In-Custody and Community Based Employment and Vocational Training Services

The County of Solano, hereinafter referred to as the “County”, on behalf of Solano County Department of Probation, “Probation”, and Solano County Sheriff’s Office, “Sheriff” intend to secure a contract with a highly qualified proposer(s) to provide a comprehensive Employment Program grounded in Evidence-Based Practices (EBP). The successful proposer(s) shall have experience achieving measurable positive outcomes impacting adult probationers and individuals in custody, in addition to contributing to a reduction in recidivism. The resulting program shall address the assessed Risks, Needs, and Responsivity of the local justice-involved individuals and their prioritized results. Non-profit organizations, for-profit organizations, and government entities are eligible to submit proposals.

Probation has developed a multi-disciplinary, one-stop treatment and services model called the Center for Positive Change (CPC). CPC supports clients under Probation supervision with an array of evidence-based services. These services are designed to reduce the likelihood of the individual’s further involvement in the criminal justice system and to enhance prosocial community connections. Probation partners with community-based agencies and treatment providers to create co-located comprehensive team models. Services are primarily delivered at two centers within the County, one (1) in Fairfield, and one (1) in Vallejo.

Additionally, the Sheriff’s Office offers employment readiness classes to individuals in custody at the Solano County Detention Facilities. They also operate a Vocational Training Center where they provide a variety of trade-oriented pre-apprenticeship courses. The Sheriff’s Office is looking to add job placement to the cadre of services offered for those taking vocational training classes. Prospective providers should expect to provide services to referred individuals who are both in and out of custody.

While many services at the CPCs are provided directly by Probation staff, Probation recognizes the importance of a continuum of services and intends to continue to build a connection with community providers, specifically those with expertise in delivery of the identified areas of service. Comprehensive employment services for justice-involved individuals are unique and best delivered by providers with an understanding of the population and community partnership experience. Stable employment significantly contributes to an individual’s ability to abstain from a criminal lifestyle and develop strong family and community ties.

Broadly, the County is committed to ensuring public safety through the reduction of recidivism by increasing the life skills and competencies of the clients and families served. The Probation and the Sheriff's Office accomplish this by adhering to principles of Risk, Need, and Responsivity which focuses on key supervision strategies including evidence-based supervision, community and client engagement, decreasing criminogenic risk factors, increasing protective factors, utilizing alternatives to detention, and providing services, interventions and programs that increase critical thinking and life skills.

The Adult Probation Division is responsible for the intake, investigation, and pre- and post- adjudication services which include alternatives to detention programs and community supervision of clients referred to Probation. The Sheriff’s Office is committed to utilizing the time individuals spend in jail focused on treatment, education, case management services, and re-entry planning. Focus for both agencies are on criminogenic need areas that are dynamic or “changeable,” such as employment, drug use, thinking patterns, and family relationships. These efforts are greatly enhanced by taking a client-centered and trauma informed approach beginning at intake and continuing with case plan development and risk-based supervision.

Probation and the Sheriff’s Office have partnered with community stakeholders to support the County’s efforts to provide comprehensive and culturally responsive supervision and services that the court and community rely on to enhance community safety. Partnerships with consultants, research organizations, community-based service providers, and other local agencies have helped the County identify best practices and enhance services that support both recidivism reduction and positive social development.