Family Leader Pilot for Family Treatment Court and Supported Family Approach

State of New Hampshire
Judicial Branch
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) NHJB-2026-03
FOR
FAMILY LEADER PILOT FOR FAMILY TREATMENT COURT AND
SUPPORTED FAMILY APPROACH
JUNE 17, 2026

NEW HAMPSHIRE JUDICIAL BRANCH
RFP-NHJB-2026-03-FAMILY LEADER PILOT FOR FAMILY TREATMENT COURT AND
SUPPORTED FAMILY APPROACH
TABLE OF CONTENT
SECTION I. OVERVIEW AND SCHEDULE .................................................................................. 4
A. Introduction ........................................................................................................................... 4
C. Purpose and Background ...................................................................................................... 4
D. Contract Term ....................................................................................................................... 5
SECTION II. SCOPE OF SERVICES TO BE PROVIDED ............................................................ 6
A. Overview ................................................................................................................................. 6
B. Objectives of the Contract .................................................................................................... 6
C. Required Activities ................................................................................................................ 6
D. Deliverables ............................................................................................................................ 8
E. Reporting and Oversight....................................................................................................... 8
F. Budget Requirements ............................................................................................................ 8
G. Minimum Qualifications for Vendors.................................................................................. 9
SECTION III. RFP PROCESS ......................................................................................................... 10
A. Agency Point of Contact/Restriction of Contact with Agency Employees ..................... 10
B. Vendor Inquiries .................................................................................................................. 10
C. RFP Addendum ................................................................................................................... 10
D. Property of the NHJB.......................................................................................................... 11
E. Confidentiality of a Proposal .............................................................................................. 11
F. Public Disclosure.................................................................................................................. 11
G. Ethical Requirements .......................................................................................................... 12
H. Non-Commitment ................................................................................................................ 12
I. Compliance ........................................................................................................................... 12
J. Proposal Cost ....................................................................................................................... 12
SECTION IV. PROPOSAL SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS ................................................... 13
A. Proposal Submission, Deadline, and Location Instructions ............................................ 13
B. Validity of Proposal ............................................................................................................. 13
C. Proposal Format .................................................................................................................. 13
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NEW HAMPSHIRE JUDICIAL BRANCH
RFP-NHJB-2026-03-FAMILY LEADER PILOT FOR FAMILY TREATMENT COURT AND
SUPPORTED FAMILY APPROACH
SECTION V. EVALUATION OF PROPOSALS ........................................................................... 15
A. Criteria for Evaluation and Scoring .................................................................................. 15
B. Oral Interviews and Product Demonstrations .................................................................. 15
C. Cost Proposal Scoring ......................................................................................................... 15
D. Negotiations and Selection .................................................................................................. 16
SECTION VI. CONTRACT DOCUMENT ..................................................................................... 17
APPENDIX A ..................................................................................................................................... 18
APPENDIX B ...................................................................................................................................... 19
APPENDIX C ..................................................................................................................................... 21
APPENDIX D ..................................................................................................................................... 23
APPENDIX E ...................................................................................................................................... 29
APPENDIX F ...................................................................................................................................... 30
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NEW HAMPSHIRE JUDICIAL BRANCH
RFP-NHJB-2026-03-FAMILY LEADER PILOT FOR FAMILY TREATMENT COURT AND
SUPPORTED FAMILY APPROACH
SECTION I. OVERVIEW AND SCHEDULE
A. Introduction
This request for proposals (RFP) is issued by the New Hampshire Judicial Branch (NHJB) through the
Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) to solicit proposals for an organization to recruit, support, and
compensate Family Leaders with lived experience to participate in the development and enhancement of
Family Treatment Court (FTC) and Supported Family Approach (SFA), New Hampshire's collaborative
court-based models that promote family safety, recovery, and reunification in abuse/neglect cases.
B. Schedule
The following table provides a Schedule of Events for this RFP through contract finalization and Notice to
Proceed. NHJB reserves the right to amend this Schedule at its sole discretion and at any time through a
published Addendum.
EVENT DATE LOCALTIME
RFP Released to Vendors (Advertisement) 6/17/26
Vendor Inquiry Period Ends 7/14/26 4:00 PM
Final NHJB Responses to Vendor Inquiries 7/17/26 4:00 PM
Vendors Submit Proposals 7/31/26 4:00 PM
Estimated Timeframe for Vendor Oral Presentations and 8/19/26 9:30 AM
Interviews (if needed)
Estimated Notification of Selection and Begin Contract 9/30/26 4:00 PM
Development
C. Purpose and Background
NHJB's mission is to preserve the rule of law and protect the rights and liberties guaranteed by the US and NH
Constitutions by providing accessible, prompt, and efficient forums for the fair and independent administration
of justice, with respect for the dignity of all served. Information on the NHJB can be found on the NHJB
website at https://www.courts.nh.gov/.
Family Treatment Court (FTC) is a court process parents with abuse and neglect cases participate in when
they have a substance use disorder. It is a process that is nationally recognized to create better outcomes for
families. FTC uses a supportive, team approach to increase families' access to support and services,
accountability and recovery, and the likelihood of reunifying families that can maintain long-term health.
When parents have the support and tools they need to enter treatment sooner, stay engaged in treatment
longer, and resolve barriers quickly, their children spend fewer days out of home and separated from their
families. Implementation of FTC is a partnership of the court, the Division for Children, Youth and
Families (DCYF), Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of New Hampshire, parent attorneys,
substance use treatment providers, mental health providers, and other community partners. New Hampshire
currently has one FTC serving families in the 5th Circuit Courts in Sullivan County, NH. More information
about FTC can be found at nhfamilytreatment.org.
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Supported Family Approach (SFA) is a court process that also aims to improve outcomes for families with
abuse and neglect cases who have substance use disorders. The process uses Family Treatment Court best
practices while relying solely upon resources typically involved in a standard abuse/neglect case and child
welfare processes. Families and the SFA team work together to identify and address needs early, using a
holistic, wraparound approach that allows for the removal of barriers to safe, lasting permanency-
especially reunification-so parents can engage fully and access services without delay.
D. Contract Term
The initial Contract term will begin on the effective date and will be for one (1) year. The actual contract start
date will be established by a completed and approved contract. Following the initial term of the contract, the
NHJB may opt to renew the contract for the additional two (2) one-year extensions, at the sole option of the
NHJB, subject to continued availability of funding and satisfactory performance.
The NHJB anticipates awarding one contract resulting from this RFP process.

NEW HAMPSHIRE JUDICIAL BRANCH
RFP-NHJB-2026-03-FAMILY LEADER PILOT FOR FAMILY TREATMENT COURT AND
SUPPORTED FAMILY APPROACH
SECTION II. SCOPE OF SERVICES TO BE PROVIDED
A. Overview
The New Hampshire Judicial Branch (NHJB) seeks proposals from qualified organizations to identify,
recruit, onboard, develop and support Family Leaders with closed abuse/neglect cases to participate in
Family Treatment Court (FTC) and Supported Family Approach (SFA) development, implementation, and
continuous improvement. The contracted organization will be responsible for managing funds to provide
compensation to Family Leaders for their recruitment, and development and involvement in activities and
projects with NHJB. These Family Leaders will be former parents who have been parties in abuse/neglect
cases, with a special focus on parents who have been involved in FTC or SFA.
The contracted organization will ensure that Family Leaders are meaningfully integrated into:
a. The FTC in Sullivan County Steering and Advisory Teams,
b. The Concord FTC and/or SFA Steering and Advisory Teams, and
c. Projects, materials, and collaborative initiatives that advance FTC and SFA.
The work supports NHJB's goals to integrate parents with closed abuse/neglect cases in developing family
centered practices. Organizations may apply to recruit, develop, and support Family Leaders in Sullivan
County, Concord, or both.
B. Objectives of the Contract
The subrecipient will:
a. Identify, recruit, onboard, develop, hire, and support Family Leaders with closed abuse/neglect cases
to serve as compensated partners in various roles to inform the planning, implementation, and
improvement of FTC/SFA in Sullivan County and/or Concord.
b. Provide financial, logistical, and administrative support (payment for time, childcare, transportation
reimbursement, etc.) necessary to ensure equitable access and participation.
c. Coordinate and oversee participation of Family Leaders at Steering Committee, Advisory Teams, and
project meetings as needed.
d. Develop and support special projects identified collaboratively with NHJB, Steering Teams, Family
Leaders, and other FTC/SFA partners.
e. Collaborate with NHJB and other system partners to ensure Family Leader perspectives shape policy,
practice, training, and materials.
C. Required Activities
1. Recruitment, Onboarding, Development of Family Leaders:
a. After NHJB refers parents who are former FTC, SFA, or child welfare participants to
participate in the program. subrecipient shall recruit those parents to join the program and
provide outreach, conduct interviews and background processes as needed, and support
parents in completing necessary paperwork to enroll.
b. Develop appropriate onboarding materials such as employment agreements, informational
materials, and training. Support parents in completing necessary onboarding.
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NEW HAMPSHIRE JUDICIAL BRANCH
RFP-NHJB-2026-03-FAMILY LEADER PILOT FOR FAMILY TREATMENT COURT AND
SUPPORTED FAMILY APPROACH
c. Work with DCYF to ensure recruited Family Leaders complete DCYF's Better Together
training, Strategic Sharing, FELEIA (Family Empowerment and Lived Experience Integration
Academy) Learning Academy, and other trainings when applicable.
d. Support parents in developing the skills and knowledge needed to actively contribute to the
FTC and SFA Steering and Advisory teams via training, coaching, and mentoring.
e. Ensure Family Leaders understand confidentiality laws, including HIPPA and 42 CFR.
f. Maintain a qualified and active pool of trained Family Leaders available for FTC/SFA work.
g. Provide ongoing coaching to help parents build confidence participating in professional
FTC/SFA settings and support them to process work that is emotionally complex. Coaching
should foster emotional safety, reflective practice, and long-term engagement.
2. Payment, Reimbursement, and Supports
a. Provide payment for time, childcare, transportation, and other support needed to reduce
barriers to meaningful participation.
b. Establish policies and procedures for timely payment and reimbursement.
c. Provide administrative support (e.g., scheduling, reminders, materials).
3. Facilitation of Participation in Steering & Advisory Teams
a. Ensure leaders attend meetings for:
i. FTC in Sullivan County Steering Team (once a month)
ii. FTC in Sullivan County Advisory Team (2-hour meeting, quarterly)
iii. FTC or SFA Concord Steering Team (one or twice a month)
iv. Regular check-ins with the local coordinator (once or twice a month)
b. Ensure leaders are prepared to actively participate. Provide coaching and mentoring to prepare
leaders in advance with agendas, orientation, and role clarity.
c. Provide follow-up support after meetings to gather feedback and document recommendations.
4. Matching Family Leaders with FTC/SFA projects
a. Coordinate regularly with the local FTC/SFA Coordinators to align Family Leader
participation with project needs.
b. With input from NHJB, Family Leaders, and Steering Committee Members, support Family
Leaders in development and/or support of projects such as:
i. Creation of educational materials (print, digital, or video) for families, system partners,
or the public.
ii. Consultation in the development and review of data measures, evaluation questions, or
equity-focused reviews.
iii. Participation in planning and readiness assessments, system walk-throughs,
identification of system barriers and solutions, and evaluation activities.
iv. Contributions to sustainability planning, policy review, and process improvements.
v. Participation in trainings, annual retreats, and conferences.
5. Data and Documentation
a. Track participation, payments, and activities of lived experience leaders.
b. Collect qualitative feedback from leaders to help evaluate partnership success.
c. Provide bi-annual written reports summarizing activities, themes, and recommendations.
d. Participate in data-sharing and analysis with NHJB and partners.
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D. Deliverables
The contracted organization will be responsible for delivering:
1. Recruitment & Staffing Deliverables, including:
a. 5-7 trained and supported Family Leaders to participate in FTC and SFA meetings and
projects per location.
b. Ensuring completion of DCYF hosted Better Together/Learning Academy training for Family
Leaders.
2. Engagement Deliverables, including:
a. Representation at all Steering and Advisory Team meetings.
b. Regular check-ins with leaders to provide coaching, mentoring, support and gather feedback.
3. Project Deliverables, including:
a. 2-4 collaborative projects annually per site (materials, presentations, system walk-throughs,
training contributions, etc.).
b. Contributions to statewide FTC/SFA educational or policy materials as needed.
4. Bi-annual progress reports, including:
a. Number of Family Leaders recruited, onboarded, developed and supported.
b. Family leader activities and accomplishments, impact on policies/practices, and
recommendations.
c. Qualitative and quantitative data on Family Leader engagement and impact to support
progress.
d. Identification of barriers, solutions, and areas where NHJB can support the work.
5. End of Contract Report, including:
a. Major projects, accomplishments and impact.
b. Recommendations for improvements to Family Leader program.
c. Outline of crucial components of Family Leader program, including funding needs.
d. Possible strategies to continue the work past the grant.
E. Reporting and Oversight
a. The subrecipient will be overseen by the Statewide FTC Coordinator.
b. The subrecipient will participate in regular check-ins and provide written documentation as required.
c. All work must align with FTC Best Practice Standards.
F. Budget Requirements
The anticipated period of performance is 24 months. Budgets should begin October 1, 2026, and end
September 30, 2028, in line with the federal fiscal year. Budgets must include, at minimum:
a. Stipends or hourly wages for lived experience leaders. NHJB suggests $30/hour, in line with DCYF's
parent partner program (https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/programs-services/child-protection-juvenile-
justice/parent-partner-program). Up to 2/3 of all costs should be allocated for training costs as NHJB
hopes to develop a large pool of potential parent leaders.
b. Funds for childcare, transportation, and related supports.
c. Administrative costs for payroll, supervision, training coordination, project development, and
reporting.
d. Any indirect costs consistent with federal grant requirements.

NEW HAMPSHIRE JUDICIAL BRANCH
RFP-NHJB-2026-03-FAMILY LEADER PILOT FOR FAMILY TREATMENT COURT AND
SUPPORTED FAMILY APPROACH
e. Budgets must be submitted on the attached template.
G. Minimum Qualifications for Vendors
Proposals must demonstrate that the organization has:
a. Experience supporting peer support or family partnership initiatives, preferably within child welfare,
SUD treatment, or court systems.
b. Administrative capacity to manage payroll, reimbursements, and support services.
c. Cultural humility and competency in working with families impacted by SUD and child welfare.
d. Ability to collaborate with multidisciplinary partners including courts, DCYF, CASA, peer support
providers, treatment agencies, and evaluators.
e. Experience training or supporting individuals with lived experience in system-level advisory roles is
preferred.
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NEW HAMPSHIRE JUDICIAL BRANCH
RFP-NHJB-2026-03-FAMILY LEADER PILOT FOR FAMILY TREATMENT COURT AND
SUPPORTED FAMILY APPROACH
SECTION III. RFP PROCESS
A. Agency Point of Contact/Restriction of Contact with Agency Employees
The sole point of contact for this RFP, from the RFP issue date until the resulting contract is effective:
Kasey Ash
Purchasing Coordinator
procurement@courts.state.nh.us
From the date of release of this RFP until the award is made and announced regarding the selection of a vendor,
all communication with personnel employed by or under contract with the NHJB regarding this RFP is
prohibited unless first approved by the RFP Sole Point of Contact. NHJB employees have been directed not to
hold conferences and/or discussions concerning this RFP with any potential subrecipient during the selection
process, unless otherwise authorized by the RFP Sole Point of Contact. Vendors may be disqualified for
violating this restriction on communications.
B. Vendor Inquiries
All contact concerning this RFP, including but not limited to, requests for clarifications, questions, any changes
to the RFP, must be submitted via email and received by the Point of Contact by the end of vendor inquiry
period (see Schedule of Events herein).
The subject of the email must be as follows:
INQUIRIES TO RFP-NHJB-2026-03-FAMILY LEADER PILOT FOR FAMILY TREATMENT
COURT AND SUPPORTED FAMILY APPROACH
The vendor must identify the RFP name, page number and relevant paragraph and include the vendor's name,
telephone number, and e-mail address.
The NHJB's responses to properly submitted inquiries will be posted on the following website on or before
the date specified in the Schedule of Events: https://www.courts.nh.gov/our-courts/supreme-
court/about/administrative-office-courts/rfps-and-rfis
The NHJB may consolidate and/or paraphrase questions for sufficiency and clarity. Oral statements,
representations, clarifications, or modifications concerning the RFP shall not be binding upon the NHJB.
Official responses by the NHJB will be made only in writing by the process described above. It is the
responsibility of vendors to review the most updated information related to this RFP before submitting a
proposal.
C. RFP Addendum
The NHJB reserves the right to amend this RFP at its discretion, prior to the Proposal submission deadline. In
the event of an addendum to this RFP, the NHJB, at its sole discretion, may extend the Proposal submission
deadline, as it deems appropriate
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