RFP 1206 Family Resource Centers

The New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) announces the release of this Request for Proposals (RFP), which provides funding from the Community-Based Child Abuse Prevention (CBCAP) Program to operate Family Resource Centers (FRCs). This initiative is designed to support community-based FRC programs with the goal of strengthening and supporting families to prevent abuse/maltreatment and/or the recurrence of abuse/maltreatment, and improving outcomes for families at risk of/or experiencing child abuse. Applicants must operate in accordance with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations in the provision of these services.

OCFS is committed to strengthening families and communities to improve the safety and well-being of children and families, and to prevent families’ involvement in the child welfare system. OCFS is seeking proposals to establish new or continue existing Family Resource Centers (FRCs) throughout New York State (NYS). FRCs are a key component of OCFS’s prevention services array ^[1] , designed to serve families upstream, reducing the likelihood of contact with the child welfare system. For the purposes of this RFP, the term Family Resource Center also includes programs that OCFS refers to as Family Opportunity Centers (FOCs).

FRCs are voluntary, flexible, family-focused hubs of support and resources that are sensitive to families’ lived experiences. Programs are located in easily accessible locations, such as schools, or in central locations within the community. FRCs provide strength-based, universally accessible programs, and offer intentionally selected services based on the needs and interests of families. Their specific service array is informed by a local needs assessment or building on an existing planning process with interdisciplinary participation, including representation from parents, local providers such as health, social services, local government, schools, youth bureaus, childcare agencies, and community residents.

FRCs also support local inter-agency and community collaboration. FRCs work closely with local departments of social services (LDSS) and other community partners, including schools and mental health and substance use disorder service providers to improve coordination of services and reduce barriers to access. These partnerships are crucial to improving the safety and well-being of children, youth, and families in New York’s highest need communities.

[1] https://ocfs.ny.gov/main/sppd/docs/FFPSA-Prevention-Plan-2022Feb23.pdf

Please see the RFP document located on the "Documents" tab for additional information and submission requirements.