Juvenile Programs and Services

The San Mateo County Probation Department invites proposals from qualified service providers, including community-based organizations (CBOs), government entities, universities, sole proprietors, and similar organizations to deliver innovative, evidence-based, and culturally responsive programs for youth and families in San Mateo County.

Programs funded through this RFP must align with the 2025-2030 Local Action Plan (LAP) adopted by the Juvenile Justice Coordinating Council (JJCC). The LAP outlines community priorities for juvenile crime prevention, intervention, detention-based services, and family supports.

Each year, Probation-funded partners serve hundreds of youth across the County, including:

• More than 800 at-risk youth in the community
• Over 200 system-involved youth
• Nearly 200 youth in detention

Through this competitive process, the Department seeks to expand and strengthen the County’s network of prevention, intervention, detention-based, and reentry programs.

Funding will be distributed from:

• Juvenile Probation Activities Funding (JPAF): Prevention and intervention for at-risk youth in schools and communities.
• Youthful Offender Block Grant (YOBG): Programs for youth in Juvenile Hall and reentry services.
• Juvenile Justice Crime Prevention Act (JJCPA): Programs for youth on probation.
• Juvenile Justice Realignment Block Grant (JJRBG): Services for older youth (up to age 25) serving longer commitments in Juvenile Hall following the Division of Juvenile Justice closure.

Multiple contracts may be awarded to ensure a diverse mix of services. Contracts are expected to begin July 1, 2026, for up to five years.

San Mateo County is committed to building a coordinated continuum of care that reduces justice system involvement and strengthens youth and family well-being. The 2025-2030 LAP reflects extensive input from youth, families, service providers, and system leaders, as well as analysis of probation, school, and arrest data.

Key findings:

• Racial disparities: Hispanic/Latino youth account for about 50% of arrests but only 32% of the youth population. Black youth face a status offense arrest rate five times higher than their White peers.
• Geographic inequities: Youth in Redwood City, East Palo Alto, South San Francisco, Daly City, and coastal cities like Half Moon Bay and Pacifica experience higher arrest rates, greater socioeconomic challenges, and fewer accessible services.
• High behavioral health needs: Youth and families identified trauma-informed mental health services and consistent provider connections as top needs.
• Prevention and reentry gaps: Stakeholders stressed the need for early intervention in schools and communities, and robust reentry supports.

In Fiscal Year 2023-24, Probation-funded providers served:

• 831 at-risk youth in the community
• 213 system-involved youth
• 194 youth in detention

Many families are Spanish-speaking, making linguistically and culturally appropriate services essential.

LAP Strategic Outcomes (2025-2030)

1. Youth access a responsive, coordinated system.
2. Youth cultivate social and emotional well-being.
3. Youth gain educational and career skills and hope for the future.
4. Families are engaged and supported.

Funds awarded through this RFP will advance these outcomes, reduce racial disparities, and increase opportunities for youth and families in San Mateo County.