CASAS

Consortium of Alcohol and Substance Abuse Services
Serving the Monroe County/Greater Finger Lakes Region of New York State

AGENDA AND/OR MEETING MINUTES

The CASAS Meeting for Program Directors and Representatives
is held on the Third Tuesday of each Month,
at the John L. Norris Clinic
South Avenue, Rochester
9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Susan Maxwell and Debra Peartree from Monroe Plan:

CASAS group asked to assist in the identification of gaps, barriers, access issues for Region II

counties. Discussed was expansion to southern tier providers. In process is the exploration of

adding benefits of services without duplication especially pertaining to Family and Child Health

Plus. Group noted danger of expanding services with decreasing access.

Identified by Chris W. were 3 macro points for CD Prevention and Treatment services for

CASAS Region II:

1. Primary CD base funding has been essentially frozen for the last decade.

2. With no cost of living adjustment (COLAs) – the effect on the field has been an erosion of our ability to recruit and retain staff.

3. Losses of care to the system, loss of crisis levels of care, limited detox and medically supervised withdrawal available.

Mentioned was case management pilot and great promise, if budget passes there are dollars to expand case management pilots (Tom Haschmann)

OASAS Report: Tom Haschmann

Budget coming close, in assembly. Dollars will be used to restore programs cut last year, but not to programs that were closed or have shown poor performance. Many projects planned will be on hold, dollars will go to one time – to restore cuts. TANF is not included in this mix. Jill Cavanaugh will be providing technical assistance.

There was a discussion around medical face to face referenced in the new regs. It was pointed out that regs specify medical staff not necessarily just MDs, can use RNs as well. It was noted among the group that evaluators have different interpretations of the regs on face to face issue as well as provision of client physical in last 6 months.

In summary, Chris mentioned it would be helpful that the Local Services Bulletin clarify the following:

1. Levels of Care

2. Face to face, clearly identify medical staff that can provide

3. Technical assistance vs Reviewers – there is an ongoing discrepancy of which forms, which response etc is correct.

Recommended that this issue be taken to ASAP as state wide issue of concern.

Dave Freeman also asked for clarification around lab tests and physicals required at outpatient level.

Pre-Trial Diversion – Barbara Tiberio

Originally there were 7 diversion counselors, now there are 3, 2 of which have CASACs. The Diversion program as part of Pre-Trial Services has been around for 25 years.

For clients new to the system, those with DWIs are screened by Rick Roxin, DA. In DWI felony program clients pay for attorney as well as program which lasts 6-8 months.

Individualized programs are used for clients in DWI felony program and general Diversion program. If client successfully completes program in either case can plead to a misdemeanor. The program does not get violent felon referrals. Barbara presented two case studies as examples.

CASAS Membership-Glenn Palmer

Glenn Palmer, treasurer, circulated membership lists. If your agency has not paid its 2004 membership please use attached form and send form and payment to Glenn Palmer.

Public Policy – Marty Teller

Marty asked for new membership to Public Policy Committee as the work of this committee represents so much of what CASAS does. Marty invited all to attend Public Policy Meeting following CASAS meeting this morning. The state budget is the most current topic and continuing advocacy – calls to State Assembly a priority. There was excellent representation from CASAS at Dinowitz roundtable in NYC in May. CASAS was also represented last week again in Albany. As there will be a recess as early as next week, Marty urges CASAS membership to place calls to Albany.

Employability Ad Hoc Committee – Cheryl Martin

CCSI, Nyla Gaylord, is willing to train CASAS members on any topic around employability.

Cheryl mentioned the visit of the Bernsteins to Rochester in August where there will be opportunity to discuss Brief Interventions. Unity will be hosting, Cheryl will send information through CASAS email group.

XXX