the single most important factor in determining the direction and ability of the board and staff to accomplish the work of the agency. He must be knowledgeable regarding all the issues and attend all the meetings -- what a feat. July, 1993 MHB Meeting Minutes Page 1 A11l liw .1, . IiIY:�YiIuI���1�IjJ� "For the Executive Director, the Board chairman rovides the support and nurturin to assist the director to Uink creatively, to sustayn energy for a project and keep focused, as well as to implement Board policy. As a chairman, Art Diers was able to do all these things very well. "Art, for all the hours you listened so well to me - a talent few persons have -- for your friendship, for your commitment to the issues, and for your leadership, I thank yout. I'm glad you will continue to be a Board member so the Mental Health Board will not lose your talents." Dave Ream, representing the Mental Health Association of Evanston, presented the following remarks: "I am pleased that our association enabled us to work closely with the Mental Health Board for the past several years. A large part of that can be attributed to your leadership. We have been able to coordinate our activities to some extent and I particularly want to mention the Memo of Understanding that has been reached between the Mental Health Association of Evanston and the Mental Health Board. I know that you had a key role in that. "The Mental Health Association continues to offer a wide range of educational and advocacy events and continues to get the support of this Board, and I think a large part of that, again, is attributed to Art's leadership. We appreciate it very much. Thank you so much." Lorry Gavin, on the Board of H.O.M.E., presented the following: "I would like to express our appreciation for your leadership of the Mental Health Board over the years and the time you've taken to meet with us. We do appreciate the support of the entire Mental Health Board. In particular I'd like to mention your support and public testimony in front of the City Council on behalf of zoning and the licensing related to group housing. It was very important that the Mental Health Board come out with a strong public statement and your statement was excellent. We do appreciate your support and leadership and look forward to working with you in the future." Ms. Kimmerle read a letter received from Jerry Gulley, Director of SHORE. "On behalf of the citizens of Evanston with developmental disabilities, I want to thank you for your outstanding service as Chair of the Evanston Mental Health Board. "I hope as you retire from this post, you will take pride in the work you and the Board have done on behalf of persons with mental disabilities. "Your sensitivity to the issues, and your skill as a cohesive July, 1993 MHB Meeting Minutes Page 2 Q leader, have brought the Board through a difficult period of government budget cutting and retrenchment. Our programs have been served well under your direction. "Again, Thank You for your excellence in community services." Ms. Pearson read a letter received from Kate Mahoney, Director of PEER Services: "The Board, staff and clients of PEER Services join the Mental Health Board and the entire Evanston Community in thanking you for your dedication and the leadership.you provided to the community during your tenure as chairperson of the Mental Health Board. We feel that you have always listened to our concerns and given thoughtful consideration to the needs of our clients. These are very difficult times and you have demonstrated a commitment to finding workable solutions to human services needs in light of the very real fiscal constraints. "You are a leader in the field of social work. You have helped to strengthen our programs. We appreciate your ongoing work to enhance the quality of life for all who live in our community. We look forward to continuing to work with you." Ms. Ennis paid the following tribute to Art Diers: "As incoming chairperson the duty of remembering Art as he goes on to other realms of Board involvement falls to me. First, staff and Board members could not help notice some parallels between the championship Bulls and Art Diers of our Board. Number 1 the Bulls have "Their Big Guy" and the Board has "Its Big Guy". Number z the Bulls are unbelieva-bul and Art's involvement in the community on this Board has been extremely lauda-bul. And number 3, we're celebrating a three -peat of our own in that Art has given us 3 years in a row during which time the Bulls were triumphant in their field. "Art's tenure as chair has been marked by an increasingly volatile and uncertain environment for mental health and human services. In addition to the changes we have experienced in the Mental Health Board's structure, we have seen fewer dollars - locally and especially at the state level - for programs for even the most severely disabled. Art always made us question the wisdom and the equity of any decisions which were implemented upon the shoulders of individuals greatest in need. "However, as any good therapist might, Art acknowledged reality -- both the political and fiscal reality of the 90's. He led us in looking for and seeking creative, alternative ways the Board could be of additional, non -cash assistance to our funded agencies in serving the people for whom we are responsible. Under Art's leadership we developed a policy to certify our contract funds as the State match for Medicaid, thereby easing cash flow problems of agencies which provided Medicaid -certified services. And at Art's instigation Board July, 1993 MHB Meeting Minutes Page 3 members met with the boards of directors of all of our funded agencies, away from the funding arena, to talk about their problems and concerns. And in Art's fashion it was always in comfortable, social setting over a bit of food. He wanted us to identify agency issues for which the Board could provide additional advocacy( or could bring agencies together to look at new ways of woMng together more effectively and efficiently. out of this stemmed the Board's initial interest in collaboration. "Art also provided direction for the Board to educate itself and the community about current concerns and best program practices. A forum was held on guardianship issues for people with developmental disabilities and mental illness. We sponsored a community forum for parents and consumers with the Assistant Director of DMH about proposed changes in the DD system, and recently with the Director of DMH about the Mental Health Reform Plan. We coordinated a round table discussion with experts about contradictions, gaps and problems in substance abuse laws and regulations related to youth. A very timely workshop was provided for the community about new laws about social host responsibility as it relates to underage drinking. And we invited to our table students -- both middle school and high school - to share with us their concerns, fears and experiences with substance abuse in the community in which they are growing up. "Most notably, under Art's leadership the Mental Health Board spent considerable time studying federal and state laws related to group housing. We invited in and worked with community groups to thrash out our differences and develop a consensus on specific recommendations for group housing in Evanston's new Zoning ordinance. As a result we now have provisions for Residential Care Homes which are consumer --oriented and truly address the housing needs of the individuals for whom we have been charged with the role of advocate." "Art, please accept this gift as a symbol of your tenure as chair of the Mental Health Board. You have our thanks. And we are glad to have you for 1 more year to work with us on this new road we have set out upon." (Ms. Ennis presented Mr. Diers with an engraved gavel from the Mental Health Board.) Mr. Diers thanked everyone for the tribute paid to him. He said the work of the MHB was very difficult and complex, but had always been invigorating and challenging, He expressed his appreciation for the contributions and breadth of experiences provided, collectively and individually, by MHB members and staff in the Board's accomplishments. He said everyone worked together under very difficult times and he was honored to have been a part of those efforts. Ms. Ennis proposed the following toast to Art Diers and was joined by the members of the Mental Health Board and the community: "To a good July, 1993 MHB Meeting Minutes Page 4 man for his good work." [IV] DISCUSSION OF PRELIMINARY REQUESTS FOR FY94-95 MHB FUNDING Ms. Ennis said at the June 10, 1993, meeting the Board heard presentations from H.O.M.E. and Neighborhood Services requesting to be able to submit proposals for consideration during the 1993 MHB allocation process. The MHB tabled the decision until the July MHB meeting and decided to consider a request from Rimland Services. Ms. Ennis invited the agency representatives from H.O.M.E. to make any concluding remarks. Gail Brownmiller, Executive Director of H.O.M.E., said housing has consistently been identified as the #1 need for people with mental illness who are able to live in the community. She said H.O.M.E. would appreciate the opportunity to enter into the allocation process. Ms. Ennis also invited the agency representative from Neighborhood Services to make concluding remarks. Jeanne Fox, who represented the agency's Board of Directors, said it would be very beneficial for the agency to be able to request even a small amount of funding. It would help the agency in seeking funds from other funding sources to be able to indicate the MHB's support for the work of the agency. Rimland services for Autistic Citizens. Pamela Watson, Executive Director of Rimland Services, joined the MHB. Ms. Watson said Rimland Services is coming before the Board for the 3rd time and is very hopeful that they will again have the opportunity to apply for funding. She invited questions and said most of the MHB members heard their presentation last Fall. Ms. Nelson asked whether Rimland would be asking for funding for the same purposes as in the past. Ms. Watson responded their request was for a different program and ME would be for day programs and residential services. They would not be asking for the summer camp funding. Ms. Pearson pointed out that the percentage of Evanston residents went from 12% to 28% and asked = v where the additional people came from. Ms. Davis said most of them came from locations where people with developmental disabilities were = inapropriately placed, either in a state facility or nursing £` facility. As a result, they were included in the resolution of the Boaard class action lawsuit. Another individual came directly from the Evanston community. Mr. Terry pointed out that the other two agencies the MHB is considering this evening have both indicated that while they would like additional funds they would be satisfied with a minimal amount of funding just for the recognition, and as an aid in obtaining other funding. Ms. Watson said she was in agreement with that. Ms. Ennis commented that last year Rimland had 3 Evanston residents and wanted to know how many there were currently? Ms. Watson said they were serving 11 Evanston residents, some of whom were living in the home that was recently opened on Custer. They also have an 18 year old vocational client who lives in Evanston and participates only in the day vocational program from Evanston. Mr. Saver asked how many of the individuals were included under Boaard? Ms. Watson said they were able to quickly move 3 of the class members to appropriate July, 1993 MHB Meeting Minutes Page 5 y x- community settings. Ms. Pearson asked where the people in the residential rograms go for their services? Ms. Watson answered that they attend he workshop and school at the facility on Hartrey. Mr. Diers inquired about Rimland's success with facilitated communication, which they had reported on previously. Ms. Watson said facilitated communication is quite controversial. The agency is trying to stay neutral in the debate because they have received grants for facilitated communication and are not having the type of success that is being reported elsewhere. Ms. Ennis thanked the three agencies for their presentations. In response to Mr. Kerns' question, Mr. Terry said that funding levels for FY94-95 have not yet be determined and currently we are not looking at a reduction. However, the City is still waiting to see what happens in Springfield with the income tax surcharge. The projections are that the funding level will remain the same. Mr. Terry added if the MHB feels a token funding level is appropriate for any or all the agencies a proposal can be designed on a smaller scale than the standard proposal and with less detail. Ms. Browne moved and Ms. Pearson seconded a motion that the Mental Health Board agree to consider the funding requests of Rimland Services, H.O.M.E. and Neighborhood Services for FY94-95 funding. Ms. Pearson said in her 3 ears of service on the Board, the MHB has been very supportive of alternative housing options for persons with chronic mental illness and developmental disabilities. It is very important the Board continue to support this movement in every way possible. Ms. Browne expressed concern about whether any agencies other than those already funded will be able to obtain funding in view of the funding needs of those agencies and no additional funds to allocate. Ms. Pearson agreed it is important for everyone to be mindful that inviting people to apply doesn't guarantee funding. However, Ms. Pearson added the kind of requests being presented by the three agencies being considered are what the MHB has been talking about for years. Motion approved unanimously (8 aye -- 0 no). Mr. Terry said the agencies will receive notification outlining the procedure to be followed for proposals, after it is discussed by the Executive Committee. UBP budget proposals will be due September 17. [VII] ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION - DEVELOPMENT OF PRIORITY ISSUES Ms. Ennis led the group through a discussion of issues and concerns for the MHB. Items #1, #4 and #11 were combined into 1 item. There was consensus upon Items #10, #14 and #15 as presented. Items #2 and #6 were amended. Items #3, #5, #7, #8, #12 were deleted from the list. Item #9 was identified as an educational issue and was deleted. Item #13 was identified as a component of the organization's mission. Further discussion was tabled on Items #16, #17 and #18. The following, revised list of issues and concerns was agreed upon: Item #1. The MHB would prefer to rally around major issues rather than many small ones. Staff is asked to identify trends July, 1993 MHB Meeting Minutes Page 6 and to raise critical issues in which the MHB can become involved and take action, but the MHB will set priorities as to those matters. The MHB would like to continue to provide recommendations on current MH issues as they crop up and to examine causes to be considered for action and/or participation by the MHB. Item #2. The MHB will have monthly manageable agendas and stick to them. Item #3. Not all MHB members are able to put in the same amount of time and effort, but each MHB member must commit to providing some effort. Item #4. The MHB would like more consistency in the written outcomes presented to the MHB agencies at budget time since not all the outcomes are readily understood. Item #5. By July, 1993, the MHB would like to have a job description for MHB members. Item #6. By November, the MHB shall have received all its documents related to the allocation process and shall have submitted to the city Manager and the Human Services Committee the MHB budget, according to the guidelines of the MHB and the City. The MHB agreed that it was looking for objectives in the agencies' UBP proposals that provide better and more useful information about the actual outcomes of program services, and outcomes that are more readily understood. Ms. Browne agreed to chair a subcommittee that would clarify what is expected and determine what guidance to provide to the agencies. Ms. Browne said it is very expensive and time- consuming for agencies to develop good outcome measures. She suggested it might be useful for the subcommittee to meet with a couple of agency directors to discuss the issue. [VIII] DISCUSSION OF AUGUST MHB MEETING Ms. Ennis polled the Board on whether or not to have an August meeting. It was suggested that, because 2 new members are being appointed to the MHB, it would be helpful to have an August Board meeting. It was agreed the August meeting would be informal, without an agenda but with some structure in the form of a planning retreat. The Executive Committee will plan the retreat. Tentatively, the date agreed upon is Monday, August 30th, in the early evening. [IX] ASSESSMENT OF FUNDING GUIDELINES Ms. Ennis appointed Mr. Diers to chair a committee to review the funding guidelines. Ms. Ennis, Ms. Kimmerle and Ms. Pearson agreed to work on the committee. The Funding Guidelines Committee will review the process and consider ways the rating process could be made more informative for the agencies. They were also requested to develop a historical overview of the development and use of the July, 1993 MHB Meeting Minutes Page 7 funding guidelines for the entire Board. The committee will also develop an orientation for the process for the Fall. [XI ANNOUNCEMENTS MB, Aonointments. Mr. Terry said Mayor Morton would be introducing two names to City Council the following Monday as appointments for membership on the Mental Health Board. ACORN Subcommittee. Ms. Kimmerle discussed the ACORN quarterly report dated ,June 30, 1993. Ms. Kimmerle stated she was impressed with the information provided about the agency's activities. ACORN is staying in compliance, having less problems, and there are no neighborhood complaints. Lone Ter Care Annual Report. Mr. Terry reported the Human Services Committee has requested the Long Term Care Annual Report be transmitted with a cover memo analyzing the contents. This will transmitted to the MHB, the Commission on Aging and the Human Services Committee at the same time. It will be included in the August MHB packet. Pebblewood. In response to question, Mr. Terry reported there has been disagreement between Pebblewood's developers regarding construction costs. They are much higher than investors had anticipated. There is also disagreement over the payment of these costs which is holding up opening of the facility. Albany House Tour. Ms. Ennis suggested a tour would be very informative for MHB members who have not yet visited Albany House. It would give them an opportunity to familiarize themselves with the services provided and the role of the facility in the community: It would also give Board members an opportunity to a talk with facility staff about their participation in the LANs. A schedule will be set up after the new Board members are approved. Ms. Kimmerle, Ms. Browne, Ms. Pearson and Ms. Ennis expressed interested in touring Albany House. UBP Staff Meetinq. Mr. Terry reported on the UBP staff meeting. Mr. Jager, Mr. Saver and Mr. Terry were in attendance. The Township Director had indicated she would attend but did not. Subsequent to that meeting Mr. Terry met with Alderman Moran, the City Council designate to help plan the process this year. Although there is no final decision, indications are that the Township will not be participating in UBP this year. Plans for the UBP Process were made on the assumption the Township will not be participating. staff are recommending that, unless the MHB or the United way Board disagree, there will not be a kickoff meeting this year. It does not appear that any of the three funders have anything different or dramatic to add to the process. This was conveyed to Alderman Moran, who agreed but reserved judgement to take this under consideration for a few weeks. Tentatively, "Super Saturday" will be October 16th and the final Saturday allocation session will be November 6. It is not sure how the UBP dynamic will be affected by the fact the Township will not participate. The proposal format will remain the same. The July, 1993 MHB Meeting Minutes Page 8 Alit ..11 IiIAI III W I u , , Y I jfiAhIIVi 111 illi ilGl k iGlii,444 Alderman that have committed to being on the UBP Panel are Alderman Moran, Alderman Holzman and Alderman Guthrie. A separate schedule of hearings will be developed for the 5 agencies which will be heard only by the MHB. Meeting was adjourned at 9:30 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, guc-(r'e�yrT y, secretaz / July, 1993 MHB Meeting Minutes Page 9 EVANSTON MENTAL HEALTH BOARD MEETING MINUTES THURSDAY, September 9, 1993 (Minutes approved) Members Present: Art Diers, Anita Kimmerle, Nicki Pearson, Michael Kerns, Sally Ennis, Ellen Browne, Dale Dellutri, Susan Stroh, Ellen Reynolds Presiding: Sally Ennis, Chairperson Staff: Jay Terry, Harvey Saver, Audrey Trotsky Guests: Alderman Emily Guthrie; Helene Lome (Niles Township Sheltered Workshop/First Step); Claire McCarthy Peterson, (H.O.M.E.); Barbara Berngard, Davidson Ream (Mental Health Association of Evanston); Carol Moschandreas (Center for Public Ministry); Tom Jager, Jack McCullough (United Way of Evanston); Bonnie Van Smith [I] CALL TO ORDER - INTRODUCTION OF GUESTS Ms. Ennis called the meeting to order at 7:38 p.m. and asked the guests in attendance to introduce themselves. Davidson Ream, President of the Mental Health Association of Evanston made a special introduction of the Association's new Executive Director, Barbara Berngard. The MHB welcomed Ms. Berngard and expressed their anticipation in working together in the future. [II] MINUTES OF July 8, 1993 MEETING Ms. Pearson moved and Ms. Browne seconded a motion to approve the minutes of the July 8, 1993 meeting as recorded. Passed unanimously 9 aye - 0 no. [III] DISCUSSION OF UNIFIED BUDGET PROCESS WITH CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS AND UNITED WAY BOARD MEMBERS The following representatives from the 1993 Unified Budget Panel joined the MHB to discuss human service issues and funding concerns in preparation for the UBP Hearings: Alderman Emily Guthrie, }human Services Committee: Tom Jager, Executive Director, and Jack McCullough, Chair of the Review and Allocations Committee, of the United Way of Evanston (UWay). Mr. Jager discussed Evanston Township's decision to withdraw from participation in UBP. He said UWay had to reduce allocations for their agencies in FY1993. Township agreed to allocate $20,000 to the United Wax as a one-time pass through (not a gift) to maintain 7 of the agencies which were Dointlx funded at the level agreed upon in the 1992 UBP Hearings. This will mean that UWay's base for the 94-95 Budget will drop $20,000. UWay's current funding level for agencies in UBP is $405,000, so their budget for 1993 UBP will be September, 1993 MHB Meeting Minutes Page 1 approximately $385,000. Ms. Ennis said the MHB's FY1994-95 funding for mental health agencies will remain at $421,000, the same as the current year. Mr. Terry said the City's funding for purchased services will remain at the same level as the current year, $477,800. However, $37,000 for Teen Baby Nursery and Nichols School is excluded from the UBP process because those agencies do not go through UBP. The group discussed the impact of the impending closure of ACORN on September 30. Mr. Terry reported the Illinois Department of Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities (DMHDD) asked the Evanston Local Area Network (ELAN) to develop recommendations for how ACORN's state grant funds should be used to provide services for individuals with mental illness in Evanston, and which agencies should provide the services. DMHDD indicated they would provide funds to enable the Shared Apartment Program to stay open through October 31. This will allow time for another organization to prepare to assume responsibility for that program. September 30 is the closing date for the drop in/day residential programs. Mr. Jager said UWay has already paid ACORN about 25% (3 months of their FY93-94 allocation, i.e., $5,000 of the $20,000 original allocation. Mr. Terry said ACORN has been paid 5 months of their City and Mental Health Board allocations. Mr. Jager said the United Way is waiting to hear about ELAN's recommendations. It an ACORN replacement is not found the $15,000 remaining from UWa 's original allocation to the agency would not necessarily go back to Unified Budgeting. It might be allocated to agencies funded by United Way that do not go through UBP, because they received bigger reductions in UWay's cutbacks. Mr. McCullough said UWay felt ACORN performed a valuable service for Evanston and was interested in continuing to fund a day program if an agency could step into the breach and provide the same category of services. The United Way Board would consider allocating the remainder of the funding to that agency, with the approval of the Suburban United Way. The money cannot be left for a long period waiting for the services to be taken over by another agency. If something meaningful and related is being planned, UWay might be able to put the money where ACORN left off. However, if the plans are going back and forth for 60-90 days the money will placed where it is needed by other agencies. Ms. Ennis asked whether any of the funders had been considering any other special needs. Mr. Deers said the MHB's concern has increasingly been tilting toward small, community housing for persons who are mentally ill because DMHDD has shifted away from institutionalization toward housing in the community. Mr. Jager said the UWay has continued its commitment to day care. Even though there is less money, a new agency, Reba Place, was taken on as a UWay agency this year. It only receives a small allocation. All the maJor day care providers are funded by the United Way except for the Baby Toddler Nursery. Mr. Terry said the MHB might have some flexibility in its funding this year. By mutual agreement the Evanston Police Department and St. Francis Hospital Adult and Child Guidance Center agreed to September, 1993 MHB Meeting Minutes Page 2 discontinue the consulting services provided by the hospital's Police -Youth outreach program to the Police Department. The funds for this program will not be requested as a part of this year's UBP proposal, though he did not know what St. Francis' total request would be. (IV] STATUS REPORT ON THE CLOSURE OF ACORN Mr. Terry reported that the Evanston Local Area Network (ELAN) developed a broad outline for a model for services to be provided to replace ACORN's programs. ELAN has a strong preference for an Evanston agency to provide the services, if possible. Evanston Hospital has expressed a strong interest in being a lead agency to run structured, day programs in a "drop in" type of setting. The Outpatient Psychiatry Department is in support of the program, but it has not yet been approved by the hospital's administration. Housing Options has also expressed strong interest in operating the Shared Apartment Program, but there may need to be some changes in it to make it financially feasible. Three Chicago -based agencies have also expressed an interest. Ms. Browne and Mr. Diers expressed concern about any hospital being able to run a grass -roots program like a drop in center. There are significant structural, financial and philosophical differences between the institutional setting of a hospital -based program and a community -based model of programming. They may make it difficult for the program to succeed as it is intended. Mr. Terry encouraged Board members to attend ELAN meetings and participate in the discussion. Mr. Terry added there are, as yeti no other Evanston agencies interested in providing day/drop in rogramming for the chronic mentally ill. If the Evanston Hospi al is not interested then one of the Chicago agencies might be recommended to provide the services. DMHDD is anxious for a firm plan to be in place. There will be meetings on a weekly basis to formulate specific plans. Mr. Saver said Evanston Hospital's proposal is to provide the services on a collaborative basis, and not being the sole provider of the services. = Other Evanston agencies would be invited to participate in the structure of the programs. Mr. Terry said ELAN is hopeful to have some idea of what the model will look like by October 16th. Mr. Saver added if something is not resolved by mid to late September DMHDD will probably proceed without any local recommendations. Mr. Saver also said one of the critical points to make the program viable is to find an agency that is Medicaid -certified and able to do billing under Medicaid Rehab Option to get funds to support a program like this. ACORN was not able to develop certification under Medicaid; the program is too expensive to run without Medicaid funding. Evanston Hospital is not certified to bill under Medicaid for this type of program. However, should ELAN recommend that Evanston Hospital take over the rant DMHDD has stated they will help move the certification process along swiftly. ultimately, ELAN will make a recommendation and DMHDD will make the final decision. In response to a question about the Mental Health Board's role in the September, 1993 MHB Meeting Minutes Page 3 ,., I., W,,„ ,U _ _ - I i i i . 1, ul i I hill 1.1 1 process, Mr. Terry said he and Mr. Saver are representing the MHB and have been serving as facilitators in forging consensus. In addition, Ms. Ennis attended an earlier planning meeting. A representative from the MHB is welcome to participate in any LAN meeting on ACORN. DMHDD informed Mr. Terry it is hoping the MHB will take an active role to forge some agreement and bring parties together in planning the use of the funds from ACORN. Mr. Terry said this has been a difficult task as there many different visions about how the community and services for the mentally ill should look after ACORN no longer exists. This is the first time that the local area networks have been asked to take on a task of this sort. (V] FUNDING GUIDELINES COMMITTEE Mr. Diers, Chair of the Funding Guidelines Committeef reported on the committee's work. The recommendation is that the guidelines for the FY94-95 allocation process remain the same as for the previous year. Changes are being recommended in the process for completing the assessment process and the guidelines form. In previous years each MHB member had their own individualized method for completing their assessments. These varied from one individual to another and there was a lack of understanding about each Board member's justification in their rankings. The Committee is recommending the following process: (1) each Board member complete this year's assessments in pencil after the UBP hearings; (2� on the following Thursday, October 21, the MHB will meet to discuss individuals' thoughts and concerns that have gone into the assessments so there can be some mutual understanding of the method in which judgements about these issues were weighed; (3) Board members will complete their assessment rating forms and turn them in to staff to enter into the computer. All Board members will be expected to make their own independent judgement. The Funding Guidelines Committee recommended 2 categories under Effectiveness (. meeting the mental health needs of the community" " and "... meeting the mental health need:; of its clients) be the 2 primary questions of concern at the October 21 meeting. In response to questions, the MHB discussed the Funding Guidelines Rating Form and ranking of agency programs. Mr. Kerns recommended that the Final Score from the Funding Guidelines not be passed out until the evening when the MHB meets to make its allocations. It was also suggested that new Board members would find the questions in the Funding Guidelines helpful when starting the process of listening to the budget presentations. A historical overview of the use of the Funding Guidelines and a rationale for funding programs was prepared for the MHB by Mr. biers. He said he thought the best orientation to the UBP process for new Board members would be visiting agencies, reading the proposals, and raising questions. Mr. Saver offered to orient new members with the UBP process. Ms. Pearson moved and Ms. Browne seconded a motion to add an additional meeting in the funding process to discuss issues and September, 1993 MHB Meeting Minutes Page 4 concerns with agencies and programs prior to making allocation recommendations. Passed unanimously 9 aye - 0 no. Mr. Diers moved and Ms. Pearson seconded a motion to approve the FY94-95 Funding Guidelines for use during the 1993 UBP Process. Passed 8 aye - 0 no - 1 abstention (Browne). (VIj CENTER FOR PUBLIC MINISTRY (CPM) FUNDING REQUEST Carol Moschandreas, Executive Director, of the Center for Public Ministry (CPM), joined the mental Health Board. She requested authorization to submit a funding request to the MHB for their consideration in the 1994-95 UBP proposal. The request will be for MHB funds to support a substance abuse counselor. In April, 1993, CPM hired a part-time substance abuse case manager. They did not approach the MHB about a funding proposal at that time because they did not believe there would be any flexible funds available. CPM's request was prompted by the closing of ACORN as they felt there would be some flexibility in the use of the funds previously allocated to ACORN. CPM is filling a gap which ACORN, at one time, unsuccessfully tried to fill in dealing with homeless people with substance abuse problems. in many cases these individuals are dually diagnosed MI and substance abuser. In November, 1992, CPM began computerizing their records. They found, as far back as 1984, people that came back to the shelter again and again and whose homelessness was recurring were also tied to substance abuse. A decision was made to use CPM's unrestricted funding to hire a substance abuse treatment case manager to connect people to substance abuse treatment. CPM's case manager has been very successful in getting people into NA and AA substance abuse day treatment. CPM's request to the MHB is to cover the cost of the case manager. That position is currently funded from unrestricted funds. If CPM's tight budget restrictions next yyear are not able to cover the expenses for the position this will be one of the first items deleted from the budget. In response to questions Ms. Moschandreas provided the following: their staff have had some success in connecting people with existing treatment services in Evanston but a lot of the individuals in the shelter have not been comfortable going elsewhere for treatment; CPM's NA and AA meetings are held in the dining room, a comfortable setting where the guests also eat dinner. The question was asked about whether PEER Services could come to CPM to perform these services because the MHB is concerned about the possible duplication of services. Ms. Moschandreas replied that, because of the transient nature of the population, PEER Services was not able to take CPM's guests fast enough into their programs. Also, the population as a whole does not inte7rate well into treatment services. Mr. Terry added PEER Services adherence to the strict standards of confidentiality in the state and federal guidelines means they are often unable to give feedback about whether or not a client is successfully engaged in treatment. Being successfully engaged .in treatment is quite often a condition of staying at the shelter. Mr. Diers moved and Ms. Browne seconded a motion to accept a funding September, 1993 MHB Meeting Minutes Page 5 request from the Center for Public Ministry in the 1993 allocation process. Motion passed unanimously 9 aye - 0 no. [VII] MHB FY94-95 BUDGET Mr. Terry presented the proposed FY94-95 budget for Mental Health Administration. He said the proposed budget was developed within the City's Budget Policy Guidelines, with non -personnel line items remaining at the same level established in Fiscal year 1993-94. He pointed out $421,000 would be available for allocation for Community Purchased services, the same figure as was approved in FY1993-94. The MHB will not be making recommendations for specific allocations to agencies until after the completion of the unified Budget Process on November 6. It was pointed out in material distributed that the proposed Mental Health Administration budget was 16.4% in the proposed FY94-95 budget; the proposed FY94-95 budget represents a 0.9% increase over the FY93-94 MHB budget. The MHB budget allocations are to be approved by the Mental Health Board, presented to the Human Services Committee and then for final approval by the city Council. Ms. Browne moved and Ms. Pearson seconded a motion to approve the 1994-95 MHB Administration budget. Unanimously passed 9 aye - 0 no. [VIll] PROPOSED MENTAL HEALTH BOARD JOB DESCRIPTION The Board reviewed the second draft of aob description for the MHB. The Board agreed to include a statement t9at MHB members should be a resident of Evanston. Ms. Pearson moved and Mr. Dellutri seconded a motion to adopt the MHB Job Description as revised. Unanimously passed 9 afire - 0 no. The MHB Job Description will be included in the Board's orientation Packet. [IX] PROPOSED CHANGED IN THE MHB BYLAWS The proposed revisions in the annual review of the MHB Bylaws were reviewed. Additional changes were made in the following sections: Page 6� Section 1(a). responsible for the administrative direction and execution of the policies of the City". Page 7, Section 2, Staff. "... All employees of the City, other than the Executive Director, are subject to the Evanston Personnel Code. Page 2, Section 3(b)(1). "Funding: ... is accomplished by allocating public funds to mental health providers." Page 3, No.6. "Advocacy, Education and Prevention: ... with emphasis on prevention of special problems of select groups." September, 1993 MHB Meeting Minutes Page 6 Ms. Browne moved and Ms. Pearson seconded a motion to approve the revisions to the MHB Bylaws. Unanimously passed 9 aye - 0 no. 1Xj DISCUSSION OF LONG TERM CARE ANNUAL REPORT The MHB reviewed the Health Department's "�HD) Long Term Care Annual Re ort for 1992. Ms. Pearson asked what Building has not been maintained in good repair" page B5, 3rd line from bottom) referred to and whether there were life safety issues involved? Mr. Terry said he would get the details of the violation. In response to a question Mr. Terry said a study is being done by HD staff to determine the most common violations under the Long Term Care Ordinance, and to do an educational program for facility staff to highlight those violations. Mr. Terry reported that so far this year the Health Department staff have spent extra time at Greenwood Care in relation to a significant number of neighborhood complaints. He added that there has been quite a bit of activity in long term care facilities for seniors. Both the Mather and the Georgian have gone through a decertification process with the State and have become independent living facilities; they are no longer nursing homes. Ellen Browne was concerned that overly restrictive regulations of assisted living facialities might in fact limit options for older persons. A problem arose due to a resident's death at Oakwood Terrace. Oakwood has since been sold and went through a special licensure survey due to the change in ownership. The owners of Oakwood sold the facility to raise capital to finish Pebblewood. Mr. Terry and the MHO Executive Committee will be making site visits to Albany House and Greenwood Care. A list of questions has been developed for these visits. A suggestion was made to reconvene the MHB Long Term Care Committee to begin looking again at issues related to board and care and sheltered care homes. At Mr. Terry's suggestion the MHB agreed to communicate their concerns to the Long Term Care Committee of the Commission on Aging and to work with them on the issues. [XI] ANNOUNCEMENTS Board Traininq. Ms. Ennis called Board member's attention to the educational opportunities provided in the Training section of the MHB packet. Any MHB members interested in attending training or educational seminars/sessions should contact Mr. Saver. Housing for Persons es. Mr. Saver said the apartment building going up at t o —southeast corner of Dobson and Ridge is being developed by The Center. The MHB monitored the progress of this new, barrier -free housing for persons with disabilities through community hearings and the zoning Board of Appeals. Mr. Saver said he met with The Center's Director of the Housing Services to discuss ways the MHB could be of assistance in helping publicize to Evanston residents the availability of new housing for people with special needs as the agency starts to develop a waiting list for the first occupants of the building. September, 1993 MHB Meeting Minutes Page 7 } MHB Agency Hearings. Ms. Ennis reminded the Board that the next meeting will be October 14 at 7:00 o.m. (note change in time). The MHB will be hearing presentations from 5 agencies applying for MHB funding. Ms. Pearson moved the meeting be adjourned in the memory of Richard Haar, former Executive Director of Niles Township Sheltered Workshop. Motion unanimously passed 9 aye - 0 no, The meeting was adjourned at 9:30 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Auarey 'i'rotsxy Executive Secretary September, 1993 MHB Meeting Minutes Page 8 EVANSTON MENTAL HEALTH BOARD MEETING MINUTES THURSDAY OCTOBER 14 1993 (Minutes approveds Members Present: Art Diers, Michael Kerns Anita Kimmerle, Nicki Pearson Susan Stroh, Ellen Browne, Ellen Reynolds, Dale Dellutri Presiding: Nicki Pearson, Vice Chairperson Staff: Jay Terry, Harvey Saver, Audrey Trotsky, Susan Watanabe Guest: Barbara Berngard, Director, Mental Health Association of Evanston Agemcies Present: Early Childhood Development Center Neighborhood services Evanston Hospital [I] CALL TO ORDER Ms. Pearson called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. [III MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 9, 1993 MEETINGS A motion was made by Ms. Kimmerle and seconded by Ms. Browne to approve the minutes of the September 9, 1993 meeting. Unanimously passed 8 aye - 0 no. [III] H.O.M.E. PROPOSAL Mr. Ter explained that Housing Options (H.O.M.E.) was not going.to present heir proposal to the Mental Health Board (MHB) this evening. H.O.M.E.'s proposal as originally submitted to the Board was developed prior to the announced closing of ACORN. As a result, the original request did not envision any responsibility for any of ACORN's programs. Since that time the Evanston Local Area Network (ELAN) recommended to DMHDD that H.O.M.E. assume responsibility for the housing services provided by ACORN. H.O.M.E. indicated throughout the ELAN review process they would seek the funding ACORN received from the four local funders as part of the service package they have put together. H.O.M.E. indicated they were going to request United Way funding in addition to funds from the MHB. Mr. Terry said it would not be fair to other agencies in the allocation process for H.O.M.E. to be given 2 hearings, so the agency's hearing was made a part of the UBP hearings on super Saturday. Mr. Terry reported that H.O.M.E. was concerned that their original request to the MHB not be lost sight of in considering the issues related to replacing ACORN's services. They will submit an addendum to their original proposal to itemize 2 separate program funding requests. The MHB agreed to have as many its members as possible present for their H.O.M.E.'s hearing. October 14, 1993 MHB Meeting Minutes Page 1 (III] AGENCY BUDGET HEARINGS The 3 agencies requesting funding from MHB, (Evanston Hospital, Early Childhood Development Center, and Neighborhood Services) presented their requests. (Working Notes for hearings are available from the Mental Health Board office.) Ms. Pearson reminded the MHB there will be a short meeting immediately after the UBP Budget Allocations session on Saturday, November 6 to approve the MHB FY 1994-95 Budget. Motion was made to adjourn the meeting at 9:15 p.m. Motion unanimous. Respectfully submitted, a4'&e", Auarey Trr SKY, MHB 8yretary October 14, 1993 MHB Meeting Minutes Page 2 .�� II L Y . , iI i.0 IV 11 iIi i tl i, -, a .II .I,giII11,1 EVANSTON MENTAL HEALTH BOARD MEETING MINUTES THURSDAY, OCTOBER 21 1993 (Minutes approved Members Present: Art Diers Anita Kimmerle, Nicki Pearson, Michael Kerns, Sally Ennis, Dale Dellutri, Susan Stroh, Ellen Reynolds Presiding: Sally Ennis, chairperson Staff: Jay Terry, Harvey Saver, Susan Watanabe [I] CALL TO ORDER Chairperson Ennis called the meeting to order at 7:35 p.m. She introduced Susan Watanabe, a University of Chicago School of Social Services Administration student, who will be doing an internship with the MHB until June. [II] ROUND TABLE DISCUSSION: AGENCY PRESENTATIONS (See attached list of comments from discussion about agency proposals.) Ms. Pearson moved and Mr. Dellutri seconded a motion to offer to trade the MHB's funding of $23,600 for the Community Coordinated Child Care Resource Center with the City of Evanston's funding for PEER Services substance abuse programs. Motion passed, 7 aye - 1 no (Diers). (III) ESTABLISH SERVICE PRIORITIES After a discussion of service priorities the MHB agreed that the priorities for FY94-95 funding would remain as they were outlined. [V] VOTE ON PROGRAMS TO BE FUNDED Mr. Dellutri moved and Mr. Kerns seconded a motion to fund all agency programs for which MHB funds are being requested in FY94-95, including new programs (with the exception of Community Coordinated Child Care Resource Center). Passed unanimously a aye - 0 no. Ms. Ennis clarified the actual program allocations would be made at the October 28 MHB Allocation Session. Mr. Dellutri moved and Ms. Reynolds seconded a motion to not submit the completed Funding Guidelines Worksheets for tabulation. In discussion it was agreed that the worksheets were most useful as a tool in reviewing proposals. Motion passed 6 aye - 0 no - 2 abstentions (Diers, Kerns). Motion was made to adjourn the meeting at 10:02 p.m. Motion passed unanimously. Respectfully submitted, arvey ver; Assistant Director October 21, 1993 MHB Meeting Minutes Page 1 EVANSTON MENTAL HEALTH BOARD MEETING MINUTES THURSDAY, OCTOBER 28, 1993 (Minutes approved) Members Present: Art Diers, Anita Kimmerle, Nicki Pearson, Michael Kerns, Sally Ennis, Dale Dellutri, Susan Stroh, Ellen Reynolds, Ellen Browne Presiding: Sally Ennis, Chairperson Staff: Jay Terry, Harvey Saver Community Representatives: Helene Lome (Niles Township Sheltered Workshop) Lois Mazor (SHORE: Community Services); Claire McCarthy Peterson (Housing Options) (I] CALL TO ORDER Chairperson Ennis called the meeting to order at 7:35 p.m. (II] COMMUNICATIONS The MHB reviewed the budget options developed by Mr. Dellutri as a possible funding strategy. [III] DEVELOPMENT OF FUNDING RECOMMENDATIONS In discussion about funding requests Me. Browne requested that staff ask agencies to provide more support statistics and quantitative information in their proposals, and to avoid vague phrases and unsubstantiated statements in describing problems or populations who are affected by those problems. Me. Ennis reported she followed up with Evanston Hospital about questions raised at the October 21 MHB meeting regarding "free care" for adolescents in an inpatient setting. The hospital does not have a free bed but provides uncompensated, free care equivalent to the cost of 1 bed for the year. If an adolescent comes to Evanston Hospital while in crisis and needing a structured setting, and does not have any funds or insurance, the hospital has funds from DMHDD to support their inpatient treatment. The adolescent would be assigned to ward service and see a resident on the inpatient unit. Ms. Ennis said she did not know how the case would be handled if the adolescent was not in crisis. Mr. Terry reported that the Aldermen had not yet made their funding allocations. However, they indicated they were favorable towards the MHB's proposal to trade its funding for 4Cs with the City for their funding for PEER Services. The MHB reviewed the discussion from its October 21 meeting and reaffirmed that it would fund the new programs requesting funding for October 28, 1993 MHB Meeting Minutes Page 1 FY94-95. There was consensus that special attention would be paid to housing for persons with mental illness as a priority service for the community. Me. Pearson moved and Ms. Kimmerle seconded a motion to allocate $9840 to Housing Options for Case Management Services for the Shared Housing and Information Program. In discussion it was pointed out that this was a reallocation of ACORN's FY93-94 funding to support Housing Options' efforts to sustain and reconfigure ACORN's transitional apartments. Motion approved unanimously 9 aye - 0 no. The MHB discussed options on how to identify funds for new programs and to provide increased allocations to programs that were most highly regarded by the Board. Mr. Diers moved and Ms. Brune seconded a motion to allocate $13,400 to new programs and program increases in FY94-95 by reducing Evanston Hospital by $10,050 and St. Francis Hospital by $3,350. Motion approved 8 aye - 1 no (Dellutri). Ms. Pearson moved and Me. Kimmerle seconded a motion to allocate new funds to Housing Options for housing development for persons with mental illness, and to Neighborhood Services for residential support services for persons with developmental disabilities. Motion approved unanimously 9 aye - 0 no. Ms. Pearson moved and Mr. Kerns seconded a motion to allocate FY94-95 program funding increases to SHORE, ECDC and Family Focus. Motion approved unanimously 9 aye - 0 no. There was agreement that all programs not already considered would receive maintenance funding for FY94-95. (See attachments for 1993 MHB funding allocation recommendations for FY94-95.) Mr. Dellutri moved and No. Kimmerle seconded a motion to adopt the 1993 MHB funding recommendations for purchased services for FY94-95. Motion approved unanimously 9 aye - 0 no. The meeting was adjourned at 9:20 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Harvey D. Sager, Assistant Director October 28, 1993 MHB Meeting Minutes Page 2 A EVANSTON MENTAL HEALTH BOARD MEETING MINUTES THURSDAY, November 11, 1993 (Minutes recorded - not yet approved) Members Present: Art Diers, Anita Kimmerle, Nicki Pearson, Michael Kerns, Sally Ennis, Ellen Browne, Dale Dellutri, Susan Stroh, Ellen Reynolds Presiding: Sally Ennis, Chairperson Staff: Jay Terry, Harvey Saver, Audrey Trotsky, Susan Watanabe Guests: James Graham, Frederica Fissell (Trilogy, Inc.); Barbara Berngard (MHA.E); Helene Lome (First Step); Claire McCarthy Peterson Housing Options); Elizabeth Allensworth (Me ill Student) [I] CALL TO ORDER - INTRODUCTION OF GUESTS - ANNOUNCEMENTS Ms. Ennis called the meeting to order at 7:37 p.m. and asked the guests in attendance to introduce themselves. Board members who attended the Saturday, November 6, 1993, UBP Allocations meeting (Ms. Browne, Ms. Pearson( Ms. Kimmerle and Mr. Dellutri) were thanked by Ms. Ennis. Ms. Ennis announced there were no changes made to the MHB's budget recommendations. The MHB's FY94-95 Budget was adopted by the MHB's representatives at the conclusion of the meeting. The budget will be presented to the Human Services Committee on November 14, 1993 meeting. [II] MINUTES OF OCTOBER 14, AND OCTOBER 21, 1993 MEETING Ms. Pearson moved and Ms. Browne seconded a motion to approve the minutes of the October 14 and October 21, 1993, noting corrections to the October 14th meeting. passed unanimously 9 aye - a no. [III] CONSIDERATION OF MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION OF EVANSTON FORUM Barbara Berngard, Director of the Mental Health Association of Evanston (MHAE), joined the MHB. She presented a request to the MHB inviting their participation in the MHAE's two winter programs. The first is a workshop on Wednesday, February 23, 1994 at to a.m. about the effects of violence on children. The second is a conference scheduled for the morning of Saturday March 12, 1994 and entitled "Violence in our Families, community and the Media: Effects on Our Children". The MHRE would like the MHB to participate in the programs and to consider volunteering to help put on the program. Ms. Ennis said the Board is willing to share their resources with the MHAE. In the past the MHB has supported various workshops in the community by doing publicity and mailing' invitations, provided these efforts are done within the MHB budget limitations. Ms. Berngard said she would confer with her committee regarding the MHB as a November, 1993 MHB Meeting Minutes Page 1 cosponsor of the events. The Board will be in contact with Ms. Berngard regarding the extent of their participation in these programs. Ms. Kimmerle moved and Ms. Pearson seconded a motion to support the MHAE's 2 Winter conferences on the effects of violence on children and families. Motion passed unanimously 9 aye - 0 no. [IV] LONG TERM CARE FACILITY ISSUES Board members received a memo, written by Ms. Ennis, regarding the Greenwood Care site visit of October 19, 1993. The memo noted the information supplied by Rick Koepke, Executive Director of Greenwood Care, in response to questions and concerns. Mr. Koepke also identified the needs of Greenwood Care. Ms. Ennis said it was her feeling after the visit, that Greenwood's inaction in assuming more responsibility for their residents' problem behaviors in the community has made created problems for the community. Many problems have arisen due to the character of the facility changing from a geriatric MI facility to a much younger population. The MHB thought the facility could develop a better understanding of the situation as it affects the neighbors, and to consider ways they might be able to work together with facility residents and neighborhood members in the best interest of the total community. It was suggested that the MHB meet with S.I.R. Management, Inc., the parent corporation for Greenwood Care, to discuss its concerns. The MHB also discussed reactivating its Long Term Care (LTC) Committee to look into the problems being identified, to establish relationships with the facility's decision makers to discuss possible solutions. The committee would also monitor issues related to quality of care and rehabilitation services in both Greenwood Care and Albany Care. Mr. Dellutri moved and Ms. Pearson seconded a motion to reestablish the Mental Health Board's Long Term Care Committee. Motion approved unanimously (9 aye - 0 no). Ms. Ennis indicated the charge for the LTC Committee will be to develop insight in the current issues and establish relationships with the decision makers at Greenwood Care, Albany Care and S.I.R. Management, and to help them to develop more cooperative relationships in the community. Ms. Ennis said the MHB's concern was for the impact on the community but more importantly for appropriate care for the individuals living in both facilities. She said the LTC Committee should also consider whether there was a need to have a subcommittee deal with community education about perceptions and misunderstanding about persons with mental illness. Ms. Ennis appointed Dale Dellutri, Anita Kimmerle and Michael Kerns to the LTC Committee. The Committee was asked to plan a site visit to Albany Care for all of the members of the MHB. (VI DISCUSSION ABOUT ISSUES AND CONCERNS RELATED TO DOWNTOWN Ms. Ennis reported she had asked Mr. Terry to provide a memo to the Board giving an overview of issues which he was aware of related to downtown. Mr. Ter 's memo to the Board identified three areas of concern related to he Downtown area: (1) aggressive panhandling; (2) November, 1993 MHB Meeting Minutes Page 2 t the perception of a lack of supervision of Greenwood Care residents; (3) the use of the library. The memo discussed issues of immediate concern regarding the problem behaviors in the community. Mr. Terry said St. Francis Hospital has indicated they would be willing to help out by using some of the time of the case manager position for which they had requested new funding from the MHB. A report sent to Mr. Terry by Neal Ney, Library Director, regarding problems in the main library was distributed to the MHB. Mr. Terry said the problems in the library have become such that the Library is asking for discipline monitors to patrol the rooms in the library. [VI] DISCUSSION WITH JIM GRAHAM, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF TRILOGY Jim Graham, Executive Director of Trilogy, and Frederica Fissel, Program Coordinator of Trilogy's new Evanston program, joined the MHB. Trilogy was selected by the Evanston Local Area Neiwork, after the demise of the ACORN programs, to develop new, structured day programs,.group activities and case management services in Evanston ffor individduals with mental health problems. Ms. Fissell and her staff of case managers will offer services on an ongoing basis at 909 Foster, provided Trilogy can maintain the lease in that site. The first phase of the program's startup will be to screen and assess persons who were previously served by ACORN to make sure they fit the ELAN's and DMHDD's priorities of severe or persistent mental illness. If they do not fit these categories, Trilogy will refer them and assist them to link up with appropriate service providers (e.g., substance abuse, benefits). Part time consultants will be brought in to assist for the first 60-90 days with the initial screening. Trilogy/Evanston will be able to serve a core group of about 60 individuals. All services will be offered initially at 909 Foster, but there will also be home visits, outreach and community intervention for Trilogy' core group. The case managers will be mobile. Trilogy's hope is to be able to work not only with providers but also concerned community businesses and individuals. After hours crisis ?roblems for Trilogy s clients will be accessed through Trilogy s Rogers Park office. In response to a question Mr. Graham said Trilogy/Evanston would remain in the 909 Foster location, assuming the arrangements for lease could be worked out. His preference would be to relocate closer to the downtown area where most of the traffic is taking place, however budgetary restrictions might preclude this possibility. Trilogy/Evanston will be serving 60 persons with mental illness. This will include 12 people who are being provided case management in Housing Options' new transitional housing program. There will be 48 others who will not be in housing rograms. There will always be 2 staff persons covering the 909 Fos er office. Trilogy's pprojection for Phase Two will be to have 4 full time case managers plus support staff during the week and part time staff during the weekend. Mr. Graham said he was looking forward to working with the Evanston LAN and the Mental Health Board. Ms. Ennis thanked Mr. Graham and Ms. Fissell for attending the MHB meeting and discussing their program with the Board. November, 1993 MHB Meeting Minutes Page 3 -III iA 1114 [YII] HOUSING OPTIONS (H.O.M.E.) SUPPLEMENTAL REQUEST FOR FY93-94 FUNDS REMAINING IN ACORN CONTRACT Housing Options (H.O.M.E.) requested supplemental FY93-94 funds remaining in the ACORN contract in the amount of $4 100.00. They requested this amount for the remainder of FY93-94 �o support their startup of the supportive Housing and Information Program, the replacement for ACORN's shared Apartment Program. Initially the funds will be used to continue housing services to 9 people in 4 transitional apartments. (Corrected, supplemental budgets were distributed to the MHB) Mr. Terry informed the MHB that, if approved, the request will require a contract be written between the MHB and Housing options because there is no current contract with the agency. If the request is approved, the MHB will make a formal recommendation to the Human Services Committee for approval and transmittal to the City Council for approval. Ms. Pearson moved and Ms. Browne seconded a motion to request the Human Services Committee recommend that City Council authorize the City Manager to engage in a contract with Housing options for the $4100 remaining n ACORN's FY93-94 contract with the MHB. Motion approved unanimously (9 aye 0 no). [VIII] REPORT ON CHILD ABUSE FORUM Information about the Child Abuse Forum and a new, proposed protocol for reporting child abuse in Evanston was sent to Board members in their November Board packets. Ms. Stroh attended the forum and said it was excellent. She was impressed with the dialogue that occurred, and with the questions and answers. Mr. Saver said the next step would be to evaluate whether the information is being used and if it is making any difference. [IX] FUNDING GUIDELINES RATING FORM DISCUSSION Mr. Diers led a discussion about the use of the MHB's Funding Guidelines. He said there had been some concerns by new Board members about the definitions of categories and the way some terms were being used. Mr. Diers said the MHB had agreed to go through the questions and discuss their criteria for scoring and the variables they considered. He said that Board members had wanted to have an opportunity to clear up some of the problems associated with the scoring. It was suggested that the first three criteria could be done with data from the proposal. Mr. Saver said previously they had been handled in that manner, but the MHB changed that 2 or 3 year ago to allow the Board to add an evaluative interpretation. The MHB agreed that the guidelines served as an excellent group of study questions and made one think specifically about agency issues. Board members aired their views regarding the guideline form and concluded the form was an effective tool to assist in reviewing and analyzing proposals, but did not want to fill out numerical rankings for compilation in the computer. There was agreement that the guideline scales were not going to be used formally for making ecisions. Mr. Diers moved and Mr. Dellutri seconded a motion to use the Funding Guidelines instrument as a tool for MHB members to individually review agency proposals and raise questions for the MHB's consideration for funding decisions. Mr. Diers clarified that November, 1993 MHB Meeting Minutes Page 4 Board members would not fill out the forms to rank the agency programs. Motion approved unanimously (9 aye - 0 no). (XI FUTURE MEETINGS I= Budget 2resentat14a. Ms. Ennis reminded the MHB that it would present the FY94-95 MHB Budget to the Human Services Committee on Monday, November 15. All Board members were encouraged to attend. Decembeg. = Meetina. There will not be a December Mental Health Board meeting. There will be an Executive Committee meeting and a Board informational packet. [XI] ANNOUNCEMENTS National Hegltil Insurance Fla n. Mr. Diers said the MHB should begin to review the provisions for mental health services in President Clinton's National Health Insurance Plan. He said that if mental health coverage is to be fully included in the plan it will take a great deal of support from groups concerned about mental health across the country. The Board shotild be using this as an opportunity to address the mental health needs of our community. Mr. Saver informed the Board the Mental Health Association of Evanston has been doing research on the sub]'ect. Mr. Terry said staff will organize material and send it to the Board in a December mailing for discussion at the January meeting. Chicago Read. Ms Pearson raised concern about the current situation at Henry Horner and asked staff to provide an update on the current situation at the facility. CILA (Community_ Inteqrated LiviDq Array eme is . Mr. Saver pointed out that Neighborhood Services was high ighted in DMHDD's publication on exemplary CILA programs, which was enclosed in the Board packet. Trainino Onoortuni.ties for Board Members. Mr. Saver encouraged the MHB to consider attending IACMHA's annual conference. Materials were provided about the conference and workshops on the changes in the mental health system. It will be held in December. Ms. Brown made a motion, seconded by Ms. Pearson to adjourn the meeting. Motion unanimously passed 9 aye - 0 no. The meeting was adjourned at 9:30 p.m. Respectfully submitted, �'n ' --��` =' fc 1i u reyy r sIcy / Executiv Secretary November, 1993 MHB Meeting Minutes Page 5