Integrating State Systems Change into a National Policy

Integrating State Systems Change into a National Policy Framework Alaska Works Initiative November 9, 2009

Alaska Works Policy Summit May 2002 l Purpose l Discuss current policy status and issues l l l Disability Populations Medicaid Buy-In 1 -Stop Job Center Services Personal Assistance Services Make policy recommendations l l l Create lasting change Look comprehensively across programs and services Create linkages and partnerships

Policy Definition Legislative action l Regulatory process l Day-to-day policy and procedures l Implementation of policy at all levels throughout the state l l Includes obtaining, allocating or re-allocating resources (people, time, money)

Policy Summit Agenda l Overview disability policy framework l Discuss policy issues from national perspective l Discuss policy implications of Alaska data and research l Policy work group discussion l Reports and next steps discussion

Process Used Discuss Alaska policy in relation to identified issues l Identify and discuss any other issues not previously raised l Determine whether current policy is supportive, inhibiting, neutral or nonexistent l l l In relation to disability policy framework In relation to data and research findings

Process Used (continued) Determine need for change in current policy or if new policy is needed l Generate policy options l Use priority grid to rate each option l l l l Positive impact on services Cost savings Resources available to implement Doable/can be accomplished in reasonable amount of time Advances disability policy framework Fits with what data and research tells us

Process Used (continued) l Discuss next steps l l l Determine need for additional data or information Identify stakeholders Determine unintended consequences (if any) Determine what it would take to implement proposed policy Assign responsibilities

Outcomes l Disability populations l People with severe mental illness l l l MIG funding used for employment specialist Partial use MH block grants for supported employment pilots DBH/DVR memorandum of agreement and letter Change in DBH regulations Training and technical assistance MIS/data collection changes

Outcomes l Disability populations l Youth with disabilities l l l l MIG money used for youth coordinator Targeted group for DD waitlist initiative Youth Intermediary Grant 5 -Year strategic plan Post-school outcomes survey Increased funding Developmental disabilities l l l DD Supported Employment Action Plan MIG funding used for employment specialist Alliance for Full Participation

Outcomes l Medicaid l Buy-In Change in resource limits $2, 000 to $10, 000 for an individual l $3, 000 to $15, 000 for a couple l l Personal l Assistance Services Increase access and equity Eliminate the “time for task” approach Provide a menu of services l l Activities of Daily Living Instrumental Activities of Daily Living

Outcomes l 1 -Stop l Job Centers Customized Employment Grant Change in DVR policy l Job center service integration l Training, technical assistance and consultation l Families First (adaptation for TANF population) l Start-Up Alaska grant l

Outcomes l 1 -Stop l Job Centers Disability program navigators Increase in use by people with disabilities from 2. 3% (2003) to 4. 4% (2007) l Increase in percent entering employment from 50% (2003) to 61% (2007) l Increase in percent retaining employment from 64% (2003) to 81% (2007) l FY 11 Increment request l