The State of Connecticut Judicial Branch, Court Support Services Division (JBCSSD) is seeking proposals from qualified agencies to provide intensive mentoring and advocacy services through the Credible Messenger Program. The qualified organization(s) will match specially trained Credible Messengers to high risk, high need justice involved youth. Credible Messengers will typically (1) come from and/or live in the neighborhoods/communities of the youth to be served, (2) have lived and/or similar relevant experiences to the youth, and (3) have transformed their own lives. Credible Messengers will provide intensive one-on-one mentoring to justice-involved youth and their families. Credible Messengers aim to provide structure, guidance, teach skill-building techniques to youth and their families, develop linkages to community providers, and ultimately change behavior from law breaking to law abiding. JBCSSD is seeking proposals from interested bidders for various locations statewide, including Bridgeport, Hartford, New Britain, New Haven, Stamford, and Waterbury (see Paragraph D.3. Locations of Services and Anticipated Annual Referrals for more information). However, JBCSSD seeks to prioritize contracts for the Credible Messenger Program in Bridgeport, Hartford, New Haven, and Waterbury. While programming will focus on youth from these densely populated urban cities, youth from bordering/adjacent communities, towns, and neighborhoods within the catchment area may also be served as capacity allows. Contracts for other remaining locations will be contingent upon the availability of funding.
