Welcome and Assessment Center

In 2015, Governor Brown signed Assembly Bill 403, which became known as Continuum of Care Reform (CCR). CCR consisted of a series of reforms to improve child welfare services and was based on the core belief that children do better when placed in nurturing family homes rather than congregate care settings. This reform provided a timeline from 2015 to 2021 in which group care would be primarily utilized only for Short-Term Residential Therapeutic Programs (STRTPs) that provide intensive treatment interventions. STRTP requirements include a higher level of standards in comparison to previous group care as well as the ability to deliver trauma informed core services and mental health services. Additionally, CCR implementation included Foster Family Agencies (FFAs) providing for different levels of specialized care to meet a broader range of needs of children. CCR mandates included the implementation of the Resource Family Approval (RFA) process which streamlined the approval process for all individuals and families looking to care for a child in foster care. Also, as a part of the CCR framework, a new category of licensed children's residential community care facilities was established, which was the Temporary Shelter Care Facility (TSCF). The principles of CCR advocate for all children to live with a committed and nurturing family that prepares them for a successful transition into adulthood, as well being able to receive services and supports they need and not have to change placements to receive those services and supports. CCR's goal for all children in foster care is that children do not remain in group living environments for long periods of time, and that they experience normalcy in development while establishing permanent family relationships. Since implementation of CCR, Sacramento County has reduced the number of children in congregate care settings and has increased the number of resource families able to provide placements for foster children in home-based settings. Resource families need many supports and services, as well as training, to be able to care for children who have experienced trauma and as a result, have a high level of needs. Most children who come into foster care in Sacramento County are placed in a licensed foster care setting immediately. However, at times, it may take social workers more time to locate an appropriate placement. Children awaiting placement need to be in a licensed facility that is able to provide stability, safety and services to meet to meet the needs of foster children. The purpose of this Request for Proposal (RFP) is to identify one or more providers to operate a Welcome and Assessment Center(s) (WAC) that will provide a therapeutic setting for children through the age of 17, addressing the trauma of family separation and placement disruptions. Either campus or home-based settings that can serve up to 20 children are acceptable. The awarded provider(s) will need to be able to separate by gender and accommodate sibling groups. Multiple providers will allow for the ability to separate youth when there is a need. The applicant(s) selected for this funding opportunity will develop a Welcome and Assessment Center that meets Temporary Shelter Care Facility (TSCF) regulations. The provider must become licensed by the California Department of Social Services, Community Care Licensing (CCL) within 12-months of the contract execution. A contract term may span up to 36 months. This project will be partially funded with American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant funds. A portion of the funding can be directed towards capacity building to include lease, purchase, and/or renovation of an existing facility with the expectation of a multi-year operational contract.