OCA-DPCS-037 Suffolk County Judicial Diversion Program Case Management and Recovery Support Services

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

The mission of the New York State Unified Court System (UCS) is to deliver equal justice under the law and to achieve the just, fair and timely resolution of all matters that come before our courts. In the service of our mission, the UCS is committed to operating with integrity and transparency, and to ensuring that all who enter or serve in our courts are treated with respect, dignity, and professionalism. We affirm our responsibility to promote a court system free from any and all forms of bias and discrimination and to promote a judiciary and workforce that reflect the rich diversity of New York State. More information about the UCS is available at https://www.nycourts.gov .

UCS operates problem-solving courts, among them drug courts, which help judges and court staff respond to the needs of litigants and the community. Problem-solving courts look to the underlying issues that bring people into the court system, employ innovative approaches to address those issues, and seek to simplify the court process for litigants. A drug court involves an intervention by the court in cooperation with a team of specialists in social services, treatment, and criminal justice professionals in the local community. In return for a promise of a reduced sentence, appropriate non-violent addicted offenders are given the option of entering voluntarily into court-supervised treatment. The rules and conditions of participation are clearly stated in a contract entered into by the defendant, the defense attorney, the district attorney, and the court.

PROJECT INFORMATION

UCS is the recipient of an award by the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) for the purpose of funding the Suffolk County Judicial Diversion Program (SCJDP). Pursuant to the terms of the Grant Award, $677,310 is the maximum available funding for Project Services (as set forth in Article V below) performed during December 16, 2024 – September 30, 2028, provided, however, that such period may be extended upon mutual agreement of Grantor and UCS (the “Project Term”). UCS reserves the right to request a no-cost extension of the Project Term from the Grantor.

UCS anticipates that the selected applicant will be designated a “subrecipient” rather than a “contractor” for purposes of federal requirements of the Grant Award.

AWARD

UCS intends to award one contract for a term commencing on or about December 16, 2024, and terminating on or about September 30, 2028 (“Contract Term”).

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Contract Term of any contract resulting from this RFP may extend to a term not to exceed five (5) years in total, which contract shall terminate upon the earlier of: (i) five (5) years from the contract commencement date; or (ii) the complete expenditure of funding available for Project Services, whichever is earlier, unless otherwise terminated pursuant to the terms of said contract. Awarded contractor shall be contractually obligated to provide the Project Services for the Project Term, as it may be amended or extended. UCS and awarded contractor shall communicate regularly concerning the remaining amount of grant funds and the approximate timing of complete expenditure.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Proposals will be considered only from applicants who meet the following minimum qualifications:

Qualified applicants are agencies that possess at least two (2) years of experience in performing services similar or relevant to those described herein.

Qualified applicants must have the capacity to provide Project Services (as set forth in Article V, below), including the required staffing to support the proposed Project Services.

PROJECT SERVICES

UCS seeks proposals describing how the applicant will provide the services listed below (“Project Services Assessment:”). The selected applicant shall be required to:

1. Conduct comprehensive assessments and re-assessments as needed utilizing a validated risk and needs assessment tool, screen to identify risks and needs for all accepted participants.

Determine the nature and extent of substance use disorders and co-occurring factors in the SCJDP participants.

2. Provide comprehensive case management, individualized service coordination, and substance use disorder recovery services to SCJDP participants and comprehensive reporting to the SCJDP team.

3. Develop individualized, culturally and linguistically appropriate treatment plans and work closely with treatment providers.

4. Assess all participants for the need for Medication Assisted Therapy (MAT) and make referrals for MAT services.

5. Support client recovery by providing dedicated staff for services such as vocational and educational assessments, job placements, and peer specialists.

6. Help family members of SCJDP participants become educated on the addiction/recovery process and link family members to supportive services.

7. Promote ongoing self-care techniques and wellness and recovery activities for families and their loved ones.

8. Facilitate virtual monthly family caregiver support groups.

9. Collaborate with the court, probation officers, treatment providers, and other agencies to ensure coordinated care for participants.

10. Maintain project logs, reports, and records in appropriate files and database(s) and provide continuous feedback to participants’ progress with team members.

11. Assist in collecting and maintaining all data as required by BJA.

12. Provide appropriate supervision and oversight for any staff included in this project.

Other services that may be needed include, but are not limited to:

Drug testing: administration of urinalysis tests.

Implementation of evidence-based case coordination practices.

Integration of All Rise 1 adult drug court best practice standards.

Required Staffing:

Clinical Coordinator (Full Time). The Clinical Coordinator will be responsible for comprehensive risk assessments, recommendations, and treatment planning and will provide support to the program staff and partners.

Preferred qualifications:

High School Diploma or equivalent education. Certification in Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counseling Certification preferred. Working knowledge of treatment programs. 1-year relevant experience working with the forensic population. Good communication skills, both oral and written. Ability to work cooperatively with treatment and criminal justice systems. Ability to work both independently and as part of a team. Proficiency in computer applications or other automated systems such as spreadsheets and Microsoft Office applications.

Family Case Manager (Full Time). The Family Case Manager will help family members of the Judicial Diversion Program participants become educated on the addiction/recovery process and link family members to supportive services.

Preferred qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in psychology or related mental health field or Behavioral Science . Participation in at least 12 hours of qualified training in substance abuse, as well as two years of experience working with the substance abusing population. Master’s degree preferred.

Should have comprehensive knowledge of the family dynamics of addiction. Good communication skills, both oral and written. Ability to work cooperatively with treatment and criminal justice systems. Proficiency in computer applications or other automated systems such as spreadsheets and Microsoft Office applications.

Peer Mentor (Part Time). The Peer Mentor will provide appropriate support for participants referred to the diversion court by fostering positive relationships with program participants and facilitating groups. Preferred qualifications:

High school diploma or equivalent education. Experience with drug courts or justice-involved adults preferred. Peer certification credential or prior experience as a peer support advocate/specialist preferred. Ability to work cooperatively with treatment and criminal justice systems. Proficiency in computer applications or other automated systems such as spreadsheets and Microsoft Office applications.

RFP Issue Date November 1, 2024

Deadline to Submit Written Questions November 15, 2024 at 2:00PM EDT

Deadline to Submit Proposal December 2, 2024 at 2:00PM EDT

Estimated Contract Start Date December 16, 2024