Youth Services RFP - Appendix A.pdf

Youth Services RFP - Appendix A

• Outreach and Assessments o Outreach: This should be conducted in a manner that takes into consideration the ways youth engage and respond to outreach. Programs should be willing to meet the youth where they are. Staff should be capable of building rapport with the youth.

o Individualized Assessments: Each participant should undergo an intake process that evaluates their needs, strengths, challenges, and goals. This includes understanding their legal history, education, employment history, housing needs, mental health, and social support system.

• Mental Health and Substance Use Treatment (in-house or referrals) o Mental Health and Counseling Services: Many justice-impacted youth have experienced trauma. Trauma-informed care focuses on creating a safe environment and providing therapeutic interventions such as individual therapy, group therapy, and support groups. Mental health services should be accessible via telehealth, school-based, and/or community-based.

o Substance Use Treatment: Many justice-impacted youth have substance use issues. Treatment should be age appropriate and teach coping skills to manage underlying challenges that lead to substance use.

• Education and Skill Development o Alternative Education Programs: Provide GED or high school diploma programs for those who are behind in their education. This can include tutoring, life skills training, and assistance with college applications.

o Vocational Training: Offering hands-on training in trades such as carpentry, coding, culinary arts, or automotive repair can help prepare youth for the workforce.

o Work Readiness Programs: Workshops on resume writing, career development, job interview preparation, financial literacy, and workplace behavior can help youth prepare for employment.

o Incentives: Youth often have challenges completing educational and vocational programs due to financial responsibilities. Paid internships, trainings and/or financial incentives can help offset those responsibilities while they are completing their programming.

• Job Placement and Post-Program Support o Job Placement Assistance: Provide connections to employers who are willing to hire justice-impacted youth and offer internships, job shadowing, or apprenticeships.

o Post-Program Mentorship: Ongoing mentorship and check-ins can help youth stay on track after they exit the program, ensuring long-term success and reducing the risk of reoffending.

• Housing Support o Housing Referrals o Direct Housing – short term & long term

• Mentorship and Positive Role Models o Mentorship Programs: Pairing youth with positive adult mentors who have overcome similar challenges can help them navigate obstacles and provide guidance for making positive choices.

o Peer Support Groups: Involving justice-impacted youth in peer groups allows them to share experiences and provide support for one another’s growth.

• Legal and Reentry Support o Legal Assistance: Providing access to attorneys who can help with expungement of records, navigating probation or parole requirements, and understanding their rights.

o Reentry Support: Help youth reintegrate into society after incarceration, including finding housing, connecting with community resources, and rebuilding relationships with family.

• Life Skills Development o Self-Advocacy and Communication: Teaching youth how to advocate for their needs and express themselves effectively, whether in the workplace or personal situations.

o Financial Literacy: Educating youth on budgeting, saving, managing credit, and financial planning to build long-term financial stability.

o Healthy Relationships: Teaching skills for forming and maintaining positive relationships, including healthy boundaries, consent, and conflict management.

o Anger Management and Conflict Resolution: Programs should teach coping strategies for managing emotions and resolving conflicts without resorting to violence or reoffending.

• Civic Engagement and Leadership Opportunities o Community Service: Offering opportunities for justice-impacted youth to give back to their communities, which can improve self-esteem and demonstrate their commitment to positive change.

o Leadership Development: Providing opportunities for youth to take on leadership roles in group settings, decision-making processes, or advocacy projects.

• Family Engagement and Support o Family Therapy: Involving families in the healing and reintegration process can be crucial. Family therapy or support groups can help address any dysfunctional dynamics and encourage supportive relationships.

o Parenting Skills for Justice-Impacted Youth: If applicable, help youth develop parenting skills and understand their role in raising children in a positive, nurturing environment.

• Cultural and Recreational Activities o Cultural Competence: Programs should be designed to be culturally relevant and inclusive, considering the diverse backgrounds of youth involved and helping them learn about other cultures.

o Recreational Programs: Providing activities such as sports, arts, boxing, weightlifting, amusement park and beach outings and music programs can give youth healthy outlets for stress and a sense of belonging and achievement.