Jared Brunk

Key discussions included updates on the ATSA 2026 Conference, noting that the previously scheduled keynote speaker is unavailable and a replacement search is ongoing, while another speaker is confirmed. The board is now approved as a continuing education provider for psychology, social work, and counseling disciplines. The board continues to collaborate with Illinois ATSA for training logistics and registration, which is transitioning to a new, lower-fee platform. Audit updates indicated pending financial documents from IDOC but noted overall improvements in board management and compliance. Training planning involves targeting two sessions for 2026, with topic suggestions solicited for the summer/fall session. Licensing reminders were issued for social workers (renewal by 11/30/2025) and general observations on the eight-week processing time for LSOTP clinician licenses were noted.

Key discussions centered on the Illinois State Police registration training, which saw moderate attendance, with positive feedback and requests for longer sessions. The Board is proceeding with applying to become a Continuing Education Unit (CEU) provider, which involves finalizing and submitting an application, although delays are anticipated due to the IDFPR backlog. Updates on the IDFPR's new CORE system for license management indicated that processing times remain slow (8-12 weeks). Planning is underway for the Illinois ATSA conference in March 2026, for which the SOMB voted to provide financial support for keynote speaker fees. The internal audit is nearly finalized, with a potential finding regarding the prior non-posting of minutes. Suggested action items include finalizing the CEU application, monitoring license application status, and soliciting proposals for the upcoming ATSA conference.

Key discussions during the meeting involved several board transitions and appointments, including the resignation of the chairperson, Sarah Brown-Foiles, and the assumption of interim chair duties by Stephany Trejos. The board also addressed ongoing efforts to fill vacancies. Conference updates highlighted the upcoming Illinois ATSA Conference scheduled for March 19-20, with complimentary registration available for SOMB members. An audit review indicated improved compliance, with the sole non-compliance issue stemming from unfilled board vacancies outside the board's direct control. Furthermore, there was significant discussion regarding training initiatives, including suggestions for structured assessment of protective factors, a desire to offer varied training (online/in-person) for both adult and juvenile issues, and a proposal for a roundtable session involving providers and the court system to discuss procedural matters.

The agenda for the meeting included several key items: a welcome and introductions segment, the approval of the minutes and agenda, the Director's Report featuring departmental updates, the Chair's Report, and member updates. New business focused on board discussion regarding the upcoming year. Old business covered the 2025 required training and reimbursement matters. The meeting concluded with a public comment session and board open discussion. A Sub Committee on Women meeting was scheduled to follow, focusing on a Women and Family Services Update and adjournment.

The Illinois Department of Corrections' Strategic Plan aims to develop a proactive, forward-thinking strategy to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of its processes, addressing challenges posed by correctional population growth and fiscal uncertainty. It seeks to ensure secure and effective management of the state's prison system by aligning with the Illinois Crime Reduction Act of 2009, which emphasizes public safety, crime reduction, effective use of correctional resources, and alternatives to incarceration. Key initiatives include inmate classification, bed space management, segregation utilization, and reentry collaboration. The plan emphasizes a systemic evaluation of operations, program services, and medical/mental health delivery systems, fostering a culture of staff and inmate participation to achieve positive change.