The DASA is the lead agency for alcohol and other drug- related issues within Illinois; DASA acts as the single point of contact for substance abuse prevention, intervention, and treatment. It is responsible for policy development, planning, program development, licensing, and contracting with community service providers. In August 1994, DASA announced plans to move toward a System Improvement Technology (SIT) focus. The substance abuse delivery system will emphasize technologies that improve not only the cost of care but also service use and quality. The SIT is the foundation for DASA's new emphasis on long-term strategic planning that is based on defined goals and action plans. The primary focus will be on building an outcome-driven system. The model of SIT for substance abuse services will improve access to care and the matching of clients to the least restrictive and least costly levels of care that meet their needs. The system uses standardized assessment processes, procedures, and placement criteria. Strong case management encourages the development of care plans that are structured around individual client needs rather than program structures. All licensed treatment facilities in the State will be required to adopt the ASAM client placement criteria, a nationally recognized clinical criteria. Elements of the plan discussed in this report are payment restructuring, the equitable services task force, the rules revision plan, the future of training, a pilot system improvement technology, an outcome-based model, and interagency planning and development. Appended departmental structure