BACKGROUND INFORMATION
The mission of the New York State Unified Court System (UCS) is to deliver equal justice under the law and to achieve the just, fair and timely resolution of all matters that come before our courts. In the service of our mission, the UCS is committed to operating with integrity and transparency, and to ensuring that all who enter or serve in our courts are treated with respect, dignity, and professionalism. We affirm our responsibility to promote a court system free from any and all forms of bias and discrimination and to promote a judiciary and workforce that reflect the rich diversity of New York State. More information about the UCS is available at https://www.nycourts.gov.
UCS operates adult drug treatment courts throughout the state. Family drug treatment courts identify parents who have a dependency petition filed against them in which alcohol and/or substance abuse contributed to the neglect of their children. A drug court involves an intervention by the court in cooperation with a team of specialists in social services, treatment, and child welfare professionals in the local community. In return enhanced services and support for family re-unification respondents are given the option of entering voluntarily into court-supervised treatment.
Coordination of court, treatment and social services to participants requires a specialized combination of expertise with the justice, substance use, mental health, and social services communities.
PROJECT INFORMATION
UCS is the recipient of a grant (the “Grant Award”) awarded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT) for the purpose of funding the Nassau County Family Treatment Court (FTC). Pursuant to the terms of the Grant Award, $1,748,643 is the maximum available funding for Project Services (as set forth in Article V below) performed during October 9, 2024 – September 29, 2029, provided, however, that such period may be extended upon mutual agreement of Grantor and UCS (the “Project Term”). UCS reserves the right to request a no-cost extension of the Project Term from the Grantor.
UCS anticipates that the selected applicant will be designated a “subrecipient” rather than a “contractor” for purposes of federal requirements of the Grant Award.
AWARD
UCS intends to award one contract for a term commencing on or about October 9, 2024, and terminating on or about September 29, 2029 (“Contract Term”).
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Contract Term of any contract resulting from this RFP may extend to a term not to exceed five (5) years in total, which contract shall terminate upon the earlier of: (i) five (5) years from the contract commencement date; or (ii) the complete expenditure of funding available for Project Services, whichever is earlier, unless otherwise terminated pursuant to the terms of said contract. Awarded contractor shall be contractually obligated to provide the Project Services for the Project Term, as it may be amended or extended. UCS and awarded contractor shall communicate regularly concerning the remaining amount of grant funds and the approximate timing of complete expenditure.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Proposals will be considered only from applicants who meet the following minimum qualifications:
Qualified applicants are agencies that possess at least two (2) years of experience in performing services similar or relevant to those described herein.
Qualified applicants must have the capacity to provide Project Services (as set forth in Article V, below), including the Required Staffing to support the proposed Project Services.
PROJECT SERVICES
UCS seeks proposals describing how the applicant will provide the services listed below (“Project Services”). The selected applicant shall be required to:
Provide coordinated case management services to 35 individuals annually with neglect proceedings impacted by substance use disorders.
Conduct screening and assessment interviews using an evidenced based risk and needs assessment tool to measure risks, needs, and strengths, in order to determine clinical eligibility.
Develop a treatment plan based on identified risks, needs and strengths tailored to each substance affected parent and families and provide trauma informed case management.
Provide ongoing case coordination with the intent of providing continuity and ongoing individualized services and prepare and present written status reports to the FTC regarding client’s progress.
Investigate and arrange supportive services for affected parent and families.
Escort clients to treatment facilities when indicated transporting in own vehicle if necessary.
Make visits to treatment agencies assigned to caseload.
Conduct urine and hair follicle testing, maintain appropriate documentation and submit findings to court.
Install, monitor and maintain secure remote alcohol monitoring devices and submit findings to the FTC.
Provide case management of children in the child welfare system and coordinate and monitor all aspects of program activities.
Work closely with judges, attorneys, law guardians and FTC team, on behalf of children in the child welfare system.
Collect and evaluate data on assigned cases for the court.
Accept cases as assigned through Court and conduct necessary interviews for case completion.
Conduct home visits and assess and monitor home environment of children.
Work with caseworkers and agencies to achieve permanency for children.
Assist with cases assigned to volunteers.
Provide weekly supervised visitation for families referred to the FTC at no cost.
Staff will maintain project logs, reports and records in appropriate files and database(s) and provide continuous feedback to participants’ progress with team members.
Assist in collecting and maintain all data as required by SAMHSA.
Provide appropriate supervision and oversight for any staff included on this project.
Required Staffing:
Case Manager (2 Full Time) will be located on-site in the court. The Case Managers should have experience with substance use disorder population and appropriate certification to provide clinical assessments. This staff position will be primarily responsible for Project Services 1-10 above.
Preferred qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in Social or Behavioral Science, Criminal Justice or CASAC preferred, with a minimum of 2 years related experience required. Minimum of two years’ experience working with families preferred. Must have good communication skills, both oral and written and be proficient in compute applications.
Court Appointed Special Advocate Coordinator (Part Time). The Court Appointed Special Advocate Coordinator should have experience working with children in the child welfare system. They must have knowledge of mental health, behavioral, child and family issues, and court system and strong organizational skills. This staff position will be primarily responsible for Project Services 11-17 above.
Preferred qualifications:
High School diploma or educational equivalent required, degree preferred, with a minimum of 2 years of relevant work experience. Must have good communication skills, both oral and written and be proficient in compute applications.
Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Set Aside: No
Due date:10/02/2024 2:00 PM
Contract term: On or about October 9, 2024-September 29, 2029
County(ies): Nassau
Location: Nassau County, New York Business entities awarded an identical or substantially similar procurement contract within the past five years: EAC, Inc.
