Restorative Strategies

The Dubuque County Decategorization Governance Board has issued Request for Proposal DCAT3-25-001 for a Restorative Strategies youth diversion program targeting juvenile interventions in Dubuque County, Iowa. The primary procurement seeks a comprehensive Restorative Diversion Program designed to reduce referrals to Juvenile Court Services and minimize law violations originating from local schools. Proposed programs must demonstrate strategies for supporting youth who are either involved or at risk of becoming involved with the juvenile justice system, with a focus on preventive, family-centered, and community-based service delivery. The RFP was released on February 7, 2024, with proposal submissions due by April 3, 2024, at 11:00 AM CDT. Potential respondents must submit comprehensive proposals detailing their approach to youth diversion, intervention methodologies, expected outcomes, staffing plans, and program implementation strategies. Evaluation criteria will likely include program design effectiveness, organizational experience in juvenile justice interventions, community engagement capabilities, and potential for measurable reduction in court referrals and school-based law violations. The primary contact for questions is Amy Huntington from the Department of Health and Human Services, reachable at ahuntin1@dhs.state.ia.us or +1 563-326-8794.

While the RFP does not explicitly outline specific set-aside designations or enterprise restrictions, the document suggests a preference for organizations with demonstrated expertise in juvenile justice, restorative practices, and community-based intervention programs. The initiative is part of a broader decategorization effort to redesign human services delivery, potentially favoring providers with innovative, holistic approaches to youth support. Although specific budget ranges are not detailed in the provided documentation, the program appears to be funded through redirected child welfare and juvenile justice funding streams. Potential respondents should anticipate a comprehensive review process that evaluates not just financial considerations, but also programmatic depth, community integration, and potential for sustainable intervention strategies. The ultimate goal is to develop a program that can effectively reduce institutional interventions and support youth through preventative, community-centered approaches, indicating that cost-effectiveness and demonstrable impact will be critical evaluation factors.