Interoffice Memorandum
DATE: December 27, 2024
TO: Mayor Jerry L. Demings and County Commissioners
FROM: Carrie Mathes, CFCM, NIGP-CPP, CPPO, C.P.M., Manager II, Procurement Division
CONTACT: Angela Chestang, Manager, Citizens’ Commission for Children Division
PHONE: 407-836-6541
SUBJECT: Approval of Contract Y25-2059, Provision of Community Services
ACTION REQUESTED:
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Approval of Contract Y25-2059, Provision of Community Services, with Youth Advocate Programs, Inc., in the total contract award amount of $300,000 for a three-year term. ([Community and Family Services Department Citizens’ Commission for Children Division] Procurement Division)
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PROCUREMENT:
This contract will fund supportive services for individuals between the ages of 18 and 23 (up to age 25 for individuals with disabilities) who are transitioning out of the foster care system. Services may include, but are not limited to, case management, mental health counseling, housing assistance, job training and placement, educational assistance, and other wraparound services. These services are designed to help individuals gain independence by providing resources needed to become self-sufficient and promote positive social-emotional well-being and quality of life. The performance period is upon contract execution through December 31, 2027.
FUNDING:
Funding is available in account number 0001-062-2556-8610.
APPROVALS:
The Citizens’ Review Panel for Human Services recommended Youth Advocate Programs, Inc. to receive funding to provide these services. The Citizens’ Commission for Children Division (CCC) concurs with the funding recommendation. Youth Advocate Programs, Inc. was previously awarded funding from the CCC in 2020 to deliver Innovation Programming for Youth.
REMARKS:
In accordance with the Code of Ordinances, Part 1, Chapter 17, Article III, Section 17-286 - Application and Exclusions, agreements between the Board and nonprofit organizations are excluded from competitive procurement requirements.
The transition from foster care to independence is a critical period for dependent youth and is a time when comprehensive support is most crucial in ensuring their well-being and success. These supportive services provide essential resources, guidance, and advocacy to help young people navigate the challenges they face, including transitioning out of the child welfare system. Supportive services can include mental health counseling, educational support, housing assistance, life skills training, and accessing essential services such as healthcare. By addressing the unique needs of dependent youth and helping them build a solid foundation for their futures, these services play a critical role in breaking cycles of trauma, poverty, and instability. Investing in supportive services for dependent youth not only improves outcomes for individuals but also has broader social impact by reducing homelessness, unemployment, and justice system involvement.
The program estimates serving 84 unduplicated residents and providing approximately 4,291 hours of direct service per contract year.
Services can be accessed by contacting the agency directly, through referral from community-based organizations or dependency care providers, or by contacting the CCC for referral. Youth Advocate Programs, Inc. distributes targeted outreach materials via brochures, posters, and social media campaigns. Additionally, the agency conducts informational sessions and workshops at foster care facilities, community centers, and schools to raise awareness and engage youth.
In addition to marketing strategies employed by Youth Advocate Programs, Inc., the CCC offers a comprehensive resource directory of all funded programming published on the CCC web page, located at www.ocfl.net/ccc <http://www.ocfl.net/ccc>. Through this directory, constituents may search for funded services within a specific distance of their home, place of work, or other address of significance.
Additionally, the CCC has contracted community engagement specialists, located primarily in east and west Orange County, for service delivery to benefit citizens with an emphasis on maintaining contact with community groups, parents, and other caregivers, providing support to residents, as well as evaluating and responding to community needs concerning children. The CCC also employs a part-time community ambassador, whose role is primarily to engage with civic, law enforcement, and community groups to market services and to stay connected with the various community groups throughout Orange County.
Finally, the CCC maintains an electronic e-mail distribution database, and distributes shared resources and information submitted by community non-profits monthly. This method allows funded and non-funded service providers the opportunity to learn about services, events, or special projects that may benefit the community at large.
Services will primarily be provided at the following locations:
• 5131 N. Apopka Vineland Road, Orlando, FL 32818, in Commission District 2
• 5749 Westgate Drive, Suite 201, Orlando, FL 32835, in Commission District 6
Supportive Services for Dependent Youth is a new and unique scope of services that is not currently funded through the CCC. However, it should be noted there are several unique CCC-funded initiatives aimed at providing support services for specific at-risk populations. A comprehensive listing of these supportive services programs currently funded by the CCC is in the attached document. Additionally, support and wrap around services are available for all Orange County residents at Neighborhood Centers for Families locations throughout the County. While services may be provided in a specific location, they are not limited to residents of the district/area of the service location. All Orange County residents may have access to funded programs/services.