RFP #DPARC-0681 - PSYCHOLOGICAL EVALUATION SERVICES FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTH

The County of Riverside Purchasing Department, on behalf of the Department of Public Social Services (DPSS), Children and Family Services (CFS) Division, is seeking proposals from qualified vendors to provide Psychological Evaluation Services for CFS dependents. The purpose of this program is to ensure that children and youth in foster care receive timely, comprehensive psychological evaluations to support case planning, permanency goals, and overall well-being. These evaluations help CFS staff, caregivers, and the courts better understand the child’s mental health needs, inform appropriate diagnoses (when applicable), and recommend services and interventions tailored to the child’s circumstances. Key Principles The primary goals of the Psychological Evaluation Services are to: - Promote the safety, stability, and well-being of children and youth in foster care. - Ensure culturally responsive and trauma-informed evaluations. - Provide timely and accurate professional recommendations to guide placement and service planning. Program Objectives To provide: - Comprehensive psychological evaluations using standardized tools, clinical interviews, and record reviews. - Written reports that clearly document findings, diagnoses (if appropriate), and recommended interventions. - Expert testimony and consultation with CFS staff and the courts, when required. Program Outcomes The expected outcomes of the successful contractor include: - Delivery of evaluations and reports within the twenty-four and seventy-two hours required reporting timelines to avoid delays in case planning. - Clear, evidence-based recommendations that directly inform permanency and treatment planning. - Improved service coordination and better mental health outcomes for children and youth in CFS custody. Target Population / Historic Information The target population for these services is children and youth, ages 0–17 who are Riverside County DPSS/CFS dependents. Historically, the County has required approximately 50 - 100 psychological evaluations annually to meet case planning needs across all regions of Riverside County.