Support Services for Juvenile Probation Involved Youth

Background
The Cook County Government, through the Office of the Chief Procurement Officer, is seeking qualified vendors to provide supportive services for youth involved in juvenile probation. This initiative aims to address findings from the Blue Ribbon Committee Report and the Equip for Equality Report, focusing on improving the rehabilitation of youth at the Juvenile Temporary Detention Center (JTDC). The overarching goal is to enhance youth development while ensuring public safety by reducing reliance on room confinement and promoting positive programming.

Work Details
The selected vendors will be responsible for providing a range of supportive services aimed at rehabilitating youth in the JTDC. This includes:

1) Developing programs that prioritize rehabilitation and incorporate restorative justice principles;

2) Collaborating with community agencies to strengthen linkages for youth rehabilitation;

3) Designing culturally appropriate programs tailored for diverse groups including females, LGBTQ+, and those with mental health issues;

4) Implementing vocational training in partnership with community providers;

5) Reducing isolation time for youth by providing engaging programming during typical confinement hours.

Programming must run for a minimum of eight weeks, offering direct services at least once a week for 1.5 to 2.5 hours per session, scheduled between 6:00 PM and 8:30 PM local time.

Period of Performance
The contract will be established for three years with two optional one-year renewals, allowing flexibility in program scheduling based on departmental needs.

Place of Performance
Services will primarily be delivered at the Juvenile Temporary Detention Center located in Cook County, Illinois, with potential extensions into the community where youth reside post-release.

Bidder Requirements
Respondents must have a presence in Cook County and possess any necessary credentials or licenses required to deliver proposed services. They must complete a JTDC Volunteer Application and pass background checks through LEADS and CANTS. Additionally, there are goals for MBE/WBE participation requiring at least 2% of overall expenditures to be allocated to certified firms.