Mecklenburg County Juvenile Crime Prevention Council Request for Proposals - Fiscal Year 2016-2017 The Mecklenburg County Juvenile Crime Prevention Council (JCPC) has studied the risk factors and needs of Juvenile Court involved youth in the county and hereby publishes this Request for Proposals. The Council seeks proposals for community-based programs targeting delinquent youth and those youth exhibiting behaviors or lack supervision which presents the highest risk of juvenile court involvement. Contingent upon funding availability, grants will be awarded to nonprofit and governmental applicants providing service consistent with the Mecklenburg County JCPC annual plan. 1) Introduction and JCPC Overview General statute 143B-845-852 suggests that it is the intent of the General Assembly to develop community-based alternatives to youth development centers and to provide community based delinquency and substance abuse prevention strategies and programs and that the General Assembly intends to provide non-institutional disposition alternatives that will protect the community and juveniles. These programs and services are to be planned at the local level by local Juvenile Crime Prevention Councils (JCPCs) in partnership with the state. Each year, NC JCPCs conduct a planning process that includes a data review of the needs of juveniles in the county who are at risk of delinquency or who have been adjudicated undisciplined or delinquent and review the resources available to address those needs. [In Mecklenburg County this analysis is performed by the JCPC s Risk and Needs Committee.] The data is available from P. Scott Stoker, JCPC Area Consultant. The data for 2014-15 reveal several significant trends. These trends in Mecklenburg County include: Youth regularly associating with those involved with delinquency, 4+ undisciplined/delinquency referrals, serious behavior problems in school, marginal parenting/supervision. Moreover, data from the county continue to demonstrate an overrepresentation of African American male youth of color. The NC JCPCs then prioritize community risk factors for youth, for families, and for the community and determine the services needed to address those problem areas. The Councils develop and advertise a request for proposal (RFP) process and submit a written plan of action Meck. Co. JCPC RFP 2016/17; p. 1
for the expenditure of juvenile sanction and prevention funds to the board of county commissioners for its approval. In addition, the JCPCs monitor and evaluate the performance of programs for juveniles and the services they provide, work to increase public awareness of the causes of delinquency and of strategies to reduce the problem, develop strategies to intervene and appropriately respond to and treat the needs of juveniles at risk of delinquency and provide funds for services for treatment, counseling, or rehabilitation for juveniles and their families. The Mecklenburg County JCPC is a statutorily authorized advisory board charged with: Reviewing the needs of juveniles who commit delinquent acts or are at-risk of becoming courtinvolved, assessing local service needs, and presenting an annual service proposal to the BOCC. The JCPC mission is to address gaps in youth services by promoting prevention, intervention, treatment, and aftercare strategies and programs that strengthen families and support community safety. 2) Timeline and Overview of the RFP Process Activity Date Posting of RFP on Mecklenburg County website February 1, 2016 Mandatory Pre-Bid Information Session RFP Submission Deadline February 11, 2016 and February 16, 2016 March 2, 2016 by 4:00 PM JCPC Reviews of Submissions March 2016 JCPC Selection of RFP Awards April 2016 3) Funding Priorities The NC General Statute (143B-851b) states Juvenile Crime Prevention Councils shall ensure that appropriate intermediate dispositional options are available and shall prioritize funding of intermediate and community level dispositional options. Proposals that ensure appropriate community-based intermediate dispositions and or that address the specific data based needs of Mecklenburg County per legislative mandate, will receive priority consideration. Mecklenburg County JCPC is seeking proposals for evidence-based programs for youth and their families to address the following concerns through: Meck. Co. JCPC RFP 2016/17; p. 2
Individual Domain: Risk factors: Substance use, mental health issues, minority status, developmental disabilities; Protective factors: Education, stable housing, physical & mental health care, social supports Peer Domain: Risk factors: Court or gang-involved peers; Protective factors: Positive social supports, curricular and extracurricular activities Family Domain: Risk factors: Marginal parenting skills, marital discord, domestic violence, family substance abuse and criminal justice involvement; Protective factors: Parenting programs, social services & supports School Domain: Risk factors: Performing at or below grade level, behavior problems at school, expulsion or suspension, excessive absences; Protective factors: Access to educational resources, tutoring/academic enhancement services Applicants are sought whose: Program services are compatible with research that has been shown to be effective with at-risk youth, juvenile offenders; Program services are outcome-based; and Program has an evaluation component. Any and all program types that address risk and protective factors for at-risk youth will be considered; however, below are the risk/threat factors for Mecklenburg County and the related JCPC program types. Risk/Threat Factors JCPC Program Type 1. Delinquency 1. Shelter Services 2. Parenting/Supervision 2. Parent/Family Skill Building 3. Peer Relationships 3. Restitution/Community Service 4. Mental Health Needs 4. Juvenile Structured Day Programs 5. Individual, Group, Family Counseling Programs that address not only the data reflected needs of Mecklenburg County but also addresses the gaps in service not reflected by said data. Proposals should include measurable objectives for the program s impact on participants behaviors that will lead to: Reduced subsequent juvenile complaints Reduced violations of community supervision Reduced subsequent juvenile court adjudications Increased parental involvement and support Mecklenburg County JCPC is particularly interested in programs that include restorative justice components and that are culturally sensitive, inclusive, and accessible to youth and their families. Meck. Co. JCPC RFP 2016/17; p. 3
4) Eligibility and Instructions for Prospective Applicants Eligibility: JCPC funds are only available to local public agencies, 501(c) (3) non-profit corporations, and local housing authorities. And the JCPC requires that applicants have matching funds. Applicants must itemize the match in the Budget and explain the match separately in the Budget Narrative. Match: The required match for this RFP is 30%. In-kind support may be used for the match requirement. In-kind support includes the value of goods and services donated to the operation of the JCPC program, including but not limited to office space, volunteer secretarial services, pro bono accounting services, and other volunteer services to support the program s work. A match level over the required amount will not result in a higher review score. Sustainability Plan: JCPC grant funds are awarded year-to-year and subject to funding availability and the service needs in the community. The Mecklenburg County JCPC mandates that programs develop and present a sustainability plan as part of their funding application. The purpose of the plan is to provide achievable short- and long-term strategies for sustaining the program without the availability of JCPC funds. Previous years recipients of JCPC funds will be evaluated during the funding process on progress in implementing their sustainability plan, and currently funded programs should specifically address their progress in their sustainability plan submission. Directives: Prospective applicants are expected to read all sections of the RFP thoroughly. It is the responsibility of the prospective applicant to understand the requirements of the RFP. Inaccurate or False Statements: Inaccurate or false statements/information provided as a part of this RFP process will invalidate the application and the provider will be considered ineligible for the RFP. Mandatory Pre-Bid Information Session: Attendance at the Pre-Bid Information Session is mandatory for prospective applicants. RFP submissions from applicants who did not attend this meeting will be automatically rejected. The purpose of this meeting is to answer questions from prospective applicants related to the RFP to assist applicants in responding to the RFP. Prospective applicants are encouraged to submit written questions prior to the Information Session, although questions can be submitted at the session. Prospective applicants may submit questions for the Information Session via email to: RoCheryl.Pratt@mecklenburgcountync.gov. Questions must be submitted no later than two days prior to the session. Requesting an Application Packet: Applications are submitted online, via NC ALLIES. Information related to this RFP and the Program Agreement to submit may be found on Mecklenburg County s website at www.charmeck.org. Additionally, interested applicants may contact RoCheryl Pratt, at 704-432-0405, for additional information on the application process. Meck. Co. JCPC RFP 2016/17; p. 4
Application Content: All applications are required to contain the following information. (Note to Applicants: For those questions below that include bullet points, please address each bullet point and do so in the order they are listed): 1. Submit the Program Application online, via NC ALLIES, at: https://cp.ncdjjdp.org/cp/. In addition to providing the required information in each section of the Program Agreement (denoted by italics in each section), please pay particular attention to the following items and additional information requested by the JCPC in the following sections of the Program Agreement: a. Section III, 1. STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM: Describe how the program will address continuum need(s) in this County. o Describe the local need(s) for the proposed service o Provide qualitative and quantitative data to support the identified need that the proposed services will address o Provide detailed description of the proposed service o Provide detailed description of how the proposed service specifically addresses the identified need b. Section III, 2. TARGET POPULATION: Describe the target population, including age and targeted risk level of juveniles to be served, and the steps taken to ensure / monitor that the target population is served. o Clearly identify target population, including age and targeted risk level o Provide qualitative and quantitative data to support the selection of the proposed program to address the identified need in the identified target population o Clearly outline how the proposed program will ensure / monitor that the target population is served c. Section III, 3. PROGRAM GOAL(S): Provide a brief statement to describe the overall purpose of the program. o Include at least one clearly stated and measurable goal o Provide detailed description of how the proposed program serves the identified target population o Narrative provides qualitative and quantitative data supporting the effectiveness of the proposed program o Narrative clearly describes how the proposed program will impact both the identified local need and the identified target population d. Section III, 4. MEASURABLE OBJECTIVE(S): State in measurable terms (%) the intended effect of the program on specific undisciplined and/or delinquent behaviors. Example: anticipated reductions in court referrals, runaway behavior, disruptive behavior at Meck. Co. JCPC RFP 2016/17; p. 5
school, anticipated improved school attendance and academic achievement. These objectives must include impact on participants. o List at least one short term and one long term objective, and how and when progress will be measured o List a minimum of two process measures, and how and when data will be gathered o List a minimum of two outcomes measures, and how and when data will be gathered o Describe measurement tools that are used e. Section III, 5. ELEVATED RISKS AND NEEDS: Describe how you will address one or more of the Elevated Risk and Needs of adjudicated juveniles listed in the local JCPC Request for Proposal. o Identify at least one of the Risks and Needs listed in the JCPC Request for Proposal that will be addressed by their proposed program o Describe how the proposed program specifically addresses the identified Risks and Needs o Use qualitative and quantitative data to demonstrate how the proposed program addresses the identified Risks and Needs o Explanation of when and how data will be used to adjust/update/improve the program f. Section IV, 2. OPERATION: Clearly describe how often services will be provided to juveniles in the program, how long each session lasts, and the total anticipated duration of services in the program (in weeks and hours) for each juvenile. Please also provide an example of a typical session, including structure, activities, etc. g. Section IV, 3. STAFF POSITIONS: Please provide thorough information related to the qualifications of each staff and volunteer of the program, including their roles and responsibilities within the program. h. Section IV, 5. ADMISSION PROCESS: Please provide a clear description of an appropriate referral for the program. i. Section IV, 8. INTERVENTION/TREATMENT: Describe specifically what the component will do to redirect inappropriate youth behavior or how the component will address the identified needs of the youth and family. What interventions will typically be utilized in this component and how will parents/guardians be involved? o Describe what the program will do to prevent or redirect inappropriate youth behavior OR how the program will address the needs of the youth and family o Describe what interventions will be utilized and how parents/guardians are involved o Use qualitative and quantitative data (and cites sources) to support the selection of the proposed intervention/treatment Meck. Co. JCPC RFP 2016/17; p. 6
j. Section IV, 9. BEST PRACTICE MODEL: Describe what model or evidence-supported/best practice the program is based upon. o Identify an evidence-based / best practice model o Identify the resource/agency/methodology that confirms the proposed model is evidence-based / best practice o Demonstrate how the identified best practice model meets the data driven needs of the target population and will bring about desired outcomes k. No Over Due Tax forms, required for private, non-profit applicants l. Conflict of Interest Statements, required for private, non-profit applicants m. Agency Conflict of Interest Policy, required for private, non-profit applicants n. Proof of 501(c)(3) status, required for private, non-profit applicants o. Documentation of one month s worth of operating expenses, as identified in Section V, 3 of this RFP. p. Documentation of the program s long-term sustainability plan, including additional financial resources of the program and plans for generating additional revenue throughout the year to supplement any JCPC funds awarded. Interested programs should also familiarize themselves with the SPEP resources, which are available through the NC DPS website and from the JCPC Area Consultant, P. Scott Stoker. Submission of Proposals: The complete proposal must be submitted electronically through NC ALLIES AND any required hardcopies (including one hardcopy of the Program Agreement) must be received by 4 p.m. on the submission deadline. Hardcopies of applications may be mailed or hand-delivered to: RoCheryl Pratt Criminal Justice Services 600 East 4 th Street, Fourth Floor Charlotte, NC 28202 5) RFP Evaluation, Decisions, and Outcomes Evaluation: Proposals will be evaluated first by the Funding Committee to determine completeness. (Programs should use the attached checklist to insure their proposal is complete.) Then, programs will be evaluated by each member of the JCPC for funding. All applications submitted completely and on time will be scored on a 25-point scale. Each program s total score will be the average of JCPC members reviews for each program. Meck. Co. JCPC RFP 2016/17; p. 7
Rejections: The Mecklenburg County JCPC reserves the right to consider as acceptable only those proposals which meet all of the requirements set forth in this RFP, demonstrate an understanding of the population served and the issues involved, and comply with the service specifications defined. Any proposal offering any other set of terms and conditions contradictory to those included in this RFP will be rejected without further notice. Withdrawals: Prospective applicants may withdraw proposals through written notification at any time. Cost of Proposal Preparation: Any cost incurred by a prospective applicant in preparing or submitting a proposal is the responsibility of the applicant. Award Notification: Programs awarded funding will be announced at the April JCPC meeting. Funding awards will be submitted to the Mecklenburg County Board of County Commissioners for their approval, after which the contracts between the programs and both Mecklenburg County and NCDPS will be executed. It is anticipated that funding will be available to disburse to programs on July 1, 2016. Award Period: Funds will be available for services provided for a one-year period, beginning July 1, 2016, ending June 30, 2017. 6) Expectations for Funded Programs Financial Requirements at the Point of Contract: If the program is awarded a contract, the program must continue to maintain financial stability including, as evidenced by but not limited to, a line of credit or liquid assets in an amount equal to one month s expenses, and shall notify the Mecklenburg County JCPC in writing within 10 days after any substantial negative change in its financial stability including, but not limited to, a reduction of liquid assets below one month s expenses, or any reduction in, or loss of, the line of credit. Acceptable documents are a balance sheet, bank statement or letter from bank regarding line of credit in addition to documentation of actual monthly expenses for the month prior to the execution of this contract. JCPC funding should be utilized to provide effective programming that meets the needs of juveniles in Mecklenburg County. It is expected that funded programs will: Utilize an evidence based program to fidelity that appropriately addresses the risk, need, and responsivity factors of each juvenile. Become familiar with the Standardized Program Evaluation Protocol (SPEP) guidelines, expectations, and evaluation criteria, as set forth by the NCDPS. The SPEP instrument has been adopted by NCDPS as the primary means of evaluation of JCPC funded Meck. Co. JCPC RFP 2016/17; p. 8
programs in North Carolina. The crosswalk of JCPC Programs with the corresponding SPEP service guidelines is attached and can be found in Appendix A of this RFP. The attached SPEP guidelines lay out the definitions of service types, as well as the appropriate dosage of the services, in contact hours and weeks. In regards to service duration and dosage amounts, some evidence based curricula will fall outside of the established SPEP guidelines (i.e. sex offender treatment services should likely continue for longer than 24 weeks, which is the duration length for counseling services). Provide services simultaneously to one risk level, rather than serving low and medium risk juveniles in the same setting at the same time, as research has shown that providing a service simultaneously to youth of varying risk levels decreases the effectiveness of the services provided. Establish referral and admission criteria that clearly identify which juveniles are appropriate for services. This criteria should be provided to the District 26 Division of Adult Corrections and Juvenile Justice staff so that the Juvenile Court Counselors are better able to make appropriate program referrals. Establish working relationships with District 26 DACJJ and Juvenile Judges in order to meet the needs of the local Juvenile Court, as well as to address and remedy any issues that may arise, in a timely manner. Comply with the requirements of the Mecklenburg County JCPC, as set forth in the contract between funded programs and the County. Comply with the reporting and data entry requirements of NCDPS, including the use of NCALLIES. Agree to participate in the monitoring and evaluation of services provided, which includes the evaluation(s) by representatives of the local JCPC, as well as a third party monitor contracted with Mecklenburg County. Contacts: If you have questions related to this RFP, use the following contacts for resolution. Your questions will be answered within 24-48 business hours. QUESTIONS RELATED TO TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: P. Scott Stoker, JCPC Area Consultant p.scott.stoker@ncdps.gov (704) 603-6833, ext. 25 QUESTIONS RELATED TO ADMINISTRATIVE ISSUES OF THIS RFP: RoCheryl Pratt, JCPC Administrative Assistant RoCheryl.Pratt@mecklenburgcountync.gov (704) 534-6459 Meck. Co. JCPC RFP 2016/17; p. 9
Appendix A JCPC PROGRAM TYPES 1. ASSESSMENT PROGRAMS a. Clinical Evaluation b. Psychological Assessment c. Substance Abuse Assessments d. Sex Offender Evaluation 2. CLINICAL TREATMENT PROGRAMS a. Home Base Family Counseling b. Individual and Group Counseling c. Family Counseling d. Substance Abuse Treatment e. Sex Offender Treatment 3. COMMUNITY DAY PROGRAMS a. Juvenile Structured Day 4. RESIDENTIAL PROGRAMS a. Group Home Care b. Temporary Shelter Care c. Runaway Shelter Care d. Specialized Foster Care e. Temporary Foster Care 5. RESTORATIVE PROGRAMS a. Mediation/Conflict Resolution b. Restitution/Community Service Programs c. Teen Court 6. STRUCTURED ACTIVITIES a. Experiential Skill Building b. Parent Family Skill Building Program c. Interpersonal Skill Building Program d. Tutoring/Academic Enhancement Programs e. Vocational Development f. Mentoring Meck. Co. JCPC RFP 2016/17; p. 10