Youth Services to the South Okanagan

SUMMARY DETAILS
Proposals are being invited for submission for the development and the provision of a comprehensive youth service delivery model for youth (13-18) in the South Okanagan Service Delivery Area. A continuum of youth services should include, but not limited to; mediate parent-teen conflict, support youth to ensure youth can remain in the family home, facilitate return of youth to family home, stabilize youth experiencing acute mental health or behavioural crises, support to disengage youth from at risk involvement (i.e. criminal activity, street culture, drug/alcohol misuse, sexual exploitation, etc.), outreach to displaced youth, connect youth to relevant supports in the community, support youth transitions to adulthood, and apply evidence-based and best practice strategies for addressing needs of youth.
This Request for Proposals is intended to evaluate innovative models that could provide for the services to the youth population. The intention is that the youth’s support will be more fulsome by integrating the proposed services with the existing community services. Services will be intended for youth not in the legal care or custody of the Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD).
The intended program would be working closely with MCFD staff and existing service providers in the community to provide a comprehensive and responsive service network for youth.
MCFD is seeking innovative, responsive service delivery models that will address the needs of this population. It is the overall goal for this service to contribute to the:
·              increased stability of youth in living situations and connection to safe housing
·              reduced level of association with the sex trade
·              reduced level of association with street entrenchment and/or negative peer
               association
·              reduced self-harming behaviours and improved mental wellness
·              reduced engagement with substance use/misuse
·              increased level of independence and improved life skills
·              increased engagement with community support systems and age appropriate activities
               that promote health and wellness
·              youth have direct access to immediate basic needs of food, clothing and shelter,
·              youth are empowered at making their own decisions and accessing services of choice
·              youth are reconnected to immediate and extended family where appropriate
·              youth have increased protection from abuse, neglect, exploitation, and harm

The initial term of the contract is expected to be from October 01, 2022 to September 30, 2024 with the option to renew for five additional one-year terms at the sole discretion of the Ministry.
The maximum budget allocated for these services is $300,000.00 annually.  The contract will include any applicable mandated wage increases.