PO24-018 COA Cost Estimate .pdf

January 20, 2023

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NARRATIVE & COST ESTIMATE FOR THE ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF

CHILDREN & FAMILY SERVICES’ PURSUIT OF COA PUBLIC AGENCY

REACCREDITATION AND MAINTENANCE OF ACCREDITATION FOR FY24

(JULY 1, 2023 – JUNE 30, 2024)

Following please find a breakdown of all of the estimated costs and the associated activities for the Illinois Department of Children & Family Services’ (ILDCFS) pursuit of Public Agency Reaccreditation through the Council on Accreditation (COA) as well as its maintenance of accreditation based on its current reaccreditation timetable for ILDCFS’ FY24.

Type: Reaccreditation Fee

Amount: $400,000 (estimate)

Payment Options: There are three (3) options that are available to ILDCFS with respect to payment of the reaccreditation fee:

1. The entire fee can be paid at the time of signing its Accreditation Agreement (contract).

2. The fee can be paid over two (2) fiscal years.

3. The fee can be paid over three (3) fiscal years.

Please note that ILDCFS has historically paid its reaccreditation fee over three

(3) years. As such, if it opted to move forward with this payment arrangement, the initial first payment of three (3) payments of $133,333 (estimate) would be due by September 30, 2023.

Due Date: September 30, 2023

Details: We will calculate ILDCFS’s reaccreditation fee using a sliding fee scale based on its current fiscal budget minus pass through funds and the revenues and support of programs/services that do not have an applicable COA service standard.

The following is a list of deductions we currently allow:

▪ Pass through funds associated with foster care payments;

▪ Pass through funds associated with subsidized adoption payments;

▪ In-kind donations;

July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2024 http://www.social-current.org/

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▪ Emergency assistance to clients;

▪ Pass through funds to contract providers (human service agencies, not individuals); and,

▪ Revenue related to programs/services that are exempt from the COA review

Agencies affiliated with one of our Network Champions, formerly Sponsoring Organizations, are eligible for a 25% discount on their reaccreditation fee. The estimated reaccreditation fee of $400,000 reflects this discount based on ILDCFS’ historical membership with the Child Welfare League of America.

The accreditation fee will cover all expenses for COA staff to provide ongoing technical assistance by phone, desk reviews, and all materials and resources in ILDCFS’ effort to implement COA’s current Standards for Public Agencies and achieve accreditation for a period of five (5) years.

Of important note: If an agency pursuing reaccreditation extends its pursuit of COA reaccreditation beyond five (5) years, twenty percent (20%) of the reaccreditation fee is billed for each additional year.

Please note that the reaccreditation fee does not include Site Visit expenses.

Type: Maintenance of Accreditation Fee

Amount: $5,000

Due Date: May 31, 2024

Details: There is an annual Maintenance of Accreditation (MOA) fee of $1,000 that is billed to each region for each year the region is not in process. Adherence to the maintenance of accreditation process is a requirement for continued COA accreditation.

In early May 2024, the Central Office, Cook Region, Northern Region, Central Region and the Southern Region will be billed a MOA fee.

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The MOA is a self-reporting and assessment tool that requests submission of aggregate data and documentation around critical health and safety areas and casework practice. In addition, it apprises COA of critical events and occurrences, including changes in services, structure, personnel, and/or funding, and attests that the Districts are continuing to implement COA’s standards. After submission, each MOA report is reviewed and the region will receive a summary report to assist them in identifying areas for quality improvement or corrective action.

Estimated Total Cost for Reaccreditation for FY24: $138,333