Breaking News: ARRA Funds Will Support CCAP in FY10

10/20/2009 11:20 am - Governor Quinn announced this morning the Illinois Department of Human Services' plans for spending federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funds for the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP). Effective November 1st, there will be more money in the system!

IDHS will be implementing the following:

• Extending the job search time from 30 days to 90 days for parents already enrolled in the program, and implementing a 30 day initial job search period for new parents
• Implementing statewide a network of specialists in infant and toddler care to improve quality
• Reducing parent co-payments across the board so that all parents receive a 15% reduction for two years
• Supporting program growth beyond FY09 levels

Providers will need to assess November co-pays under the current rate. It is being recommended that when the new co-pay schedule is provided, providers work with parents to either refund the difference or to provide a credit for December’s co-pay. The IDHS website (www.dhs.state.il.us) will publish the new rates when they are available.