Attachment 10 - Transitional Living Program Requirements.docx

STATE 0000000597SL

ATTACHMENT 10 – TRANSITIONAL LIVING PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

CONTRACTUAL REQUIREMENTS

General Requirements:

The contractor shall provide the type(s) of Transitional Living Program services in the awarded region(s) as specified in the Notice of Award issued by the Division of Purchasing (hereinafter referred to as “Notice of Award”).

The contractor shall understand that the three (3) types of service categories of Transitional Living Program (TLP) services are:

Service Category 1 – Pre-Transitional Living Group Homes (hereinafter referred to as “PTLG”), Transitional Living Group Homes, and Transitional Living Single/Scattered Site Apartments;

Service Category 2 – Transitional Living Group Homes (hereinafter referred to as “TLG”) and Transitional Living Single/Scattered Site Apartments; or

Service Category 3 – Transitional Living Single/Scattered Site Apartments (hereinafter referred to as “apartments” or “TLSS”) only.

The contractor shall understand that the regions are identified in Attachment 1, Regional Map.

The contractor shall provide TLP Services appropriate for older youth (hereinafter referred to as “youth”) who need guidance, coaching, and mentoring in a safe and supervised living environment to learn independent living skills. The contractor shall provide the TLP services in a community setting on behalf of the Department of Social Services, Children’s Division, (hereinafter referred to as “state agency”).

The contractor shall serve youth who present a variety of behaviors. The behaviors may include but are not limited to the following: poor impulse control, academic underachievement, dysfunctional family relationships, conflict with authority, sexual promiscuity, conflict with peers, lack of attachment, passive or aggressive behaviors, substance experimentation, disrespect for property, weak boundaries, poor self-image, poor work ethic, mental he issues, unrealistic about goals, limited problem-solving skills, limited independent livings skills, and parenting teens.

The contractor shall provide and have available units for youth with disabilities. The contractor shall provide, if required, an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-compliant apartment that is accessible to people with disabilities, including those who use assistive technologies. Any youth with disabilities shall not be denied TLP services by any contractor solely based on the youth’s disability if the youth is able to manage their medication(s), is compliant with medical appointments, and is able to function without the contractor’s assistance.

The Transitional Living Scattered Site contractor shall provide accommodations for youth with a service animal. Per Missouri's disability law (Mo. Rev. Stat. § 209.200(2)) and the ADA guidelines (28 C.F.R. § 36.104.), a service animal is a dog individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities. The handler is not required to provide documentation or proof of training. The handler is solely responsible for the supervision and care of the service animal. Missouri law, like the Fair Housing Act (FHA), allows service dogs to remain in housing that is otherwise not pet-friendly.

The Transitional Living Scattered Site contractor shall provide accommodations for emotional support animals (ESA) as long as having the animal is necessary for someone with a disability. An ESA is an animal that works, assists, performs tasks, or provides emotional support for the benefit of a person with a disability. An emotional support animal does not have to be a dog; other animals can be recognized as emotional support. The youth must have a documented disability and a disability-related need for the animal. The youth is required to have an ESA letter. The handler is solely responsible for the supervision and care of the ESA.

The contractor shall not charge a pet deposit fee, pet fee, or extra rent for a service or emotional support animal, as these animals are not legally considered pets. Both Missouri law and the FHA allow the contractor to hold youth liable for any damage their service or emotional support animal causes to the property. This includes damage to walls, flooring, or furniture. This liability is for actual damages, not normal wear and tear. The cost of such damage may be deducted from any security deposit, consistent with the terms of the contractor agreement.

The youth is responsible for all costs associated with the service animal’s or emotional support animal’s care, including but not limited to veterinary care, food, and grooming.

If a request for TLP services from an adoptive parent or Adoption Subsidy Worker is made to the OYTS, and the youth is determined eligible for TLP services, the contractor shall provide the same level of TLP services outlined in the contract.

The contractor shall perform the required services on an as needed, if needed, basis in accordance with the provisions and requirements stated herein and to the sole satisfaction of the state agency.

The contractor shall understand and agree that in the event multiple contracts exist per region, the decision of which contract shall be utilized, shall be determined as described in the Referrals Requirements herein.

The contractor’s TLP services must satisfy the following applicable definitions:

Pre-Transitional Living Group Homes (PTLG) and Transitional Living Group Homes: This applies to the contractor that provides a PTLG and Transitional Living Group Homes. A licensed and contracted Residential Childcare Agency operating a site dedicated solely to youth, age 15.5 through age 18 for PTLG or age 16 through age 18, until the youth’s 19th birthday for Transitional Living Group Homes. If the contractor allows youth aged 19-20 to remain in the contractor’s Transitional Living Group Home facility, OYTS approval for placement shall be required. Youth moving into a Transitional Living Group Home shall have a case plan of Another Planned Permanent Living Arrangement (APPLA). Youth 15.5 years of age cannot have a goal of APPLA; however, any youth referred to PTLG must have a goal of transferring to a TLP when it is determined they are prepared for more independence. The contractor’s program shall allow the youth to learn and practice life skills in a group setting with on-site supervision in accordance with Residential Childcare Agency licensing rules 13 CSR 35-71.0100 through 13 CSR 35.71.90 and 13 CSR 35-71.120 which may be found on the internet at https://s1.sos.mo.gov/cmsimages/adrules/csr/current/13csr/13c35-71.pdf. The number of youth served at a given operating site shall not exceed the licensed capacity of the site. The contractor shall not place more than two (2) youth per bedroom unless allowed by licensure; however, it is the preference of the state agency that there be only one (1) youth per bedroom.

Transitional Living Single/Scattered Site Apartments: This applies to the contractor that provides Transitional Living Single/Scattered Site Apartments. An approved and contracted living arrangement dedicated solely to a youth aged 18 through 20 until the youth’s 21st birthday, who has a case plan of APPLA and has demonstrated an ability to live independently with an array of supportive services. If the caseworker wants to refer a youth who is 17 years of age, this must, first, be approved by the OYTS. The contractor shall not accept a referral for a youth under the age of 18 without prior OYTS approval. The contractor’s program shall allow the youth to learn and practice life skills autonomous from the group setting with oversight, but not necessarily on-site supervision. The contractor shall not place more than one (1) youth per bedroom occupying a given living arrangement unless otherwise approved by the Family Support Team (FST), the youth, the state agency caseworker, the contractor, and the state agency OYTS.

For purposes of this document, a scattered site apartment is defined as a self-contained fully furnished apartment. At a minimum, the contractor shall provide the items outlined in Attachment 3. Scattered site apartments may include apartments adjacent to other treatment programs, sites scattered throughout the community or apartments clustered together.

If the Pre-Transitional Living Group Home or Transitional Living Group Home contractor provides services other than TLPs (e.g., Residential Treatment, Day Care, Foster Care, Crisis Care, etc.), the contractor must provide the TLP services in separate building locations and have designated staff for administrative operation from the other services and may include off campus programming or additional operating sites. If the contractor is providing TLP services funded through another funding source (federal, private pay, community grant), the state agency OYTS shall be made aware of these youth in group home settings. If a state agency’s (Children’s Division or Foster Care Case Management) youth will be sharing a bedroom with a youth who is in the TLP funded through another funding source, the state agency and FST shall have final determination if the youth will share a bedroom.

The PTLG contractor shall provide services in a separate building location from their TLG services.

The contractor shall work in collaboration with the youth’s caseworker to provide the services required herein. The contractor’s responsibilities shall not replace the responsibilities of the youth’s caseworker.

Contractor’s Obligation: Unless otherwise specified herein, the contractor shall furnish all material, labor, facilities, equipment, and supplies necessary to perform the services required herein.

Minimum Experience Requirements:

The contractor must meet or exceed the following minimum experience requirements at the time of proposal submission and for the duration of the contract:

The contractor must have knowledge of and must have a minimum of three (3) years’ experience working with the Child Welfare system in the State of Missouri.

The contractor must have a minimum of three (3) years’ experience in assisting youth with the development of life skills accomplishments.

The contractor should have a presence in the proposed service region(s), including connections to community resources and other state agency contract service providers.

Team Qualifications:

The contractor shall provide sufficient personnel to perform the services described herein.

The contractor shall include the following team members/personnel to administer and perform the contract requirements:

Executive and Professional Team: The contractor’s Executive and Professional Team (i.e., executive level personnel who would have major authority over the delivery of services, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), residential supervisor), shall (1) oversee all services being provided, (2) assume responsibility and liability for services performed per the contract, and (3) serve as the primary point of contact for the state agency. At least one (1) member of the contractor’s Executive Support Team shall have the following experience:

A minimum of three (3) years of leadership experience;

A minimum of three (3) years’ experience working with the Child Welfare system in the State of Missouri; and

A minimum of three (3) years’ experience in assisting youth with the development of life skills accomplishments.

Direct Care Team: The contractor’s Direct Care Team (i.e., caseworkers and caseworker supervisors) shall have the following experience:

A minimum of one (1) years’ experience working with the Child Welfare system in the State of Missouri; and

A minimum of one (1) years’ experience assisting youth with the development of life skills accomplishments.

If licensure or certification is required of the contractor’s personnel’s profession for performance of the specific services assigned to be performed, the contractor’s personnel providing services under the contract shall have the required Missouri license(s) and certification(s). The contractor’s personnel shall maintain required licensure and certification in good standing for the duration of the term of the contract.

The contractor shall ensure that all personnel have appropriate training, education, and experience to fulfill the requirements of the assigned positions.

Background Investigations: The contractor shall comply with the background check requirements as set forth in 210.493 RSMo and 13 CSR 35-71.015 prior to providing services under the contract, as well as 13 CSR 35-71.045(1) thereafter. The contractor shall ensure the contractor’s employees, interns, volunteers, and contracted personnel providing services under this contract meet and abide by the following requirements:

Family Care Safety Registry: The contractor shall conduct a Family Care Safety Registry (FCSR) background investigation for all personnel providing direct services to youth under the contract, prior to such personnel providing services and annually thereafter.

The contractor shall register and submit all required information to the FCSR. Information related to the FCSR can be found at http://www.dhss.mo.gov/FCSR/.

In the event the FCSR background investigation results in any finding(s) of child abuse/neglect or criminal activity, the contractor shall review the information, to determine the relevance of such finding to the services described herein.

Fingerprint Check: The contractor shall submit fingerprints to undergo a criminal background check, as specified in section 210.487 RSMo, no later than thirty (30) calendar days from the initiation of the FCSR screening. Individuals must submit two (2) sets of fingerprints, one (1) to the Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP) and one (1) to the national Federal Bureau of Investigation. The contractor must access the Missouri Automated Criminal History Site (MACHS) at http://www.mshp.dps.missouri.gov/MSHPWeb/PatrolDivisions/CRID/crimRecChk.html and follow the posted instructions to obtain a Missouri State Highway Patrol and a national Federal Bureau of Investigation criminal record check.

The contractor’s personnel shall not provide services until the fingerprint screening results have been received.

Out-of-State Investigations: In the event the contractor utilizes personnel to provide direct services who reside in another state or who have relocated to the State of Missouri, the contractor shall ensure that background investigations have been conducted in such personnel’s state(s) of residence prior to such personnel providing services.

Background investigations from other states shall include, but are not limited to, child abuse/neglect and criminal background screening check(s). If such personnel continue to reside in another state while performing services for the contractor, the out-of-state background screening check(s) shall be done annually.

Miscellaneous Screenings: If requested by the state agency, the contractor shall conduct additional screenings listed below for any one or more members of the contractor’s personnel. The state agency may, at its discretion, require the contractor and its personnel to submit to additional screenings to determine the qualifications and appropriateness of the personnel to provide services. Additional screenings may include, but are not limited to the following:

Driver and motor vehicle check (traffic offenses);

Social security number verification;

Five (5) year work history check; and Screening for the illegal use of controlled substances.

Background Investigation Results: The contractor shall not utilize any individual to provide services required herein when any background investigation reveals that the individual has been found guilty, pled guilty, or has been convicted of:

Felony conviction for child abuse or neglect or spousal abuse;

Felony or misdemeanor conviction for any crime in which a child was a victim or a crime against children, to include, but not limited to, any offense involving child pornography;

Any crime involving violence against a person including, but not limited to, domestic violence, armed criminal action, rape, sexual assault, homicide or felony conviction for physical assault or battery;

A felony conviction for a drug-related offense within the past five (5) years;

Any other crime listed in § 210.117, RSMo;

Failure to report suspected child abuse to the child abuse and neglect hotline as required by § 210.115, RSMo; or Perjury, false statements, or fraud.

The contractor shall not utilize any individual to provide services required herein in which the following apply:

Refuses to consent to the background checks as required by this section;

Knowingly makes a materially false statement in connection with the background checks required by this section;

Is registered, or is required to be registered, on a state sex offender registry or repository or the National Sex Offender Registry;

Is listed as a perpetrator of child abuse or neglect under sections 210.109, RSMo to 210.183, RSMo or any other finding of child abuse or neglect based on any other state’s registry or database; or Has pled guilty or nolo contendere to or been found guilty of the following:

· Any felony offense against the person as defined in chapter 565, RSMo;

· Any other offense against the person involving the endangerment of a child as prescribed by law;

· Any misdemeanor or felony for a sexual offense as defined in chapter 566, RSMo;

· Any misdemeanor or felony for an offense against the family as defined in chapter 568, RSMo;

· Burglary in the first degree as defined in chapter 569, RSMo;

· Any misdemeanor or felony for robbery as defined in chapter 570, RSMo;

· Any misdemeanor or felony for pornography or related offense as defined in chapter 573, RSMo;

· Any felony for arson as defined in chapter 569, RSMo;

· Any felony for armed criminal action, unlawful use of a weapon, unlawful possession of a firearm, or the unlawful possession of an explosive, as these offenses are defined in chapter 571, RSMo;

· Any felony for making a terrorist threat as defined in chapter 574, RSMo;

· A felony drug-related offense committed during the preceding five years; or

· Any similar offense in any federal, state, or other court of similar jurisdiction of which the state agency has knowledge.

The contractor shall not utilize the services of any individual to provide any services under the contract whose background investigation or circumstances indicate that the individual may pose a risk to the health, safety, or welfare of children and families served under this contract.

The contractor shall consider the results of any background investigation as confidential. However, upon request by the state agency, the contractor shall provide documentation to the state agency verifying the completion of the FCSR background investigation, fingerprint check, or out-of-state background investigation for required personnel.

The contractor shall update background investigations as requested by the state agency.

The contractor shall be responsible for all costs associated with the background investigations of personnel.

In the event the contractor desires to hire an individual with a history of child abuse/neglect or criminal activity that does not meet the exclusionary criteria identified herein, the contractor shall submit a written request to the state agency. The state agency designee or OYTS will review the request and provide a written response indicating if the individual may provide services.

The contractor shall request an administrative review no later than thirty (30) calendar days after the date of the state agency decision when the contractor disputes such decision.

The request for an administrative review shall be in writing and generally set out the reasons for the request.

The state agency will schedule an administrative review within three (3) business days of receipt of the request. The administrative review shall take place before the state agency. The state agency will notify the contractor of the date and time of the review. The review may be continued at the request of the contractor, but the employment exclusion shall remain in effect pending the administrative review.

The review shall be informal, the rules of evidence shall not apply, and both the contractor and the state agency may submit any information relevant to the appealed decision. The purpose of the review will be to determine the potential employee’s suitability for employment under the contract.

The contractor’s personnel application shall include an authorization for the state agency to release information that directly relates to the employee’s suitability for employment under the contract.

Upon completion of the administrative review, the state agency designee will submit a recommendation to the director of the state agency. The state agency director may affirm or reverse the initial decision. Such decision shall be final.

Current/Previous Employees of the State Agency: The state agency shall have the right to approve/disapprove the contractor’s utilization of a current or previous employee of the State of Missouri to provide direct services under the contract.

In the event the contractor intends to utilize a current or previous State of Missouri employee(s), the contractor shall submit a written request to the state agency for approval, prior to such individual(s) providing services. The state agency will review each request and provide a written approval or disapproval to the contractor in a timely manner. The decision of the state agency shall be final and without recourse.

The contractor’s personnel application shall request the applicant document if they are currently, or were previously, employed by the State of Missouri Children’s Division, and if applicable, indicate whether they left employment in good standing.

The contractor’s personnel application shall include an authorization for the state agency to release information to the contractor regarding work history directly related to the applicant’s suitability for employment under the contract. In addition, the authorization shall hold the state agency harmless for any damage whatsoever for issuing such information.

Personnel hired prior to the effective date of the contract that are currently, or were previously, employed by the State of Missouri, shall sign a written authorization for the state agency to release information to the contractor regarding work history directly related to the applicant’s suitability for employment under the contract. In addition, the authorization shall hold the state agency harmless for any damage whatsoever for issuing such information.

The contractor’s application, or applicant certification and authorization form, shall include the following language:

“I authorize my employer, or potential employer, to investigate, obtain, compile, examine, copy, or receive any records pertaining to my employment history; to obtain a copy of my college transcript(s); and allow my employer to release and discuss any information about my employment history or college transcript(s) with authorized personnel of the Department of Social Services. By authorization of the above, the applicant agrees to hold harmless any individual, partnership, corporation, educational institution, or agency, its officers, agents, and employees, as well as the State of Missouri, from any liability for any damage whatsoever for issuing such information.

The application contains no misrepresentation or falsifications and the information given is true and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief, that, I, the applicant, am aware that should an investigation at any time disclose any such misrepresentation or falsification as to a material fact, the application will be rejected or if selected, I, the applicant, may be dismissed by the employer.”

The contractor shall provide the state agency with the applicable authorization form(s) with each request for personnel approval.

The state agency reserves the right to approve/disapprove any personnel to provide TLP services. The state agency will notify the contractor in writing of rejection of any personnel to provide services. The state agency may withdraw approval of any such person any time. The state agency will have the final authority on whether or not the person may provide the services described herein.

Pursuant to § 207.085, RSMo, the contractor shall not utilize personnel to provide services under the contract when such personnel purposely, knowingly, and willfully violated a stated or written policy of the state agency, any rule promulgated by the state agency, or any state law related to child abuse and neglect activities when the violation results in serious physical injury or death.

Relevant Litigation, Pending Litigation or Assessments and “Substantiated Finding:”

Except for employment and workers’ compensation matters, the contractor must disclose any relevant litigation within the past five (5) years involving the contractor, the contractor’s employees, officers, agents, and/or subcontractors within five (5) business days after the date of notification. The contractor shall disclose the names of the parties (initials may be used in lieu of party name for minors); the Court and case number in which the case was filed; and a brief description of the claims or criminal charges brought. The contractor may include a copy of the complaint or petition.

Relevant litigation under this agreement is defined as any civil claims, judgments, or out of court settlements and criminal charges, which are pending or have been disposed of by a finding or plea of guilt, an Alford plea, or a plea of nolo contendere regarding the following:

· Allegations of child abuse or neglect;

· Personal injury to a client;

· Violent acts, including but not limited to, domestic violence and other crimes against persons;

· Acts against the family, which include, but are not limited to Orders of Protection, and criminal charges denominated as offenses against the family;

· Fraud and misrepresentation;

· Sexual offenses, including pornography, and any registration on a sexual offender registry;

· Weapons offenses;

· Controlled substance offenses; or

· Any other claims or charges, which relate to the delivery of services to children.

The contractor must also disclose any pending investigation, assessment, or “substantiated finding” of child abuse or neglect against any contractor’s employee, officer, agent, or subcontractor within five (5) business days after the date of notification.

Substantiated finding is defined as a court adjudication, or determination by the state agency or any Court of a probable cause or preponderance of the evidence finding, or substantially similar findings in this state or any other.

Failure of the contractor to disclose relevant litigation, pending investigations or assessments, or “substantiated finding” as specified herein, shall be considered a breach of the contract and subject to appropriate and available remedies by the State of Missouri.

The state agency reserves the right to share disclosed litigation, pending investigations or assessments, or “substantiated findings” with all state and federal agencies, law enforcement agencies, state and federal auditors, children and families, FST, and any courts, on a need-to-know basis as determined by the state agency and consistent with applicable state law.

Upon request of the state agency, the contractor shall remove or limit personnel from providing services under the contract or accessing children or families. The primary consideration shall be to protect the best interests, safety, and welfare of any child(ren) and family(ies) served by the contractor.

The contractor shall understand and agree that the state agency reserves the right to request any of the contractor’s personnel assigned to provide the services be removed without just cause. The contractor shall understand and agree that the state agency will allow the contractor a reasonable time to find a replacement. The state agency shall approve all replacement personnel. The state agency reserves the right to require background checks and non-disclosure agreements (NDA) of selected contractor personnel, at the contractor’s expense.

Implementation Period Requirements:

The state agency will assign a state agency designee (OYTS) who will provide oversight of the contractor’s TLP services. After state agency authorization to proceed with services, the state agency will provide the contractor with the state agency designee’s name and contact information for each awarded region. The contractor shall follow the state agency designee’s instructions.

The contractor shall be fully operational, which shall include providing the required personnel, completion of all necessary functions, actions, set-up, etc. necessary for successful business operation, and full implementation of all required services pursuant to the requirements of this document by no later than 45 calendar days after state agency’s authorization to proceed with services.

As part of the start-up activities and for the duration of this contract, the contractor shall provide a representative to serve as the state agency contact. By no later than five (5) business days after the state agency’s authorization to proceed with services, the contractor shall provide the state agency with the name and contact information of the contractor’s representative servicing the contract.

Prior to the state agency referring youth to the contractor’s Pre-Transitional Living Group Home or Transitional Living Group Home facility, the contractor must submit documentation to the state agency that the facility meets all local, city, county, and state building ordinances. The contractor shall not receive placement of any youth until the documentation has been received and approved by the state agency. Failure to submit such documentation within the implementation period shall be sufficient cause to terminate the contract immediately after such date without prior notice. Examples of acceptable documentation shall include but are not limited to the following:

A letter of approval of safe operation from an appropriate jurisdictional fire official for the current fiscal year;

A local health department inspection for the current fiscal year, if required by the local jurisdiction. If not required by the local jurisdiction, the contractor must provide official documentation from the local government stating it is not required and why it is not required;

A copy of the most recent local building code inspection or a license demonstrating compliance, if the license requires an inspection. The inspection shall not be more than three (3) years old;

If providing a Pre-Transitional Living Group Home and Transitional Living Group Home, the contractor must possess a valid, current residential care license, issued by the Department of Social Services, Children’s Division, to operate a residential care facility in the State of Missouri; and

In the event there are no local, city, county, or state building ordinances to be met, the contractor must provide a letter to the state agency from the contractor’s CEO stating there are no local, city, county, or state building ordinances to be met prior to the contractor receiving any youth.

Facility Renovation Requirements:

In the event the contractor desires or is required by circumstances of the state agency to undertake renovation of the facility which would temporarily prohibit total compliance with any requirement of this contract, the contractor must submit a detailed renovation plan to the state agency for approval prior to the initiation of the renovation work. The contractor must complete the approved renovation plan within the approved timeframe in order to maintain contract compliance. At a minimum, the renovation plan must include the following:

Description of proposed work;

Time schedule including completion date;

Paragraph number references to the contract requirements affected by the renovation; and Temporary method proposed to meet the needs of the youth during the period of renovation.

Upon state agency approval, the youth may remain in an apartment under renovation if approved by the state agency and determined to pose no safety risk to the youth.

If it is determined a youth must be relocated to perform renovations to an apartment, all costs to relocate the youth during the renovation process shall be the responsibility of the contractor.

In the event any renovation is made to the facility, the contractor must update the emergency preparedness plans, procedures, and guidelines for the facility.

Facility Relocation Requirements:

If, for any reason, the contractor is required to vacate the facility and secure a new or different facility, the contractor shall immediately notify and submit a relocation plan to the state agency prior to such relocation.

The contractor shall provide a new or different facility equal to or better than the original facility, as determined by the state agency at its sole discretion.

For any such new or different facility, all provisions contained in the implementation requirements related to inspection, documentation, and state agency approval of the facility shall apply.

The contractor shall not transfer youth to the new or different facility until all required inspections, documentation, and authorizations have been obtained from the state agency.

Emergency Preparedness Requirements:

The contractor shall develop and display emergency procedures and guidelines within each living arrangement for responding to emergencies and other life-threatening situations. The contractor’s emergency procedures and guidelines must include the following elements:

Evacuation and shelter plans for various disasters with color coded identified routes that are posted separately near exits and all movement points within the facility. Further, the plans must specify the central meeting location following evacuations as well as the contractor’s personnel who shall be responsible for assuring total evacuation of the facility has occurred. The contractor shall ensure the guidelines are clearly visible, easy to understand, multilingual, if necessary, and includes simple, concise instructions and visual diagrams.

Contact phone numbers that shall include:

Local Law enforcement/official emergency response;

Emergency phone numbers of the contractor; and Back up contact phone numbers of the contractor.

A disaster supply kit shall be placed in a location easily accessible to the youth. The disaster supply kit shall satisfy the recommendations of the American Red Cross found at http://www.redcross.org/prepare/location/home-family/get-kit, with the exception of a cell phone with charger, cash, and medication on a case-by-case basis.

As part of the disaster supply kit, the contractor shall ensure youth can identify the location of fire extinguisher(s) within the immediate living quarters and shall provide a demonstration of their proper usage if and when usage is recommended. Each apartment shall contain a minimum of one (1) fire extinguisher with a current inspection tag displayed.

As part of the emergency procedures and guidelines, the contractor shall identify how each youth placed in the contractor’s facility will be cared for during the emergency period.

The contractor shall post all emergency plans, procedures, and guidelines for view by the youth and shall indicate the original date the emergency plans, procedures, and guidelines were placed into effect along with a history of dates the emergency plans, procedures, and guidelines were reviewed. At a minimum, the contractor, along with each youth placed in the contractor’s facility, shall review the emergency plans, procedures, and guidelines every six (6) months. The contractor shall keep a signed record of each review that shall be available to the OYTS upon request.

The contractor shall provide a copy of the emergency plans, procedures, and guidelines to the state agency designee and state agency liaison upon placement of a youth in the contractor’s facility and each time the plan is updated.

Transitional Living Program Requirements:

The contractor shall assist the youth with establishing and maintaining a positive credit score. The contractor shall provide services in the best interest of each youth and shall not cause or allow to be caused any liabilities of the contractor to be transferred to the youth in terms of housing and utilities that results in a negative credit score. The contractor shall monitor the credit score of each youth and shall work with the youth to see that the youth’s credit remains in good standing and that the youth does not default on any credit payments. The contractor shall assist the youth in improving the youth’s credit score if the contractor learns that there is inaccurate information contained in a youth’s credit report. For youth under the age of 18, credit reports shall be obtained from the youth’s caseworker. For youth over the age of 18, the contractor shall assist the youth with completing a check through the one (1) of the three (3) nationwide consumer credit reporting companies at https://www.annualcreditreport.com/index.action. The contractor shall run the report, with the youth, within 30 days after placement and then annually until program discharge. The contractor shall share the completion date and negative history, if any, with the youth’s caseworker for documentation on the Adolescent FST Guide and provide assistance with credit recovery.

The contractor shall provide the following for each youth placed in the TLP as approved by the state agency and FST:

Maintenance services that shall include food, clothing, shelter, transportation, and daily supervision or oversight based on the individual needs of each youth.

The contractor shall not, under any circumstance, become the payee for any monies received by the youth including, but not limited to, monies received from the following sources: Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Old Age Survivors & Disability Insurance (OASDI), Child Support, and Settlements. Under no circumstance shall the contractor require a youth to apply for Food/Stamp Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or Temporary Assistance (TA) as a way to decrease the contractor’s financial obligation to provide maintenance services or any other services, as required herein.

The contractor shall not impose any income eligibility standards on youth receiving services or charge youth for services received through this contract unless permitted by the state agency.

The contractor shall encourage financial responsibility and capacity among referred youth and shall work with each youth to develop a progressive plan to increase the youth’s financial responsibility.

The contractor shall have a savings account for each youth. When the contractor requires the youth to be independent and pay bills the contractor is receiving funding for through the state agency, the monies received for these bills shall be deposited in the youth’s savings account. The funds shall be used for aging out expenses, transportation expenses, or other needed services specifically for the youth.

The contractor shall keep a log of each youth’s savings account transactions (deposits and withdrawals). The contractor shall have the youth sign a document confirming each transaction. These documents shall be kept in the youth’s file and shall be available to the OYTS upon request.

The youth shall be provided a monthly accounting summary of the youth’s balance and transactions. The contractor shall have the youth sign the monthly accounting summary confirming accuracy. This document shall be kept in the youth’s file and shall be available to the OYTS upon request.

Once a youth completes, or is disenrolled, from the Transitional Living Program, the contractor and the youth shall sign a document indicating the youth received all funds in the youth’s savings account. This document shall be available to the OYTS upon request.

The contractor shall provide monetary support to youth for activities that enable youth to transition to independence and participate in social/educational needs (e.g., graduation expenses, school pictures, cap and gowns, school rings, prom expenses, announcements, athletic supplies, music/band instruments, auto repairs, utility payments, food, rent, furniture, etc.) specified elsewhere herein.

If the youth applies for food stamps on their own, and this adequately covers the youth’s food needs, the money that would otherwise be used for a food stipend from the contractor shall go into the youth’s savings account. The contractor shall ensure the youth has adequate food resources, regardless of the source, and the contractor is ultimately responsible for the food provision.

The contractor shall provide services to the youth to aid in the development of permanent connections. The contractor shall utilize the Permanency Pact Agreement, Attachment 4, for identified youth supports. The contractor may find additional information regarding the Permanency Pact at: https://www.fosterclub.com/sites/default/files/Permanency%20Pact_0.pdf. The contractor shall work with the youth and the identified permanent connection to determine what support they can provide to the youth. The contractor shall collaborate with the state agency in the identification of permanent connections for the youth.

The contractor shall provide adjunct services that shall include education, vocational, religious, recreational, and socialization experiences according to the needs of the individual youth. These services should focus on providing youth with “normal” life experiences that prepare the youth for living in the community.

The contractor shall arrange medical care, dental care, and mental health care services through the MO HealthNet program, preferably provided in a setting that will be utilized by youth when living independently.

The contractor shall understand and agree that health education and risk prevention does not include the youth’s actual receipt of direct medical care, substance abuse treatment or dental care. The contractor shall educate the youth about the youth’s healthcare coverage under MO HealthNet and shall assist the young adult with accessing services through MO HealthNet https://mydss.mo.gov/mhd.

The contractor shall provide transportation for all youth placed in the contractor’s facility as necessary to meet any individual youth needs. The contractor’s transportation services shall include, but are not limited to dental, medical, mental health appointments, court appointments, FST meetings, employment, youth speaking engagements, and leadership opportunities, in addition to any services or appointments which provide a benefit to the youth.

The contractor may provide an avenue for transportation utilizing community resources, if resources are available and meet the needs of the youth. However, the contractor is ultimately responsible for transporting the youth if no other transportation options are available.

By no later than 30 calendar days after a youth is placed in the contractor’s TLP, the contractor shall develop an Individualized Day-to-Day Service Plan. The plan shall begin to address the needs of the youth in achieving the goals and tasks as identified on the Adolescent FST Guide and Individualized Action Plan (refer to the Eligibility Requirements elsewhere herein). The plan shall also address the youth’s plan of independent living in a less restrictive environment and the outcomes identified in the Quarterly Outcome Report Screen in the Family and Children’s Electronic System (FACES).

The contractor shall determine the youth’s competencies and provide the services as deemed appropriate to meet the youth’s needs. The contractor shall document competencies and the plan to address the needs of each youth, and report to the state agency caseworker and FST for inclusion on the Adolescent FST Guide and Individualized Action Plan.

The contractor shall address all items listed in the Individualized Action Plan in the youth’s Individualized Day-to-Day Service Plan.

For each youth, the contractor shall:

Contact, interview, and screen;

Plan lessons;

Meet with and plan activities;

Conduct skills assessments;

Provide record keeping for services provided;

Conduct pre- and post-testing evaluation;

Provide material and resource organization;

Organize field trips;

Provide incentives; and Purchase supplies.

The contractor shall provide flexible support services to youth, in which youth shall be encouraged to assume increased responsibility while becoming competent in the specified areas identified in the Individualized Day-to-Day Service Plan, Adolescent FST Guide, and Individualized Action Plan.

The contractor shall evaluate the youth on an ongoing basis and adjust the Individualized Day-to-Day Service Plan accordingly based upon the needs of the youth to reach the goal of self-sufficiency.

Maternity/Parenting Requirements: If providing Pre-Transitional Living Group Homes, Transitional Living Group Homes, and Transitional Living Single/Scattered Site Apartments, or Transitional Living Group Homes and Transitional Living Scattered Sites, or Transitional Living Single/Scattered Site Apartments only, maternity and parenting services shall be offered.

The contractor shall provide services to pregnant and parenting youths, including services for male youth who are parents, to help them prepare for parenting and self-sufficiency. The contractor may utilize subcontractors to provide maternity/parenting services; however, the provider of maternity/parenting services under the Transitional Living Group Homes program shall possess a valid, current residential care license, issued by the state agency, to provide maternity and maternity with infant care within the State of Missouri.

Transitional Living Single/Scattered Site Apartments for maternity/parenting services shall meet the Specific Transitional Living Single/Scattered Site Apartments Requirements specified herein; however, the apartment shall be a single dwelling apartment for the youth and their child unless an alternate living arrangement is mutually agreed upon by the contractor, the FST, and the state agency. For youth with a child, the contractor shall provide a two (2) bedroom apartment once the child reaches the age of two (2).

The contractor shall agree that a facility that is licensed to provide maternity and maternity with infant care shall be deemed separate from other services which may be provided by the contractor. The Pre-Transitional Living Group Home or Transitional Living Group Home contractor shall provide services for youth requiring maternity/parenting services separately from PTLG or TLG youth that do not require maternity/parenting services. Maternity/parenting youth shall have a separate space that has been approved by the state agency designee, from non-parenting youth in the facility. The contractor may provide PTLG or TLG maternity/parenting services in conjunction with other maternity/parenting services provided by the contractor.

The contractor shall ensure the following is available to each youth requiring maternity/parenting services:

A licensed physician is available to the youth on a regular and continuing basis throughout pregnancy, delivery, and post-delivery check-ups;

Consultation from a licensed obstetrician who shall be available in an emergency; and

Ambulance service available for emergencies.

The contractor shall provide a maternity/parenting program addressing the following:

Prenatal care;

Labor;

Delivery;

Safe sleep practices;

Nutrition;

General health and hygiene;

Postnatal care;

Family planning;

Sexually transmitted diseases;

Infant and child care techniques;

Infant and child health and nutrition;

Infant stimulation;

Infant growth and development;

Effective discipline for young children;

Child abuse and neglect dynamics and prevention; and Infant and child safety.

The contractor’s maternity/parenting program shall provide oversight to the youth based upon the specific youth’s maternity/parenting needs.

The contractor shall ensure safety of the youth and child through the living arrangement and oversight.

Chafee Foster Care Program for Successful Transition to Adulthood (CFCP) Services Requirements:

As part of the TLP service(s), the contractor shall provide CFCP services specified herein for youth identified in the served population to complement the youth’s own efforts to achieve self-sufficiency and to assure that youths recognize and accept their personal responsibility in preparing for and making the transition from adolescence to adulthood.

The contractor shall comply with applicable CFCP policies, practices, and procedures in accordance with the Child Welfare Manual (https://dssmanuals.mo.gov/child-welfare-manual/child-welfare-manual-2019-update/) which have been approved by the state agency pertaining to the CFCP services required herein. Additional information regarding CFCP services is available at: https://dssmanuals.mo.gov/child-welfare-manual/section-4-chapter-5-older-youth-program-overview/.

The purpose and design of the contractor’s CFCP services shall:

Assist youth to make the transition to adulthood through transitional services such as assistance in obtaining a high school diploma and post-secondary education, career exploration, vocational training, job placement and retention, training and opportunities to practice daily living skills (such as financial literacy training and driving instruction), intimate partner violence, human trafficking, and substance abuse prevention and preventive health activities (including smoking avoidance, nutrition education, and pregnancy prevention);

Assist youth in achieving meaningful, permanent connections with a caring adult;

Deleted.

Provide information regarding and assist youth in accessing available vouchers for education and training, including post-secondary training and education, who meet state Educational Training Voucher (ETV) requirements found at…