2026-13 Pre Independent Living Programs -Statewide- Boys -Posted.docx

Executive Office of Health and Human Services

DEPARTMENT OF

YOUTH SERVICES

Cecely A. Reardon, Commissioner

Request for Response

RFR DYS POS 2026-13

PRE-INDEPENDENT LIVING

MALES,

Statewide

May 2026

TABLE OF CONTENTS

REQUEST FOR RESPONSE

Boston, MA. 02109

IMPORTANT NOTE: Responding organizations (Responder/Responders) who have received confirmation that they have completed the Department of Youth Services’ Master Service Pre-Qualification Application (MSPQA) process (DYS RFR 2022-12) are qualified to respond to this Request for Response (RFR). Responders who have not qualified under the MSPQA must respond to that RFR along with this RFR.

The specifications and requirements in this RFR are in addition to those in the MSPQA. In a conflict, the specifications and requirements in the individual RFRs shall prevail.

For this RFR, DYS refers to the organization awarded the contract as the ‘Successful Responder(s)’.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR SUBMISSION OF RESPONSES

To be completed by the Department of Youth Services (“DYS” or the “Department”) only. Modifications to these requirements will not be accepted.

ACQUISITION METHOD TO BE USED FOR CONTRACT(S):

License

Tax Exempt Lease Purchase (TELP)

Term Lease

Rental (not to exceed 6 months)

Other (specify):

SINGLE OR MULTIPLE CONTRACTORS FOR CONTRACT PERFORMANCE:

SINGLE OR MULTIPLE DEPARTMENTS MAY CONTRACT UNDER THIS RFR:

Option to Allow Other Departments/Political Subdivisions to Contract Under RFR

Statewide Contract – All Departments may purchase under the terms of RFR

Multiple unidentified additional Departments may purchase under the terms of RFR

Multiple Identified Departments Listed in RFR may purchase under the terms of RFR

TOTAL ANTICIPATED DURATION OF RESPONSE(S):

Initial Qualification Duration (Indicate Number)

Options To Renew (Indicate Numbers):

Month(s)

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR SUBMISSION OF RESPONSES

DEADLINE FOR RESPONSES or Procurement Calendar:

The Department will not be hosting a Bidder’s Conference for this RFR.

PROPOSAL SUBMISSION

Electronic Submissions - Effective July 1, 2014, all procurements posted on COMMBUYS, known as Bids, require the submission of electronic responses, known as Quotes. To submit an electronic Quote Respondents must register and maintain an active COMMBUYS Seller subscription account. Questions regarding COMMBUYS should be directed to the COMMBUYS Help Desk at commbuys@state.ma.us.

1. All pages must be consecutively numbered to facilitate review and cross-referencing during the proposal review process.

2. Proposals are limited to thirty (30) pages plus any applicable appendices. For purposes of this RFR a page is defined as one side of a double-sided, single-spaced sheet of paper, using a 12-point typeface, with one-inch margins on both sides, top and bottom.

3. A Table of Contents should be provided to assist the reviewers in finding relevant response information.

4. Responders should review and respond to the proposal requirements in the Question and Response Guidelines section of this RFR.

Representatives from the Department are available to respond to both programmatic and fiscal questions specific to this RFR. All questions must be sent via e-mail to:

phillip.w.davis@state.ma.us

Under G.L. c. 18A, § 1, the Department of Youth Services is authorized to contract with private non-profit agencies to carry out any of the programs and purposes of the department. Only agencies with an approved 501(c)(3) designation from the Internal Revenue Service are eligible to receive an award resulting from this procurement.

ANY CONTRACT AWARD FROM THIS PROCUREMENT IS SUBJECT TO APPROPRIATION.

INTRODUCTION

The Department of Youth Services is the Commonwealth of Massachusetts's juvenile justice agency. Its mission is to foster positive outcomes for youth, build safer communities, and collaborate for an equitable and fair justice system. The Department envisions a Commonwealth where every young person has the skills, support, and resources to engage safely with their communities and lead productive, fulfilling lives. We support this work by valuing fairness, transparency, racial equity, and integrity.

In response to changing demographics and guided by successful partnerships, DYS is working to implement a broad-based, community-focused approach to the prevention and intervention of juvenile delinquency. A primary focus of this effort is strengthening and expanding community partnerships. DYS has committed itself to establishing partnerships with a variety of organizations and individuals, with an eye toward the following goals and objectives:

· Supporting District Offices and satellite offices in communities with the highest population of DYS youth to effectuate successful community transitions and community supervision.

· Strengthening and expanding partnerships that allow us to collaborate to reduce crime and enhance community safety.

· Providing comprehensive residential programming for youth in the least restrictive settings available, focusing on service locations that are geographically close to youth families and supportive adults.

· Consistently assessing youth, strengths, risks, and needs.

· Supporting a service continuum that provides DYS youth with a comprehensive range of services.

· Improving residential environments and program services.

· Increasing staff skill and consistency of practice through strong staff training efforts and practices.

· Addressing racial and ethnic disparity for DYS-involved youth, their families, and communities.

· Ensuring that each program incorporates Positive Youth Development (PYD), a strength-based framework incorporating youths’ voices at all service development and provision levels.

· Ensuring that each program is trauma-responsive, and that every aspect of service delivery, including physical environment, values, staff approach, programming, and language, is focused on best meeting the needs of youth and families who have experienced trauma.

· Ensuring that each program uses a clinical framework approved by the Department.

· Protecting the public by embracing a rehabilitative framework that includes providing youth with resources and opportunities for restoration and healthy methods for reintegration into their communities.

The Department’s service continuum for committed youth consists of community-based and residential services and supports tailored to meet their individual needs. Youth are typically committed to DYS until either age 18 or 21. Discharged youth may choose to receive voluntary services from the Department after discharge until the age of 22 as a Youth Engaged in Services (YES). DYS divides the state geographically into five regions and statewide operates approximately thirty-six (36), 24/7 residential treatment programs ranging in security levels including pre-independent living and independent living apartments. DYS also operates approximately twenty (20) District and Satellite offices strategically located in each region to provide committed youth with comprehensive supervision and supports that are as close as possible to their home communities and families. The services procured through this RFR are to serve DYS youth as they move through the Department’s service continuum from residential treatment to the community, including when receiving voluntary services.

YOUTH PROFILE

During calendar year 2025, the average daily population of committed youth statewide was approximately 294. The average age of committed youth was 17.1. In FY2025, discharged DYS-committed youth spent an average of 156 days in residential treatment, during which they received education, postsecondary education, clinical services, health services, and other support before being released to the community. These same youth spent an average of 136 days under DYS supervision in the community, where they received case management services and supports.

Youth who have been discharged from DYS are eligible for DYS voluntary transitional services up to the age of 22 as Youth Engaged in Services (YES). For the year 2025, the average daily population of YES statewide is approximately 119 youth and the average duration of YES engagement is approximately 1 year. Youth who initially decline voluntary services or for whom YES services are terminated due to noncompliance may seek to begin or resume receiving voluntary services from DYS at any time before their 22nd birthday.

The DYS youth profile may change during the term of the contract. Responders are expected to promptly make any adjustments necessary to manage the changing population profile. Programs must be aware of the unique experiences of youth in the juvenile justice system, including significant trauma histories, issues of exploitation, and health concerns.

PRE-INDEPENDENT RESIDENTIAL LIVING PROGRAM

Through this RFR the Department seeks to competitively procure two (2) pre-independent living programs to serve males from all five DYS Regions, as needed during the life of the contract. This program will serve 5-11 youth, provide a safe and supportive placement primarily for older adolescents and emerging adults, and have on-site support of caring adults.

The Program will provide community-based services and supervision to youth and prepare them to transition successfully to the community while receiving on-site support. These youth will be preparing to live independently in a DYS Independent Living Program, another subsidized or unsubsidized apartment/residence, a non-DYS community-based housing program, or a home with a parent, legal guardian, or kin upon release to the community.

These programs will incorporate community-based transitional services to help youth progressively develop the skills necessary to live independently. Community and Residential DYS staff, including DYS caseworkers, Community Services Network providers, program staff, Skill Up providers, and other contracted providers will collaborate to support continuity of service delivery for youth in areas such as education, vocational skills, employment, medical health, mental and behavioral health, and substance abuse services.

Responders must provide a plan that integrates the service coordination and supervision of the youth with both the DYS Community Services Network and the responding agency's programming. Youth will be connected to the DYS Community Services Network through the District Office and the youth’s DYS Caseworker. The DYS Community Service Network utilizes a case management team of state and provider staff. The emphasis of this framework is on serving and supervising youth on an individualized basis in light of their risks, needs, and strengths. The goal of the Community Services Network is to go beyond accountability and recidivism reduction to help DYS youth thrive as healthy and productive adolescents and young adults. Positive Youth Development is the DYS approach that emphasizes and builds on the strengths of individuals and their families and is a critical component of this model of community services.

The Department’s Residential Operations shall provide primary oversight for the administration of the Program, including compliance with DYS policies, standards, and licensing requirements. Collaborative case management and community operations coordination will occur through direct communication between the program, the youth’s caseworker, and DYS regional community and residential leadership.

The awards resulting from this procurement will be made for three years, with the option of two (2) additional one-year renewals. The maximum obligation for these services during each fiscal year will be determined by the Chapter 257 rate established for this service model.

Responders can site locations that are provider-owned or provider-leased, and/or may request to use a state-owned property in the Central Region on either the Grafton or Westborough Campuses.

DYS reserves the right to change the type of programming during the term of the agreement if DYS deems changes necessary to meet the agency's needs.

All programs must be licensed through the Department of Early Education and Care (DEEC).

CHAPTER 257 RATES FOR SERVICES

The Successful Responder's contract will be a Unit Rate contract for the daily beds. The rate was calculated using the Chapter 257 Rates released in January 2026. The chart below is an estimate based on the program’s full utilization.

Intensive Trans. Independent Living (Program A)

Capacity Level A

Management

Direct Care

Total Staffing

Taxes & Fringe

Total Salaries

$921,945

Non-Salary Expenses

Unit Cost

Occupancy

Other Exp.

Total Non-Salary Expenses

$179,618

Total Reimbursable Exp. Excl. Admin.

$1,101,563

Admin. Alloc.

12.00%

$132,188

CAF

2.53%

$31,192

TOTAL

$1,264,942

RATE:

$493.50

Utilization RATE:

90%

$493.50

Below is the breakdown of the contract's maximum obligation by the number of beds.

VISION STATEMENT

The Responder must prepare a vision statement that incorporates the Program's goals and objectives and verifies that the submitted budget is adequate to run the Program. An implementation schedule for locating program sites and achieving full staffing must be included as part of the program's opening timeframe.

PROGRAM DETAILS

Youth referred to the Program are youth, typically aged 16-21, who are committed to DYS and granted conditional liberty (GCL) or engaged with the Department through YES. All referrals will be processed through the Regional Administrator of Placement Services. The program will accept and work with youth from all the DYS Regional Offices.

These youth still require accountability and regular contact with caring adults who can assist them on their journey. Youth need to be engaged as partners in planning for their futures. The Program’s goal is to support and assist youth as they gain independent living skills, including employment and housing, so they can prepare and secure a strong and positive future after DYS discharge.

The program model must demonstrate how it can accommodate youth at different stages of readiness since the youth who are typically referred to this Program often have limited or no family support and/or independent living readiness and possess varied skills, needs, and strengths.

Responses must demonstrate the ability to provide services that are tailored to individuals, including persons who identify as transgender, nonbinary, or gender nonconforming, and that are strength-based, promote empowerment, and are trauma-responsive.

The Program requires a site that can accommodate 1-2 person bedrooms. Responses with single bedrooms are preferred. Programs shall have shared communal space, including a kitchen, laundry, bathroom, living space, multi-use, and adequate staff office space. The Responder shall describe how the location will have a homelike and welcoming atmosphere. The Responder shall submit a plan that demonstrates the core requirements for adequate communal furnishings and equipment as well as each youth’s ability to personalize their living space (e.g., bedding, personal items, bedroom décor, etc.).

Programs must be designed to provide, or facilitate access to, a life skills curriculum and DBT skills that, at a minimum, emphasize the following components: anger management, violence prevention, conflict resolution, victimization, behavior management, relapse prevention, problem solving, employment/vocational skills building, and personal and self-care responsibility. This work should include a strong emphasis on the skills needed to live independently and successfully in the community, including cooking, laundry, parenting, and finances. The Responder shall submit a plan to incorporate the curriculum into daily operations that meets the individual needs of each youth and aligns with ongoing departmental life skills development efforts. These concepts must be integrated into all aspects of the program operations, enabling a seamless delivery approach.

The Program services must include seven-day, twenty-four-hour awake staff and a dedicated transportation vehicle available 24-7. The proposed location should be near public transportation. The program should have connections to community-based educational services, vocational programs, employment training, and job placement options. There should be linkages with community-based health services, including behavioral health and substance abuse counseling services, and access to housing referral options. The Responder may include an optional on-site, independent living apartment component for youth who have demonstrated progression toward independence while in the pre-independent programming phase. If proposing a program-based component with an on-site independent living apartment, the Responder must provide details for both components and detail the expectations.

To best support youth in this placement, the Responder is expected to understand DYS’s assessment and placement process. After a youth is committed to DYS, they are assessed to determine the type of treatment required and whether they pose a risk to themselves and/or the public. Risk/need is defined, for this purpose, as the youth's likelihood of reoffending and the services needed to reduce that risk. These factors, combined with the youth's offense history, are considered in a classification process that determines the timeframes for the youth to achieve sufficient progress to be considered for a less restrictive community-based placement or a return to their home under DYS casework supervision. The assessment process also assesses a youth’s strengths, abilities, and aptitudes as part of a strategy that builds on these assets and promotes the youth’s engagement as a critical part of the treatment process. This assessment process is essential for determining next steps in a youth’s treatment plan and their readiness for various community services, including the possibility of utilizing the Pre-Independent Living services.

PROGRAM SPECIFICATIONS & GOALS

Responders should detail how their Program provides a full range of activities to assist youths in transitioning from residential supervision to independent living in the community. The Program should be able to provide necessary supports to youth as part of a planned transition process. The Program must have components to address all aspects of independent living skill acquisition. Program staff must have demonstrated case management skills and experience beyond purely residential program staff expertise. The responses must demonstrate the Responder’s ability to work with and collaborate with the local network of community service providers and the DYS case management team to provide ongoing support to youth both during their stay in the program and after their transition. Upon intake to the Program, the clinician will draft an initial treatment plan that covers the first two weeks of engagement with program services and treatment. The clinician will also develop a monthly treatment plan focused on the youth’s acquisition of life skills and DBT skills. As release to the community approaches, the Program will collaborate with the youth’s caseworker, who will develop a case management plan for successful transition to community placement.

The Responder shall provide clear and concise information on your expectations of youth in the Program and your vision for the following:

· level of supervision;

· identification of each youth’s individual needs, including securing identification documents, financial skill building, and developing routine and daily functioning tasks

· housing opportunities;

· the type of education, vocation, and employment opportunities youth will pursue in the community or have access to;

· the frequency of pro social group activities to emphasize a sense of community within the setting; and

· the process by which readiness to graduate from the program is determined.

GOAL ONE

PROVIDE A SAFE AND SECURE ENVIRONMENT THAT PROTECTS THE PUBLIC, STAFF, AND RESIDENTS.

SAFETY AND SECURITY

The safety and security of the community, youth, and staff are of the highest priority. As outlined in the MSPQA, the Responder must have policies and procedures consistent with the Department of Youth Services’ policies and procedures for all DYS programs to ensure a safe and secure program environment. These policies and procedures must specify how the youth’s personal safety and community supervision measures will be carried out, by whom, at what frequency, and how staff will be trained in their application. These personal safety and community supervision policies and procedures must also include emergency procedures and the program’s strategy to manage contraband, including substances. A list of program contacts and a process for maintaining the contact list must also be provided. DYS’s Program Monitors and Regional staff will monitor the operational effectiveness of these policies and procedures, as well as the staff’s knowledge of them, throughout the duration of the contract.

The Successful Responder will foster a culturally respectful, trauma-responsive environment with a warm, inviting program aesthetic that supports treatment. Commitment to family engagement will be demonstrated through facilitating family visitation and, for youth who are parents, implementing strategies to maintain their connection with their children. Responses should also detail approaches to incorporating youth choice and promoting youth voice in care, as well as strategies to build trust and empower youth and families.

Additionally, the Responder must outline plans to hire and train a strong administrative, clinical, and direct care workforce, recognizing that these relationships are essential to ensuring a safe and secure environment. The Responder’s senior leadership is required to conduct quarterly inspections of the location and to review program documentation, including staffing schedules, program logs, physical plant conditions, JJEMS documentation, supervision records, annual reviews, program vehicles, and medication management. Inspection reports must be submitted quarterly, along with the EEC Quarterly Restraint Report, to DYS Regional Leadership and the assigned Program Monitor.

POSITIVE YOUTH DEVELOPMENT

DYS programs utilize the Positive Youth Development framework with all DYS youth. PYD is an approach that emphasizes and builds on the strengths of individuals and their families and is a critical component of this model of community services. In this framework, basic needs for safety and security, physical well-being, medical care, emotional health, intellectual and physical development, community connectedness, and positive adult/peer relationships are held as the essential foundation for effective programming. The Responder will understand and utilize a behavior management and incentive system within the PYD framework that provides youth with voice, structure, expectations, support, feedback, incentives, and opportunities to achieve personal growth and therapeutic goals.

TRAUMA THEORY: TRAUMA-INFORMED, TRAUMA-RESPONSIVE, and TRAUMA-SPECIFIC CARE It is recognized that most, if not all, DYS youth and families have experienced trauma in their lives. DYS recognizes the widespread impact of traumatic stress on health, mental health, and behavior of youth. Trauma-informed, trauma-responsive, and trauma-specific care can help mitigate some of the impact of traumatic stress by facilitating the development of trusting relationships between clients and treatment providers, improving long-term outcomes, and reducing burnout and turnover among staff.

The Responder is expected to move beyond trauma-informed care to a trauma-responsive, trauma-specific approach, implementing the underpinnings of Trauma Theory throughout the milieu. The Responder will include in their response how they will incorporate the core principles of trauma-informed care (acknowledgment of the pervasiveness of traumas, safety, trust, compassion, collaboration, choice, and empowerment) and trauma-specific treatment into programming.

CONTINUITY AND CONNECTION

Safety and trust are created through continuity of services, care, and connection. The Responder will be committed to reducing disruptions in service delivery and remaining committed to maintaining a therapeutic connection with youth. They will demonstrate a commitment to avoiding removing youth from the Program for negative behavior whenever possible. This will include implementing approaches that support youth who are struggling to succeed in programming. The Responder will suggest new approaches and express a commitment to and strategies for repairing trust and relationships with youth when they have broken down.

For this reason, DYS requires the following process when removing a youth from a specific placement or requesting a time-out and/or an escalation to a higher level of security. This process shall be used for a youth who engaged in repeated or serious assaultive behavior, a significant incident that created a major breach in security, and/or a youth who repeatedly leaves the premises without permission or is otherwise a danger to themselves or others. Before a Program requests the removal of a youth, the Caseworker or designee must meet with the youth within 24 hours of an incident and follow these steps.

· If the concern cannot be resolved with the youth, the relevant DYS staff will implement a plan of action with the Program to assist the youth. This plan can include mediation or a restorative justice process.

· If the youth cannot maintain the plan of action put into place, an Individual Service Plan (ISP) meeting shall be scheduled with the Program clinical staff, Program Director, DYS Regional Clinical staff, Caseworker, and any other staff deemed appropriate. The ISP shall be reviewed bi-weekly.

· If the youth is not responding to the ISP, the program shall initiate a conversation with the relevant DYS staff to request a removal or temporary time-out.

· Before a youth is removed or timed out, all incident reports shall be updated in JJEMS.

· Within 48 hours of removal, the caseworker shall meet with the youth and begin orienting them to return to the Program. Meetings shall occur weekly, with the expectation that the youth will transition back to the Program within 3 weeks or sooner, absent extenuating circumstances.

· Weekly meetings shall be held with all participants listed on the youth’s ISP team. These meetings shall be documented and scanned into JJEMS.

· A meeting shall be held with everyone on the ISP team prior to the youth returning to the Program.

The process outlined is intended to assist youth in returning to their initial placement while supporting the workforce in times of critical need.

PROSOCIAL BEHAVIORAL MOTIVATION AND INCENTIVE-BASED APPROACH

The Responder will be expected to develop a pro-social behavior management incentive-based system (BMIS) that is gender-responsive and fosters a therapeutic culture that supports the development of positive relationships between the staff and the young people in the Program. The system should focus on the services and programming needed to help youth learn prosocial behaviors, build on their strengths, and reduce maladaptive patterns or actions. The BMIS components and expectations should be clearly communicated to staff, the young people residing in the Program, and their families. The Responder will be expected to develop a system that successfully balances expectations, accountability, and competency development.

EVIDENCE-BASED PRACTICES

DYS will work with the Successful Responder to develop and implement acceptable Evidence-Based Practices during the contract term, including the BMIS for males. Special consideration will be given to Responders who demonstrate expertise in understanding and applying promising practices to create an effective boy-responsive approach to service delivery grounded in research and data.

PRISON RAPE ELIMINATION ACT (PREA) COMPLIANCE

The Successful Responder will comply with the Prison Rape Elimination Act of 2003, 42. U.S.C. § 15601 et seq. (PREA), and with all applicable PREA Standards, DYS Policies related to PREA for preventing, detecting, monitoring, investigating, and eradicating any form of sexual abuse within DYS Facilities/Programs/Offices owned, operated or contracted. The Successful Responder will acknowledge that, in addition to "self-monitoring requirements," DYS will conduct announced or unannounced compliance monitoring, including "on-site" monitoring. Failure to comply with PREA, including PREA Standards and DYS Policies, may result in termination of the contract.

WORKPLACE VIOLENCE AND PREVENTION AND CRISIS RESPONSE PLAN

101 CMR 19.00, Workplace Violence and Prevention and Crisis Response Plan, governs the procedures and criteria for workplace violence and prevention and response plans for programs that provide direct services to clients that are operated, licensed, certified, or funded by a department, commission, office, board, division, institution or other entity within the Executive Office of Health and Human Services under M.G.L. c.6A § 16. Any direct service program that contracts with the Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) or the constituent agencies of EOHHS must comply with 101 CMR 19.00, including having a plan that meets the criteria set forth in 101 CMR 19.04, which is updated annually, available electronically, and provided to any human service worker upon request. The regulations and response plan guidelines are available at the following website: http://www.mass.gov/eohhs.

GOAL TWO

PROVIDE A LIVING ENVIRONMENT FOR YOUTH WHICH MEETS THEIR HEALTH, SAFETY, AND EMOTIONAL NEEDS.

FOOD SERVICES/MEAL PLANNING

The Program must provide each youth with three (3) meals and two (2) snacks per day in a flexible manner that supports each youth’s individual daily schedule, which includes meals that may be consumed off-site. Youth shall be taught how to shop for food on a fixed budget, meal preparation, nutrition, and food safety, and be provided hands-on opportunities to practice skills. The Program should have youth participate in meal prep at least 3 times per week and incorporate a cooking class or instructional group each week. The Program will ensure that there is adequate food on-site to meet the youth’s nutritional needs and that a space be designated for youth with food sensitivities or special dietary needs.

HEALTH SERVICES

The Program will ensure that the youth’s medical, dental, and behavioral health needs are met in a professional and timely manner by a community health care provider. In addition, the Program shall support the youth skills necessary to manage their own health care. All youth will be enrolled in MassHealth while committed to DYS. The majority of necessary services should be accessed through this network of health care providers. The Program should include, in the youth’s release plans, how they will access health care and ensure a seamless transition of services when Program participation is completed. (post-graduation).

The Program will provide transportation assistance, as necessary, for all regularly scheduled medical and dental appointments.

The Program must also have space for storing medication. The medication cabinet must include a lock and be in a secure space accessible only to staff via key. The Program must adhere to Department of Early Education and Care (DEEC) licensing requirements and DYS policies regarding parental consent for psychotropic medication administration.

The Program will work in conjunction with the DYS Health Services for psychotropic medication and with the Community Service Network team for behavioral health services, as needed. The DYS caseworker shall lead this coordination while program staff support youth and ensure health needs continue to be addressed in transition planning.

RESIDENTIAL LOCATIONS

Responders are required to arrange and/or provide group living settings with an optional individualized apartment component that must meet all state and local code and licensing requirements, and provide a safe, secure, and healthy environment for the youth in the Program when appropriate.

The Program must have a minimum internet access capability equivalent to a business-class broadband internet connection with a minimum download/upload speed of 75/15 Mbps and must include a secure wireless router in addition to adequate telephone service.

Responders should propose a preliminary Program name for DYS’ review and approval. Responses must include a detailed description of the proposed location(s), including exact address, the size of the location (building and lot size), the number of single occupancy bedrooms and bathrooms, the exact location of the nearest public transportation, the names of the closest medical facilities, and the names of the closest schools and learning centers. The Responder should disclose whether the property is owned by the Responder or intended to be leased/purchased. The Responder should be aware that awarding a Program takes significant time and should plan with the current owner to ensure the property is available when the award is expected.

An implementation schedule for locating Program sites, completing all necessary renovations, and reaching full staffing, including the successful completion of all DYS and provider-required training, must be included as part of the program’s opening timeframe.

Responders may submit no more than three sites per the assigned geographical location for consideration. Please be aware that, based on the evaluation criteria, DYS may inspect all, some, or none of the locations. DYS reserves the right to request that the Responder with the best overall proposal find another location other than those contained in the proposal if it is in DYS’s best interest to do so.

Responders are responsible for ensuring that key collateral entities, including the Department of Early Education and Care, city/town management, the Department of Public Health, community, neighborhood, and other civic engaged groups, are supportive of the proposed location.

GOAL THREE

PROVIDE IN-HOUSE PROGRAMMING AND FACILITATE ACCESS TO COMMUNITY SERVICES THAT WILL PREPARE YOUTH TO SUCCESSFULLY TRANSITION FROM THE PROGRAM.

Individualized service planning is a central component to ensure that each youth receives appropriate treatment and programming that focuses on their individual risk factors and needs, as well as to ensure that protective factors are being addressed and life skills are cultivated. A multidisciplinary meeting must be held within seven (7) calendar days after a youth’s intake to the Program to discuss treatment and programmatic goals with the youth, the youth’s parents or legal guardians, the DYS caseworker, and other interested parties, and to determine an initial treatment plan. An individual treatment plan for each youth must be finalized by the Program Clinician within fourteen (14) calendar days of a youth’s entry into the program and documented in JJEMS (Juvenile Justice Enterprise Management System). The treatment plan shall delineate both clinical goals and program participation-related goals, clearly outlining expectations for each youth, reviewed monthly, and updated as needed. The youth shall be assigned a staff advocate who shall complete weekly advocate reports in JJEMS, demonstrating support of and assistance with the administration of the youth’s treatment plan. The treatment plan also serves as an outline for the youth and their family.

SERVICE PLANNING

Each youth’s treatment plan shall include goals in areas such as securing and maintaining employment, pursuing education, and/or vocational programs, managing finances and savings, and accessing community resources, including housing, medical, dental, and behavioral health. The youth’s treatment plan shall also include recreation, positive leisure time activities, and civic engagement.

Service Expectations:

· The Program has procedures to ensure that the plan is youth-specific.

· Treatment plans are signed by the Clinical Director (including all required data in a DYS-approved format) and are updated and documented monthly in JJEMS.

· Individual weekly clinical progress notes are documented in JJEMS.

· Youth participation and progress in all groups are documented in JJEMS.

· Monthly treatment notes are submitted no later than the 10th day of the following month for youth enrolled in the program.

· The Program clinical staff shall:

· Develop and monitor clinical goals for the youth’s treatment plan

· Coordinate with the DYS Caseworker and Community Service Network to identify appropriate community-based behavioral health services

· Provide on-site clinical interventions

· Enter youth Program participation and progress toward goals in the Weekly Contact e-file in JJEMS, and any additional youth-specific data as determined by DYS

· Prepare crisis intervention plans for youth on enhanced watch levels (Alert, Elevated, and Full)

· The Program staff shall:

· Assist with coordination of education, career readiness, and employment opportunities

· Support facilitation of groups and programming

PRO-SOCIAL AND LIFE SKILLS TRAINING

Pro-social skill training is designed to equip youth in the Program with skill-building and preparation for self-sufficiency and independence. To facilitate the development of pro-social skills, the Responder should utilize a life skills curriculum with DBT skills that, at a minimum, emphasize pro-social skill building. Such skills include budgeting, cooking, self-care, and hygiene. The Responder should demonstrate how they will encourage a youth’s participation in the development of pro-social skills through program community meetings and/or youth voice.

EDUCATIONAL, VOCATIONAL, CAREER READINESS SERVICES

The Program must facilitate youth participation in community-based educational and/or vocational services that are appropriate to each youth’s needs, experiences, and competencies. The Responder must demonstrate the capacity to support available educational opportunities, including public schools, alternative education, GED/HI SET preparation, postsecondary education, job skills training, vocational training, remedial education, and tutoring, and explain how youth will access services. Program staff shall work closely with DYS Education and Career Counselors, Career Navigators, and Skill Up providers to support youth in achieving their educational, vocational, and employment goals.

To accommodate on-site study and remote learning, the Program setting must ensure appropriate space and resources that offer some privacy and are conducive to learning. This must include specific furniture to support space for youth to complete assignments, work on projects, and conduct employment opportunity searches.

GOAL FOUR

RECRUIT, TRAIN AND RETAIN QUALIFIED STAFF WHO MEET THE NEEDS OF THE PROGRAM ELEMENTS.

STAFFING SPECIFICATIONS

To ensure that the Program provides effective supervisory coverage, the following requirements have been established:

· All Program employees must be over the age of 21 years at date of hire.

· The awarded Responder will be required to obtain an EEC-approved Background check for all new employees, including CORI and fingerprinting.

· Program staff must maintain 7-day, 24-hour awake on-site supervision.

· Program staff conducting transportation for youth have a valid driving license.

· Program Administrative Team members must maintain 7-day, 24-hour on-call coverage capability. A list of on-call staff must always be available to the on-duty staff in a designated location.

Applicants agree to submit a staffing pattern plan consistent with Chapter 257 rates for the Intensive Transition to Independent Living Program A, 5-11 beds. Please submit a job description for each staff member and a detailed training plan. Also, please specify a plan for ongoing staff supervision, including but not limited to crisis management, behavior management, and physical restraint, along with PREA and LGBTQ, and Client Centered Medication Administration.

· Relief Staff 1.43 FTE No on-site services are to be provided by 3rd party direct staff or clinicians unless requested in writing by the program and approved in writing by the DYS Deputy Commissioner of Operations.

Any proposed use of clinical interns must be detailed in the Responder’s response and is subject to review and written authorization by an individual authorized by the Director of Clinical Services.

GOAL FIVE

PROVIDE A SYSTEM OF ADMISSION AND RELEASE PRACTICES THAT INTEGRATE WITH THE CONTINUUM OF SERVICE WHILE ENHANCING TRANSITIONS AMONG PLACEMENTS.

INTAKE

The Department’s Case Management Teams will refer youth to this Program. The Case Management Teams consist of the District Managers and groups of caseworkers who are responsible for all youth who have completed their assessment phase and, based on the assessment, have been identified as appropriate for pre-independent living. The Team may focus on the youth who generally reside within the geographic boundaries of their district but at times may recommend the transition of a youth to a location that is not within their geographical boundaries due to specific needs.

All referrals are coordinated through the DYS Placement Administrators, who are responsible for ensuring the following information is updated in JJEMS.

· Case History Summary/Updated (if applicable)

· Documented legal authority to accept youth

· Name, relationship, address and phone number of parent(s), legal guardian(s) and person(s) with whom youth resides at time of admission

· Court disposition

· Police Reports (if available)

· Assessment Reports

· Educational Records (including IEP, if appropriate)

· Psychological/Psychiatric Evaluations (if available)

· Current Physical (DYS, within 12 months)

· DYS Medical Consent Form

· Service Delivery Plan/Offense Grid Level

· DYS Release of Information

· Health Insurance Information

· Behavior Reports/Serious Incidents from other programs (if applicable)

· Clinical Transcript

· Immunization Records (if available)

· Current Photograph

· Relapse-Prevention Plan

· Birth Certificate

· Social Security Number if applicable

In most cases, DYS will provide this information one week prior to the anticipated youth’s entry to the Program. Missing information shall not be used to delay a youth’s acceptance into the Program. The Program should conduct an entrance interview with each prospective youth.

Intakes and releases may occur at any time at the direction of the DYS Director of Community Services. Most admissions and releases should occur during business hours (Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.), but individual circumstances may require evening and weekend placement or discharges from the setting.

The Program will be expected to complete all aspects of the DYS intake process, which includes mental health screening and an assessment of suicide risk. During intake, the Program will also ensure the following tasks are completed:

· A proper belonging and clothing inventory is conducted,

· The PREA Youth Orientation Packet is reviewed and signed,

· The dialogue tree is completed, and all necessary documentation is entered in JJEMS (Juvenile Justice Enterprise Management System)

· Youth is provided with a phone call

· Youth is assigned an advocate

· The youth is provided with a meal or a snack

TRANSITION AND AGENCY DISCHARGE PLANNING

The Commonwealth and DYS are committed to promoting social and economic self-sufficiency and ensuring public safety. Transition planning is an important component of this Request for Response and is reflected in the evaluation criteria. Further, transition planning performance measures will be incorporated into the resulting contract from this RFR. These performance measurements will clearly delineate the Successful Responder’s role and responsibility regarding authority and custody, as well as transition activities in partnership with the Department. The Responder should describe in detail a transition-planning component that must include, at a minimum, the following:

Joint Development of a Plan: The Successful Responder, in partnership with DYS, must jointly develop a transitional/discharge plan for the next service, program, or discharge, anticipating the youth’s movement along a continuum of services that prepares the individual for self-sufficiency. Working with the youth’s caseworker, the Successful Responder will develop an aftercare plan that connects the youth to appropriate programs and supportive services in the community. Because each youth’s circumstances are unique, each youth’s plan should be individualized and focus on locating sustainable housing upon discharge.

Education/Resource Listing: The Successful Responder and DYS must inform the youth of their options regarding services available upon transition/discharge. This information should be provided in a supportive manner, regardless of the youth’s level of interest or willingness at the time. The youth’s response must be documented in JJEMS.

Coordination: The Successful Responder shall be committed to the concept of a continuum of care and supportive services to prepare the individual for self-sufficiency. The Successful Responder shall actively solicit the participation of other community-based resources (including visits to and from the next placement) throughout the youth’s transition and discharge phases.

Transition: The Successful Responder shall assist in ensuring the transition to the next placement. Youth shall be involved in the transition planning and supportive service arrangements. Release planning shall be fully documented and include the youth’s participation in this planning. Transition planning must be consistent with the Department’s 90-60-30-day transition protocols or as otherwise required by DYS.

Data Collection/Tracking: DYS is committed to using data to identify barriers to equitable outcomes and ensure that every youth has direct, easy access to the full spectrum of services. DYS is also dedicated to increasing family engagement and incorporating youth and family voices into Program development. In furtherance of these goals, the Successful Responder will be required to elicit feedback in the form of youth and family surveys on the ways in which they are helping ensure that boys in the care and custody of DYS have the personalized support they need to successfully and safely live, learn, and work in their communities. The Successful Responder will survey youth and parents/guardians, using a DYS-approved model, at least twice per calendar year about their experience with the program, including the programmatic supports in place. The Successful Responder shall survey youth as follows:

· Obtain survey data from 75% of all committed youth and YES youth in any Program in the six months prior to the date the survey was conducted.

· Obtain survey data from 75% of detained youth and youth in ONA in January and June of each year. Data collection for January should be completed by February 10th, and for youth in the program in June, by July 10th.

The Successful Responder shall conduct surveys of the families of as many committed/detained/revocated youth as possible, with the goal of collecting data from 75% of the total number of families of committed (including revocated and YES) youth who were in the Program during the preceding 6 months and 75% of the families of detained and Overnight Arrest youth who were in the Program during the months of January and June. Data collection for families of youth in the program during January should be completed by February 10th, and for youth in the program in June, by July 10th.

FINANCIAL LITERACY AND MONEY MANAGEMENT

Financial literacy and money management are central to the Pre-Independent Living program structure. The Responder must provide its plan for supporting youth with regular budgeting activities. The Responder must also provide its plan for financial literacy activities and/or curriculum, as well as the expectations for the youth’s savings plans.

DYS reserves the right to amend any of the above requirements at its sole discretion.