Request For Information for Peer Mentor Program

The County of Los Angeles, through its Department of Children and Family Services, is seeking information from organizations with at least two years of experience providing peer mentoring services to foster youth aged 10 to 17. This Request for Information, identified as RFI 26-0045, is designed for market research and planning purposes only and does not obligate the County to award a contract. Interested organizations must submit responses by June 11, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. Pacific Daylight Time, via email to the designated point of contact. Responses must include an introduction letter with the organization’s legal name, DBA if applicable, Employer Identification Number, WebVen Number status, 501(c)(3) certification status, and authorized representative details, followed by completion of the Peer Mentor Program Questionnaire. For any “YES” responses in the questionnaire, a detailed narrative of relevant experience must be provided in a separate attachment. The anticipated program will connect youth with adult mentors who have lived experience to support social-emotional development, strengthen family and community ties, and guide youth in distinguishing between temporary stability and long-term permanency. Services are to be delivered through virtual, in-person, and community-based models and must include mentoring in employment, education, housing, mental health, and substance use disorder treatment. Mentors are expected to engage youth in structured informal activities such as arts and crafts, cooking, life skills training, social outings, community events, and participation in Child and Family Team Meetings, while also supporting independent living and transition planning. Staff must maintain a flexible 40-hour work week and remain engaged with youth through transitions until their case is closed or the contract ends, with protocols in place for post-incident debriefing and emotional supervision. Organizations must demonstrate a commitment to foster youth advocacy and trauma-informed practices. Submission is required to comply with the specified format and all responses must reference specific sections of the questionnaire when providing supplemental narratives. Any inquiries must be sent to the designated email with the proper subject line and section references.