SUBJECT: Area Plan-Interim Update: 2002-2003
Over the past year and a half, AAAs have been implementing their 2000-2003 Area Plans. In this four-year plan cycle, AASA had agreed to dispense with the requirement for annual, formal updates and instead required one at this midpoint. This MB provides the instructions for that document. As indicated in the original four-year plan instructions, this update to your plan is viewed as an Interim Plan Update for 2002 and 2003. This process provides the public, AASA, and AAAs an opportunity to understand changes, adjust and report on the progress within each of your Planning and Services Areas (PSAs) as well as integrate in your planning the new requirements as a result of the re-authorization of the Older Americans Act (OAA) and State Funded Programs.
These instructions are similar in format and structure to the past Area Plan instructions. A few changes have been made to improve readability of the document for the public, which include placing the financial and assurances information in the back of the plan, emphasizing the program aspects and progress made on objectives and integrating new programs such as the Family Caregiver Support Program. This format also emphasizes the specific activities and efforts AAAs are making to fulfill the new assurances and additions as a result of the re-authorization of the Older Americans Act.
AASA will review the components of planning, services and programs to ensure the following major program changes are reflected:
· The state and federally funded Family Caregiver Support Program is integrated into your plan.
· Progress on objectives previously identified are reflected and necessary alterations are made.
· New AAA Issue Areas and Indirect Issue Areas are added, if applicable.
New Older Americans Act requirements are addressed:
· Planning includes required populations and emphasis on:
1. National Family Caregivers Support
2. Native American Elder Issues
3. Older individuals residing in rural areas
· Administrative, advisory and staffing changes are reflected to allow the public clear understanding of your agency and its comprehensive role in the community.
In the attached instructions areas that are optional are italicized and new requirements specific to the OAA have been italicized and underlined. When you submit your update, please retain this format so as to allow for easy public and AASA recognition of new items in your plan as a result of these areas.
Timelines and Periods Covered
The attached instructions are issued for submission of the Interim Area Plan Update for 2002-2003 to AASA not later than October 1, 2001. The plan submitted should reflect your accomplishments through this period and the planning and services alterations anticipated or known for 2002 and 2003.
You are requested to seek clarification as needed from either your AASA/AAA Liaison or the Fiscal Manager as needed in this process. Their names and phone numbers are included in the attached update document in the General Instructions area.
_______________________________ ______________________________
Penny Black, Director Denise Gaither, Director