Advocacy 2014 MCCA’s Legislative and General Advocacy Approach

State Legislation, Policy and Practice Contractor Rights—Fair opportunity to negotiate change in terms with the State of Missouri. Presently, the state can amend the terms of a contract and contractors have no real standing to negotiate these changes, even when they result in the contractor incurring additional expenses. Continued Privatization –MCCA will continue to pursue additional privatization opportunities for members in state child welfare services. Children’s Services Fund-The Children’s Services Fund was authorized under statute, and eight counties have instituted it through county ballots. There was activity last year to change the scope of what this fund could support by statute, and it is expected to come up in the 2014 legislature. MCCA opposes expanding the scope by statute. Counties approved what was in statute; to change this after counties have voted undermines local authority. Counties also have local boards accountable to the voters to oversee the process and distribution of funds. There are mechanisms in place to ensure funds are meeting community needs. Children’s Division Stability-MCCA will work to support Missouri’s Children’s Division in reducing field office turnover, and to support its Interim Director. Partners with Missouri’s Children’s Division and Medicaid in planning Behavioral Health Care for at-risk, abused and neglected children and their. MCCA members provide behavioral health care to thousands of Missouri children each year, and should be at the table to discuss how these services are designed, funded and implemented.

Initiatives and Well Being Issues Raising high school graduation rates of youth in foster care, the 100% Initiative Alternatives to adult prosecution and incarceration for those under 18 Remove barriers to youth in foster care becoming licensed, insured drivers Continued work to attain objectives of Governor’s Task Force on Foster Care Recruitment, Retention and Training after sunset

Federal Maintain adequate funding for residential component—Protect Medicaid Title IV-E funding structure from language that reduces compensation level or eligible time limits for compensation Behavioral Health –Work to promote best practice and true parity in funding for behavioral health services for children and families, including those covered by Medicaid.