Specifications include, but are not limited to: A brief description of minimum required components is described below. The scope of services is not limited to these specific descriptions. The DYFS desires a program model that provides the required capacity, while allowing for cost efficiencies to be achieved during times of lower program utilization. The desired model would allow for more program resources to be redirected from funding idle capacity towards increasing the quality of services to youth. Licensure The DYFS desires proposals for Shelter Care facilities and operations with an excellent record of licensure compliance. The Department of Children and Families must have issued to the provider a Shelter Care Facility License per the pertinent provisions of Section 48.60 through 48.77 of Wisconsin Statutes and Chapter DCF 59 of Wisconsin administrative code. The license must pertain to each proposed location and corresponding capacity for the location(s). If all necessary licenses have not been issued by the proposal due date, then proposers may submit their plans and documentation of their progress towards obtaining the necessary licensure in lieu of the license itself. In these cases, the license must be submitted no later than the final submission date listed in Technical Requirements section of this RFP. Proposal responsiveness and applicable scores will be assessed according to the feasibility of the plan and progress-to-date with regard to meeting the above requirements within the given timeframe. More information on obtaining a Shelter Care license can be obtained at the following website: http://dcf.wisconsin.gov/childrenresidential/obtaining.HTM Facilities The Shelter Care facilities should be designed to be non-institutional and designed to be as home-like as possible. Any proposed facilities shall also have a plan to be clean and well-maintained and should include an emergency plan. School The DYFS desires a plan to maintain an excellent working relationship between the Shelter Care provider and each youth’s assigned school. Providers must ensure that all youth attending shelter (unless otherwise ordered), receive an education while receiving Shelter Care. Proposals must include a plan for the youth to attend their assigned school and to ensure continuity of education. For youth whose parents are not engaged with their education, provision of Shelter Care services includes interacting with the school as an advocate for the youth (e.g. attending conferences, following-up on homework and discipline issues, etc.). Shelter Care providers are required to have a plan to maintain a collaborative relationship with the school. The plan must include seamless and reliable processes (e.g. communication of critical incidents, transfer of children between Shelter Care and school, etc.). The provider will be responsible for supervision of the youth during any time periods when school is not in session. Plans must also include a process to assure that youth are provided lunch during each school day. Proposals must include a plan to coordinate with each youth’s assigned school. Transportation A transportation plan should be included in the submittal and should provide evidence of being well-integrated into the overall operations. The transportation plan is governed by detailed policies that specify how the drivers shall respond to different situations that may require deviation from normal operations. Each youth shall be picked up within one hour of request for transport for placement in shelter. Providers are responsible for the safe transfer of youth between the Shelter Care facility and the Vel R. Phillips Juvenile Justice Center located at 10201 West Watertown Plank Road, Wauwatosa, WI 53226, their schools, or medical facilities as needed. The Shelter may also be required to transport youth to and from other destinations according to the reasonable needs of youth at shelter that directly relate to their education, youth justice system obligations, or are necessary to preserve the youth’s health, safety and welfare. All transportation shall be documented and kept on record by the provider. When applicable, all transportation shall deliver youth to their destinations in a timely manner as governed by the purpose of the transport (e.g. school start times, Court hearing times, etc.) All drivers transporting youth shall be approved by the DHHS prior to transporting youth. Safety Program plans include innovative measures to maintain a safe and healthy environment for all youth and staff. It is the provider’s responsibility to maintain a safe and healthy environment for the wide variety of youth referred to Shelter Care. Providers should be prepared to serve youth presenting with a variety of behaviors and backgrounds, including but not limited to: AODA problems, mental health issues, gang affiliation, family instability, violent tendencies, impulsivity, trauma and histories of abuse or neglect. Proposals shall include a detailed plan to maintain a safe and healthy environment for all youth at all times. Providers shall have a plan to maintain a shelter environment that is free of bullying for residents and staff.