Congregate Care and Child Placing Agency Services for Continuum of Care Network

The Mississippi Department of Child Protection Services is seeking qualified vendors to provide a comprehensive range of congregate care and child placing agency services to support its Continuum of Care network. This initiative aims to enhance the safety, stability, and permanency outcomes for children and youth in foster care by establishing a network of licensed providers offering specialized services such as therapeutic group homes, traditional foster homes, intake and assessment centers, teen maternity homes, and supervised independent living programs for young adults. The scope of work emphasizes trauma-informed care, thorough assessments, case management, and collaboration within the continuum to ensure quality service delivery aligned with state and federal regulations, including compliance with licensure standards, court review processes, and accreditation requirements. The procurement process involves a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) issued in late October 2025, with submissions due in early December, and aims to select providers capable of operating within specified capacity limits, maintaining staffing ratios, and adhering to detailed service standards to support vulnerable children and youth across various age groups and needs. Key details include the program-specific requirements outlined in multiple scope of service documents, which specify licensure timelines, physical and operational standards, and service delivery expectations such as trauma-informed practices, monthly reporting, and permanency goals. The services are designed to serve children with diverse needs, including those with emotional, behavioral, medical, or developmental challenges, and young adults transitioning to independence. The contract size ranges from five million to twenty million dollars, reflecting the scale and importance of these services. The overarching goal is to foster a safe, supportive environment that promotes healing, stability, and long-term well-being for children and youth in Mississippi’s child welfare system, with providers expected to demonstrate compliance, collaboration, and capacity to meet the rigorous standards set forth in the solicitation.