Specifications include, but are not limited to: Pursuant to the terms and conditions in the Agreement (Attachment 2) Proposer/Contractor shall provide direct legal representation to Hennepin County legacy youth (ages 10-21). The annual estimated number of new case files is 40-60. The annual number of court appointments and file closures fluctuate depending upon the specific needs of legacy youth served. As needed, Proposer shall work with the existing contracted entity/attorney assigned to the case to transfer the case to the new attorney. Proposer’s staff providing representation shall be an attorney licensed to practice law in Minnesota and in good standing with the Minnesota Lawyer Registration Office or a law school student certified to practice law in Minnesota under the Supervised Practice Rules. Proposer shall abide by the Minnesota Rules of Professional Conduct (the “MRPC”). Proposer will be appointed by the Fourth Judicial District - Juvenile Court to represent the legacy youth through final resolution of the matter except if withdrawal of representation is allowed or termination of representation is required pursuant to applicable laws and rules, including but not limited to the MRPC. Proposer shall continue representing a legacy youth if/when County’s funding and/or payments hereunder are exhausted and/or the Agreement expires or is duly terminated. As necessary, County will exercise reasonable efforts to amend this Agreement to extend the term, and thereby allow for additional payments, if any representation of any individual has not concluded upon expiration or termination. Proposer will represent and advocate for youth ages 10 -18 and will promote the rights and interests of these legacy youths in legal proceedings at the Fourth Judicial District - Juvenile Court. Proposers’ services will include an initial in person meeting with the legacy youth and their social worker, followed by regular contact with the legacy youth before and after each court hearing, attendance at all court proceedings, and filing of all necessary motions and pleadings, including sibling contact agreements where applicable. Proposer will represent and advise youth ages 18-21 on participation in the extended foster care program, including termination hearings. Proposer shall become familiar with the various County programs and services designed to assist youths in need and shall direct legacy youth to the appropriate County resources. Proposer will train and supervise any staff providing legal representation to legacy youth, provide needed materials and forms for use during the representation, and educate staff on the various County programs and services that benefit youths in need.
