CONSUMER ALTERNATIVES PROGRAM Senate SponsorsSen. Heather Steans-Jacqueline Y. Collins, Kimberly A. Lightford-Michael Noland-Emil Jones, III-William Delgado, Susan Garrett and Mattie Hunter 1/12/2011SenateSession Sine Die New ActCreates the Consumer Alternatives Program Act. Directs the Department of Human Services to implement the Consumer Alternatives Program to prevent or avoid the unnecessary institutionalization of individuals with mental or substance use disorders or a co-occurring disorder of mental illness and substance abuse, and to provide cost effective, community residential settings and supports that enable these individuals to live successfully in the community. Requires implementation of the Program during fiscal year 2011. Contains provisions concerning the funding and establishment of community-based services and community-based integrated residential settings; training programs on community-based alternatives for institutional discharge staff; and outreach activities. Provides that participants in the program may receive certain services including a comprehensive evaluation and diagnosis assessment; family or individual support services; case coordination services; and vocational training. Prohibits discrimination in employment based on an individual's mental or substance abuse disorder. Requires the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to assist the Department of Human Services in developing housing assistance programs aimed at promoting and assisting individuals in their transition from institution-living to community-based residency. Effective July 1, 2010. 2/10/2010SenateFiled with Secretary by Sen. Heather Steans 2/10/2010SenateFirst Reading 2/10/2010SenateReferred to Assignments 2/17/2010SenateAdded as Chief Co-Sponsor Sen. Jacqueline Y. Collins 2/17/2010SenateAdded as Co-Sponsor Sen. Kimberly A. Lightford 2/23/2010SenateAdded as Chief Co-Sponsor Sen. Michael Noland 2/24/2010SenateAssigned to Public Health 2/24/2010SenateAdded as Chief Co-Sponsor Sen. Emil Jones, III 2/25/2010SenateAdded as Chief Co-Sponsor Sen. William Delgado 3/3/2010SenateTo Public Health Subcommittee on Nursing Home Care 3/4/2010SenateAdded as Co-Sponsor Sen. Susan Garrett 3/5/2010SenateRule 2-10 Committee Deadline Established As March 19, 2010 3/12/2010SenateSenate Committee Amendment No. 1 Filed with Secretary by Sen. Heather Steans 3/12/2010SenateSenate Committee Amendment No. 1 Referred to Assignments 3/16/2010SenateSenate Committee Amendment No. 1 Assignments Refers to Public Health 3/16/2010SenateSenate Committee Amendment No. 1 To Public Health Subcommittee on Nursing Home Care 3/18/2010SenateAdded as Co-Sponsor Sen. Mattie Hunter 3/19/2010SenateSenate Committee Amendment No. 1 Rule 3-9(a) / Re-referred to Assignments 3/19/2010SenateRule 3-9(a) / Re-referred to Assignments 1/12/2011SenateSession Sine Die