Autism Respite Care Services (ARCS) Program

The purpose of this Request for Proposal (RFP) is to obtain the services of one or more experienced and qualified suppliers that can organize, staff, train, coordinate, supervise and deliver respite care services under the Autism Respite Care Services (¿ARCS¿) program to families and/or caregivers of autism-affected children serviced by State Entity who will be provided in-home care. Additionally, ARCS program services can be provided to adoptive parents and caregivers of autism-affected children who were formerly foster children up to age twenty-one (21) that have been permanently placed by the State Entity. ARCS program resources may also be used to provide temporary relief for families experiencing a behavioral health crisis with an autism-affected child post-placement by the State Entity or post-adoption. The Supplier(s) selected under this RFP will be required to train all respite care providers so that they are able to competently meet the unique and complex needs of children with autism and their families, conduct criminal and employment background checks on all respite providers, require proof that respite care providers are screened and cleared of all communicable diseases, and the Supplier will carry-out the stated goals and activities of the ARCS program to the intended targeted population. Under the ARCS program, the selected Supplier(s) will be expected to attempt to fulfill all respite care service requests from the targeted population. Unless it is a crisis respite care situation, the ARCS program service delivery model will be a model that supports the coordination of respite services within a 48-hour time frame. Data on ARCS program activity and utilization will be collected, monitored, and reported to State Entity to ensure full program utilization. Future funding for the ARCS Program is contingent upon an annual appropriation from the State Legislature and is, therefore, subject to reduction or elimination from the