Specifications include, but are not limited to: 1. Contractor will not refuse youth and will take youth at highest risk with the high needs. 2. Contractor will provide services based upon an Individualized Service Plan, based on the unique needs of each youth and family referred. 3. Contractor will work not only with the youth, but with the entire family. 4. Contractor will hire advocates from the same community as the youth and families they serve. 5. Contractor will recruit and hire staff that are culturally competent and know how to relate to young people. 6. Contractor will provide services in a flexible manner at times most needed by the youth and family and in locations convenient for them or conducive to achieving the goals in their plans. 7. Contractor’s services will be provided by a Program Director, Program Coordinator, and Advocates who are locally recruited and knowledgeable about community resources. These Advocates shall be available on a 24 hour/7 days per week basis. 8. Contractor will ensure that all staff and subcontractors hired pass an extensive federal and local criminal background check and will meet any state or local standards required for background checks. 9. Contractor will provide training to the Advocates they hire to listen to the youth and provide them with advice and links to community resources. All field staff shall be required to receive at least 20 hours a year of annual training. In addition, specialized training is to be provided as needed to help address specific needs of youth and families within programs. Other agencies may be invited to assist with training. Trainings may also include those offered through the KDOC-JS, such as Juvenile Justice Basics and EPICS.