The Illinois Federation of Families (IFF) in collaboration with the Division of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse (DASA) and the Division of Mental Health (DMH) is committed to improving Illinois' adolescent treatment system. In 2005 DASA was given a three year grant to improve infrastructure of adolescent treatment services. The grant known as, Illinois Adolescent Substance Abuse Treatment Coordination Initiative or ILSAC, had six focus areas:
- Coordination: Link and coordinate services, budgets, and benefits across state agencies
- Youth Sub-Committee: Create a statewide, collaborative committee to support infrastructure development for adolescent treatment in Illinois
- Knowledge Dissemination: Disseminate knowledge about model programs, research, and opportunities for funding or other involvement
- Evidence-Based Practices: Increase the number of agencies using evidence-based treatment and comprehensive, standardized assessments
- Standards: Develop policies that improve licensing and credentialing for providers of adolescent services
- Workforce Development: Improve workforce development
IFF's responsibility was to help create ways family partners could influence the process of change occurring in Illinois. IFF, DASA and DMH met with families across the state to listen to parents express input into changes that needed to occur to improve adolescent treatment services in Illinois. Family voices influenced several system changes put into place because of parent input. Families were also able to meet and network with other parents and family members of adolescents affected by substance abuse issues and co-occurring disorders.
IFF continues to try to find ways that family partners can continue to get involved in the process of change in Illinois.
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