Summary of Specifications:
The Rockland County Youth Bureau (“YB”) and Department of Social Services (“DSS”) are requesting proposals from qualified not-for-profit organizations to provide successful, best-practice, cost-effective services for the County’s Runaway and Homeless Youth ages 14 – 21 through a community-based program with the name: Project Turning Point, that provides a positive and safe alternative for RHY who might otherwise become involved with law enforcement or in the child welfare, mental health, and/or juvenile justice systems. The program funded through this RFP will protect Runaway and Homeless Youth (RHY) and, whenever possible, reunite them with their families, in keeping with the Federal RHY Act of 1978 and current New York State legislation and regulations. Where reunification is unrealistic or inappropriate, the contractor will help youth progress along an alternative path to independent living, identifying suitable housing options through an integrated network of services, facilitate access to other community service providers through linkages and referrals, and collaborate with County agencies including but not limited to the Youth Bureau and Departments of Social Services, Probation, Health and Mental Health, and County schools. Every aspect of the Project Turning Point program, both residential and non-residential, will utilize Positive Youth Development principles, setting and maintaining high expectations for participants and help them take advantage of education and career development opportunities, and providing activities and experiences designed to help participants become healthy, caring, responsible adults. Project Turning Point services play an important part in Rockland County’s system of care for youth at risk of out-of-home placement. As such, proposals should demonstrate commitment to the system of care values that all services be family focused, strength based, individualized, and culturally competent. Applicants must offer an 6-bed, co-ed youth shelter with 5 beds designated for RHY, one bed for Respite, and a 24-hour, 7-day per week Crisis Intervention Hotline, in a facility located in Rockland County. Services will be provided in a safe and welcoming environment and must include: temporary emergency shelter and counseling for RHY ages 14 – 21; individual, family and group counseling that encourage the involvement of parents or legal guardians (as appropriate); information and referral outreach to youth eligible to receive service; aftercare plans to stay in contact with youth, address youth who run away from foster care or correctional institutions; assist youth to stay connected with their schools or stay current with curricula; ensure youth are provided information about available education services; maintain confidentiality; and contact parents or legal guardians (when appropriate) to ensure the safe return of youth and reunite them with their families. The anticipated period of service is a total of eighteen (18) months, comprised of six (6) months for planning and twelve (12) months of a fully operational program. It is the intent of the County of Rockland to renew the contract issued to the successful applicant for another 12 months, assuming satisfactory completion of all contract terms, for a maximum of two (2) additional years (total 3.5 years).
