Attachment_3-A_Method_of_Approach.pdf

Request for Proposal State of Arizona

Solicitation No. Department of Child Safety

BPM003714 Office of Procurement & Contracts 3003 N. Central Ave., 20th Fl.

Description:

Process Improvement Psychological Consultant

Phoenix, AZ 85012

Attachment 3-A

Method of Approach

The offeror is cautioned that it is the offeror's sole responsibility to submit information related to the evaluation categories and that the State of Arizona is under no obligation to solicit such information if it is not included with the offeror's proposal. Failure of the offeror to submit such information may cause an adverse impact on the evaluation of the Offeror's proposal. It is strongly discouraged for you to copy the Scope of Work in lieu of providing unique responses below.

OFFER MAY BE DETERMINED AS NON-RESPONSIVE IF ALL QUESTIONS ARE NOT ANSWERED FULLY.

Question 1: Provide a detailed written narrative response below that describes how you will provide the

Specific Requirements as listed in the Scope of Work. The language of the narrative should be straightforward and limited to facts, solutions to problems, and plans of proposed action. The response shall at a minimum describe and provide a response for each of the following bullet points listed below:

• What are your processes for providing these services?

• How would you collaborate with DCS to deliver the services?

• How do you maintain case records?

Offeror Response:

I will maintain open communication with the State of Arizona staff, direct services staff, and the unit consultants by cell phone; secure email, which may include the Guardian system; Zoom or another appropriate secure video conference system; and/or in person. Upon receipt of a request, I will gather the necessary information from associated parties as appropriate; review and analyze the information in the context of the appropriate parameters; form conclusions, and respond through reports or direct communication to the appropriate authorities or individuals. Proposed action plans will be submitted to the State for consideration. Resolutions at the lowest possible service levels are preferable. Statistics, minutes, and case records will be maintained in a secure electronic or paper format.

Question 2: Describe how you will provide service in compliance with Specific Requirements, in particular with regard to coaching and training the Contractor Requirements as listed in the Scope of

Work. Submit your recommended Training Plan with your proposal.

Offeror Response:

I will ensure prompt availability for unit consultants who request coaching by cell phone or Zoom. I will make on-site coaching available, as requested, particularly for new consultants. I will maintain availability for the State staff; contact the unit consultants by email to gather information about topics of interest or concern; consult the appropriate staff or references; solicit suggestions; and work toward and propose mutually beneficial solutions. Regular meetings already are in place, so this venue can be utilized as an existing resource for communication, discussion, and coordination. Relevant topics will include any changes in services, procedures, or applicable media within the DCS system.

Question 3 What is your understanding for why the ADCS may refer a parent or child for a psychological evaluation and what information is pertinent and specific to the ADCS’s evaluations that would assist in the Department being able to make decisions of safety and appropriate services for children and parents?

Offeror Response:

ADCS may refer a parent for a psychological evaluation when they need clarification of diagnoses; an estimate of intellectual functioning and any associated functional parenting limitations; identification of neuropsychological strengths and weaknesses, as well as functional limitations and necessary accommodations; potential parent-child factors; the identification of psychosexual issues, and risks with parenting, as well as recommendations about contact; treatment recommendations; risk factors; and prognostic indicators.

ADCS may refer a child for a psychological evaluation to identify any DSM diagnoses; describe the child’s emotional and behavioral functioning; describe the impact of neglect, abuse, or other trauma or circumstances on the child’s behavior, emotions, or perceptions; assess for severe emotional abuse;

describe the child’s perceptions of their family and/or caregivers; identify strengths/protective factors and weaknesses/risks; make recommendations for treatment; provide suggestions in regard to visitation or placement; assess development, learning, intellect, cognition, and/or educational achievement; identify special or unique needs; suggest supports; screen for conditions that might necessitate a psychiatric referral; suggest supports for transition to adulthood; and provide information for best interest or to match with possible adoptive families.

Question 4: What is your understanding of when it is appropriate to refer for additional services, such as psychiatric evaluations, bonding and best interest evaluations and clinically supervised parenting time?

Offeror Response:

It is appropriate to refer for additional services when the clients demonstrate special needs or are struggling within the scope of traditional case plan tasks. Psychiatric referrals are indicated when a client is diagnosed with a condition in which it is the standard of care, such as Bipolar disorder or Schizophrenia. In addition, it often is recommended for clients who suffer from depression when vegetative symptoms are present. Notably, it also may be helpful when clients demonstrate uncomfortable conditions, such as anxiety, severe anger or reactivity, insomnia, PTSD, or biochemical imbalances associated with recent sobriety. Children may be referred for biologically-based issues such as ADHD or reactivity due to prenatal substance exposure. It is helpful to treat children therapeutically to determine whether their symptoms are due to their environment or biochemistry, although a referral for psychiatric support may be initiated to increase the comfort of the child, such as treatment for nightmares, anxiety, or rage.

Bonding evaluations are helpful when the parent, child, or both demonstrate evidence of a lack of a bond, a disrupted bond, or an unhealthy attachment. For example, the parent may demonstrate a lack of empathy or concern for the child, or leave the child with a caregiver for long periods without contact. The child may demonstrate behavioral indicators of being unbonded, such as a lack of empathy for and cruelty to others. In addition, they may demonstrate evidence of an unhealthy attachment, such as clingy, possessive

PART 2 of the Solicitation Documents

End of Attachment 3-A

SECTION 2-D: Offer Forms, Attachment 3-A

A v a i l a b l e o n l i n e a t : A P P . A Z . g o v https://procure.az.gov/bso/