CPH - NSS Family Mentoring Services

Franklin County and Columbus City are soliciting proposals for in-home and community-based family mentoring services for families of youth at risk for violence under a contract valued at $25,000 with a one-year term from October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027, with proposals due August 4, 2026.

The contractor will serve 14 families with youth ages 8–21 identified as at elevated risk for violence due to exposure to community violence, behavioral or emotional concerns, school disciplinary issues, family conflict, justice system involvement, association with high-risk peer groups, or mental health or substance use concerns. Services will be delivered over approximately 10–12 weeks per family and include family assessments, individualized Family Success Plans, approximately 10 mentoring sessions per family lasting 60–90 minutes each, integrated parenting coaching, two public in-person parenting learning opportunities, and three structured family engagement activities including facilitated outings to the zoo, Center of Science and Industry (COSI), and one additional community activity selected collaboratively with each family.

Family Mentors must possess a bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, counseling, education, criminal justice, or a related human services field, or equivalent experience working with high-risk youth and families, along with demonstrated experience in family support, youth mentoring, or case management; knowledge of adolescent development and violence prevention; and training in trauma-informed care, motivational interviewing, de-escalation, and culturally responsive practices.

Performance requirements include enrolling and serving all 14 families with 100% completion of Family Success Plans, delivering approximately 140 mentoring sessions, achieving at least 85% program completion rates, and demonstrating that at least 80% of families improve parenting confidence and family communication, 75% increase knowledge of positive conflict resolution strategies and connection to community resources, and 75% demonstrate progress toward identified goals. Caregiver satisfaction and youth participant satisfaction must each reach at least 90%. All documentation must be completed within 24 hours of service delivery in the REDCap system, with quarterly performance reports required.