Teen Court Diversion Program

This Request for Quote seeks a vendor to implement a Teen Court Diversion Program that develops leadership, provides education, builds life skills, and promotes life planning for youth in Baltimore City between the ages of eleven (11) and seventeen (17) who are alleged to have committed a delinquent act (misdemeanor) and have admitted their involvement. This is a small procurement to provide youth services until the larger procurement is finalized. The Department intends to make one (1) award for a duration of one (1) year for this solicitation.

The DJS Office of Pre-Adjudication and Reform is seeking a Contractor to implement a Teen Court Diversion Program in Baltimore City. Teen Court is a diversion program that holds youth accountable without formal court action.

The Contractor shall implement a Teen Court Diversion Program for youth in Baltimore City and provide a staffing structure that can support the Program and serve up to 200 youth per year. The Contractor shall respond to referrals and meet with the Department regarding youth referred and identify ways to overcome barriers to the youth’s successful engagement in the Program. At least one (1) main office must be maintained in Baltimore City.

Project Goals

1. Hold youth accountable for their actions while repairing the harm to the victim and/or community without formal court action;
2. Reduce costs of formal court proceedings by diminishing the burden on the juvenile court system;
3. Impose fair and equitable outcomes that are developmentally appropriate, culturally proficient, and which provide community-based services for the youth and family; and
4. Focus on positive youth development while engaging the youth and family voice in case planning.

Contractor Requirements and Tasks

• Able to provide all components of services, including case management and teen court, both virtually and in person.
• Ensure that youth who agree to participate in the Teen Court Diversion Program follow through on any sanctions imposed by the teen jury for up to ninety (90) days.
• Design an outcome and evaluation process. This process will be used to demonstrate overall program effectiveness of diverting youth from the system and reduce the risk of re-offense.
• Provide a detailed plan to implement the following components: treatment services; case management; individual, family and group counseling; crisis prevention/intervention; and wraparound services.
• The Contractor shall provide volunteer staff and recruit judges and/or former judges, practicing and/or non-practicing attorneys and law students to serve on the Teen Court.
• The Contractor shall hire a Program Manager who has a bachelor’s degree, preferably in a Behavioral Health field.
• There must be an electronic mechanism for receiving and tracking referrals. The Contractor shall confirm receipt of referrals by sending an email to the sender within one (1) business day of the receipt of referrals and by making contact with the youth or family within two (2) business days of the date of receipt.
• **Monthly Progress Report** shall be submitted via email to the Contract Monitor or designee no later than fifteen (15) days following the end of each month.

The Contractor must meet the minimum requirements as follows:

1. The Contractor Bidder must possess a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, case management, or behavioral health.
2. The Contractor Bidder must have five (5) years of experience providing case management services to emotionally or socially maladjusted, delinquent, or victimized youth in a community-based or residential setting. As proof of meeting this requirement, Bidder shall provide with its Bid three (3) current letters of reference from customers within the past five (5) years who can attest to the Bidder’s experience in providing the services described.

The Department intends to make one (1) award for a duration of one (1) year for this solicitation.

A SOC 2 Type 2 Audit applies to the Contract. The applicable trust service criteria is Confidentiality.

*Attachment A. Bid/Proposal Affidavit* is included with the solicitation.