Posted July 20, 2017

News, policy updates, resources, events, and advocacy opportunities

California Children’s Services

CCS Advisory Group Discusses Timeline for Redesign Implementation, Other Key Topics
The CCS Advisory Group, which represents consumer and provider views on implementation of the CCS redesign and the whole child model, addressed a breadth of topics at its meeting on July 11.

State officials presented information on the proposed timeline leading to the transition of some children to Medi-Cal managed care in July 2018; the responsibilities of health plans and counties under the new model; and the reorganization of health care delivery systems in the Department of Health Care Services, among other topics. The group also heard reports on two May 12 workshops held with the five health plans that will be involved in the CCS transition. The workshops focused on forming family advisory committees and caring for children with medical complexity.

See the Advisory Group website for the meeting agenda and the PowerPoint slides, which provide detailed information on each of the topics discussed. 

Questions, Concerns about the Upcoming CCS Changes? Take the Family Voices Parent Survey
Families whose children receive CCS services in one of the 21 counties (PDF) where children are scheduled to be transferred into Medi-Cal managed care in 2018 are invited to share any questions and concerns by taking a short survey prepared by Family Voices of California. Family Voices is interested in learning how the organization can help families during the transition process. Take the survey.

National Policy

No Rest Yet on Health Care Bill; National Call-In Day Tomorrow
July 21 has been designated as a National Call-In Day to urge the Senate not to pass legislation that would decimate the services that children with special health care needs receive under Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act. Events are moving quickly in Washington, DC, and advocacy groups are calling on constituents to maintain the pressure on senators, who may vote as soon as Monday on a motion to continue working on the bill. Find your senators.

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Family Engagement

Family Voices of California Offers Training-of-Trainers Workshop for Family Leadership
Family Voices of California invites California organizations serving families of children with special needs to send one representative to a two-day Project Leadership Training-of-Trainers Workshop in San Francisco (October) or Los Angeles (November). Project Leadership is a parent advocacy training whose goal is to increase the number of family members of children with special health care needs who are prepared and supported to become advocates for health care policy and service improvements. Project Leadership is funded by the Lucile Packard Foundation for Children’s Health. An informational webinar will be held on August 3. Applications are due September 1. Read more and apply.

National Family Voices Seeks Candidates for Board of Directors
Family Voices is soliciting applications for its national board of directors. Three directors will be elected in November for three-year terms. The organization is particularly interested in individuals who will bring perspectives of diverse communities, who are family leaders, or who have financial and fundraising experience. Directors help shape the policies and positions of Family Voices and represent families of children with special health care needs and/or disabilities from across the country. Find more information (PDF) and download the application form (Word). For questions contact Nora Wells, Family Voices executive director, at nwells [at] familyvoices.org. 

Transition to Adult Care

Mental and Behavioral Health

Webinar—Mental Health Parity: Assuring Equal Access to Treatment for Children and Youth in California
Wednesday, August 16
12 to 1 p.m. Pacific Time
Host: Family Voices of California
This webinar will present information about the federal and state mental health parity laws, and provide attendees with the knowledge, skills, and tools needed to appeal the denial of insurance coverage.
Learn more and register.

Special Education

Many States Failing to Meet Full Requirements for IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act)
The US Department of Education on July 12 posted a letter indicating how states are faring on implementing some requirements of IDEA, the law that governs how states and public agencies provide early intervention, special education, and related services to children and youth with disabilities. See how each state performed (PDF).

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Did You Know?

Census Bureau Releases Demographic Analysis of Population with a Disability
In commemoration of the 27th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act on July 26, the Census Bureau is releasing a Facts for Features report providing a demographic snapshot of the portion of the U.S. population with a disability and examining various services available to them. The demographic snapshot includes information about institutionalization, transportation, employment, accessibility, and more.

In the News

We'd like to hear from you

Let us know what's happening with your organization or family. Email newsletter editor Eileen Walsh at eileen.walsh [at] lpfch.org with your news or updates.