Hair Care and Barber Instruction Services for Youth in Juvenile Detention Facility

San Mateo County Probation Department is soliciting proposals from qualified providers to implement the BARBER Program (Building Achieving Responsible Beneficial Empowering Re-entry) at the Youth Services Center - Juvenile Hall. The program is intended to deliver both professional haircare services and hands-on vocational barbering instruction that support youth well-being, skill development, and successful re-entry.

The selected Contractor will provide weekly haircut services and weekly barbering instructional sessions, introducing youth to sanitation and safety practices, equipment use, and foundational industry standards. Instruction should be grounded in a structured curriculum, such as Milady's Standard Barbering Textbook and related training materials, and should support youth in exploring employment in the barbering field.

All services must be coordinated with designated facility staff and delivered in a manner consistent with County expectations for professionalism, trauma-informed practice, and youth engagement.

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, in addition to completing the Onboarding and Security Training.

Deliverables include weekly haircut sessions, weekly instructional sessions, and ongoing collaboration with Probation staff to support youth participation, motivation, and alignment with vocational re-entry pathways.

The San Mateo County Probation Department is committed to providing youth in the Youth Service Center - Juvenile Hall with programming that promotes well-being, positive development, and successful re-entry into the community.

The Probation Department is legally mandated under Title 15, California Code of Regulations (CCR), Section 1488, to provide monthly hair care services for all youth housed in Juvenile Hall. Regular grooming services are essential for maintaining proper hygiene, supporting self-esteem, and promoting overall health and safety within a secure facility. Providing consistent access to high-quality haircare fulfills this regulatory requirement while also contributing to the well-being of youth in custody.

In addition to meeting this legal obligation, the County aims to expand the impact of grooming services by offering technical and vocational barber instruction to interested youth. This training aligns closely with the San Mateo County Juvenile Justice Realignment Block Grant (JJRBG) Plan, submitted to the Office of Youth and Community Restoration (OYCR), which prioritizes programs that build life skills, support rehabilitation, and prepare youth for self-sustaining careers upon re-entry. Through hands-on barbering instruction, youth develop practical workforce skills while also gaining discipline, confidence, and a meaningful sense of accomplishment.

A highly successful program will create a supportive learning environment that engages youth, reinforces positive behavior, and inspires interest in career pathways. Vendors who understand the unique dynamics of a juvenile facility, are committed to consistent and professional service delivery, and can connect with youth through mentorship and skill-building will be best positioned to deliver a high-impact programs.