SETT-26007 Youth Services Expansion in Recovery Community and Outreach Centers

Background
The New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (NYS OASAS) is seeking to expand services for youth ages 12-17 through Recovery Community and Outreach Centers (RCOCs). This initiative aims to address the significant gap in developmentally appropriate, recovery-oriented services for youth in New York State. Currently, only 20 NYS OASAS-funded Youth Clubhouses exist, and many counties lack any such services. The funding will support the establishment or enhancement of these services to provide a safe, drug-free environment for youth in need of recovery support.

Work Details
The contract involves providing youth recovery services through RCOCs with a total funding of up to $7.65 million over two years. Each selected provider can receive up to $225,000 annually, with an additional $60,000 in the first year for vehicle expenses. Services must target youth aged 12-17 who are either struggling with substance use disorders or seeking a safe environment. Providers must conduct a needs assessment to identify local service gaps and develop programming based on one of three models:

1. Youth Satellite Model (separate location)
2. Dedicated Space Model (designated area within existing RCOC)
3. Dedicated Hours Model (youth-only hours in shared space)

The program must include staffing plans with at least two staff members per shift, ensure a 1:8 staff-to-youth ratio, and implement policies for safeguarding youth. Programs are also required to deliver monthly programming across various categories including social/emotional support, intellectual/creative activities, physical health promotion, educational/vocational training, and community/family engagement.

Period of Performance
The contract period is anticipated to start on January 1, 2027, with an initial implementation period of approximately three months for program setup.

Place of Performance
Services will be provided in counties listed in Appendix C of the RFA; specific locations will depend on the selected providers' existing RCOC sites or satellite locations.

Bidder Requirements
Eligible applicants must be not-for-profit organizations currently operating an NYS OASAS-funded Recovery Community and Outreach Center (RCOC). For-profit organizations and local governmental units are not eligible. Applicants must demonstrate compliance with NYS OASAS standards and submit detailed applications that include a needs assessment, proposed program model, staffing plans, and policies for safeguarding youth.