Illinois Department of Children and Family Services Institutional Review Board Met March 23.
Here is the minutes provided by the board:
ON PHONE Janet Ahern
Dr. Margaret Scotellaro
Robin Albritton
Bret Angelos
Tami Fuller
Kim Mann
Arricka Newingham
Robin LaSota
Brooke Taylor
EXCUSED Janet Chandler
CALL TO ORDER
Janet Ahern called the meeting to order at 2:04 p.m. A quorum was present.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
MOTION: Dr. Margaret Scotellaro made a motion to approve the minutes January 26, 2021.
Tami Fuller seconded the motion and a unanimous vote from the remaining board members carried the motion.
NEW PROPOSALS
Richard Ansong. Illinois DCFS Title IV-E Family First Prevention Services Act (FFPSA) Evaluation.
One of multiple proposals that will be coming through. Broken out by the different pieces of the evaluation team that they are working on. This one reflects the partnership between JPA and the University of North Carolina. Two of the models they are going to continue to look at. Adding the positive parenting program. New target population – specifically the Family First population.
Looking at big stuff like do these kids end up coming into care – looking at a lot of other data (administrative data).
Collective approach and some unique design. NPP and PPP are being used.
Need approval from University of North Carolina.
Data is coming from Chapin and any consents would be from families (as these are intact reviews).
Getting data from the providers and the families that are working with the providers should have already signed consent. Getting data from Chapin Hall through a data exchange.
MOTION: Robin LaSota motioned to approve this proposal, pending approval from the University of North Carolina’s Institutional Review Board.
Dr. Margaret Scotellaro seconded the proposed motion, Kim Mann abstained and a unanimous vote from the remaining board members carried the motion.
Gina Fedock. A Study of Mental Health Concerns and Correctional Programming Needs for Incarcerated Women.
Had data from a couple of years ago and going to use that data. Looking to link from Chapin data to see what child welfare records might be, some of whom might no longer be incarcerated at this time. Linking based on name and birth date and satisfaction with child welfare system. Comparing whether the children are in care now – or are they using the data from 2 ½ years ago for that too now? This is not explained in the narrative at all. Doesn’t say when they are asking them that.
This is examining prior to and during their incarceration. Unsure of the relevance four years later. They have access to the data, which is semi-de-identified (they have to know the names of the mothers).
University of Chicago IRB approval is needed.
They are asking for a waiver as they do not think they will be able to get into contact with the 574 women that were incarcerated. For the women that are still incarcerated, that did their survey, they can ask them what they need to ask.
You do not have consent from the mothers to disclose information. Denying their request for waiver of consent. They would need to get informed consent from the participants to link the data and then we would be able to approve it.
MOTION: Proposal is being tabled pending further information from the researcher. Robert Foltz. Psychotropic Medication, Behavioral Changes & Trauma Exposure for Youth in Care.
There’s no way will be able to analyze DCFS data. Data is incredibly complex. Who will pull the data for them.
Fairly simplistic idea looking at psychotropic medication and information from the CANS, including risk behaviors, trauma exposure, etc. CANS data is now in SACWIS. If kids are medicated, do their CANS improve. Looking at poly-pharmacy and is this appropriate. He’s a psychologist, not a psychiatrist. Should have a psychiatrist look at the medication management in the study.
Wants the data de-identified and sent to him – which has to be pulled from multiple sources (UIC source) and how it links to CANS medication on different children. Pulled for all kids in care. Has indicated that if it cannot be de-identified prior, he could de-identify it. This is incredibly sensitive dtaa and it is improbable that the researcher has the security measures in place to deal with the data.
A data sharing agreement is also being requested.
Due to the fact that the researcher does not have access to the data nor a process in place for data management, security and control the data that is being requested. If the researcher can partner with another entity (which does have access to the data) and they could go in and pull and de-identify the samples for him so that he could do his analysis. Researcher would need a viable plan with another research entity to get the data that he is requesting. Not going to get a data sharing agreement based on this proposal.
MOTION: Proposal is being tabled.
Justin Harty. Fatherhood in Foster Care: Black Fathers Aging out of Illinois Department of Children and Family Services Care – Extension Request.
No discussion.
MOTION: Kim Mann motioned to approve the proposal.
Robin Albritton seconded the proposed motion and a unanimous vote from the remaining board members carried the motion.
OTHER:
Survey Issue. Legislator that proposal some legislation – mandate families in intact to receive child care. Survey would need to go through the IRB. They would qualify for an exemption from IRB review. Two questions: 1) should the IRB review a survey that is locating families and 2) do we have to meet as a full group or can this be voted on via email. We would only be helping them identify potential families. They have no way of knowing who to send the survey to without DCFS’ help. Dr. Mann will inform the group that it will be required for them to go through IRB approval.
Geri Donenberg MOU Issues.
Marjorie Fujara Data Partner.
Next meeting re-scheduled for April 27, 2021 at 2 PM.
The meeting adjourned at 2:35 p.m.
https://www2.illinois.gov/dcfs/aboutus/policy/Documents/IRB/IRB_Minutes_032321.pdf