Juvenile Creative Arts Program

San Mateo County Probation Department is soliciting proposals from qualified providers to provide general art classes and creative art workshops at the Youth Services Center - Juvenile Hall. The program is intended to provide detained youth with structured and creative opportunities that promote artistic skill development, positive self-expression, personal growth, and an appreciation for the arts.

The selected Contractor will provide weekly general art classes and creative arts workshops, introducing youth to foundational art concepts and techniques, including drawing, sketching, shading, composition, color, painting, and other appropriate forms of artistic expression. Instruction should be delivered through a structured and engaging curriculum that is appropriate for youth with varying levels of artistic experience and ability.

The program should incorporate motivational and supportive elements designed to encourage youth participation, creativity, confidence, concentration, patience, and perseverance. The Contractor should use art as a positive outlet for self-expression and provide youth with opportunities to complete individual and group projects that demonstrate their developing skills.

The services shall consist of up to four (4) hours per week for 50 weeks, for a maximum of 200 hours annually. Each individual class session shall be up to two (2) hours. The Contractor's proposed all-inclusive rate shall include all class preparation, lesson planning, instructional activities, demonstrations, and other costs necessary to provide the services, unless otherwise specifically approved by the County.

All services must be coordinated with designated Probation and facility staff and delivered in a manner consistent with County expectations for professionalism, trauma-informed practice, youth engagement, and the safe operation of a secure juvenile facility.

As a condition of providing services within a secure juvenile facility, the selected Contractor and any staff assigned to the program will be required to comply with all Youth Services Center - Juvenile Hall safety protocols, procedures, and facility rules, and pass a County-approved background check, including Livescan fingerprinting, before entering the facility or working directly with youth. Contractor personnel will also be required to complete applicable Onboarding and Security Training before providing services.

Deliverables include weekly general art classes and creative arts workshops, development and preparation of appropriate art activities and lesson plans, documentation of services provided, and ongoing collaboration with Probation staff to support youth participation, motivation, positive engagement, and the overall objectives of the program.