RFP #MHARC-292- Preventionand Early Intervention Transitional Age Youth -Seeking Safety

PURPOSE The County of Riverside Purchasing Department on behalf of Riverside University Health System–Behavioral Health (RUHS-BH) is seeking proposals from private non-profit and for-profit community organizations, faith based organizations, and culturally based organizations, interested in contracting with RUHS-BH to provide Prevention and Early Intervention (PEI) services as outlined in this RFP. The proposed services must be designed to serve the targeted areas and populations identified herein. BACKGROUND Vision and Philosophy The Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) was approved by California voters to provide a 1% tax on personal income over $1 million in order to expand and transform the COUNTY mental health service system. It became effective January 01, 2005. This funding allows the County of Riverside the opportunity to provide services in the areas of PEI. Per the MHSA, a comprehensive community planning process was completed that utilized the expertise of the community and

community leaders. In alignment with the MHSA, COUNTY has included the transformational concepts to develop a community-driven, culturally competent, wellness focused PEI plan that targets individuals and families across the age span, with special attention to underserved cultural communities. Per the State guidelines, an objective of PEI is to increase capacity for mental health prevention and early intervention programs. These programs need to be provided in places where mental health services are not traditionally given, such as schools, community centers, faith-based organizations, etc. The intent of PEI programs is to engage individuals before the development of serious mental illness or serious emotional disturbance or to alleviate the need for additional or extended mental health treatment. What is Prevention? Prevention in mental health involves building protective factors and skills, increasing support, and reducing risk factors or stressors. Prevention efforts occur prior to a diagnosis for mental illness. Generally there are no time limits on prevention programs. What is Early Intervention? Addresses a condition early in its manifestation Is of relatively low intensity Is of relatively short duration (usually less than one year) Has the goal of supporting well-being in major life domains and avoiding the need for more extensive mental health services May include individual screening for confirmation of potential mental health needs The State approved Riverside County PEI Plan can be found at: http://rcdmh.org/opencms/english/mhsa/PEI.html Early Intervention for Trauma: Seeking Safety Program The extensive PEI community planning process, which included focus groups, community forums, and survey completion, resulted in the identification of the need for early intervention for trauma for both transition age youth and the adult population in Riverside County. COUNTY proposes to address this identified need within the targeted communities as identified throughout the community planning process. The evidence-based program (EBP) Seeking Safety program has been identified for the early intervention of Trauma as described in this RFP. Specific outreach, engagement, and linkage services will be to individuals as outlined in Section 1.4 below. Collaboration and partnership is encouraged and preferred. PROGRAM GOALS The primary goals of this program are to reduce the duration and harmful effects of trauma for individuals most at risk of developing mental health problems as a result of traumatic experiences. Transition Age Youth (TAY) are to receive early intervention services through the use of an EBP Seeking Safety Program. This will result in increased resiliency and development of coping strategies for program participants and reduce the need for ongoing services within the mental health system. The program will be provided in culturally appropriate settings, incorporating the needs of the target population. Activities will be situated in de-stigmatizing locations to increase the likelihood of the identified populations accessing those activities which will include settings where TAY typically go. The setting(s) for service delivery will not be a traditional mental health setting and will assist participants in feeling comfortable seeking services from staff who are knowledgeable and capable of identifying needs and solutions for TAY. The AWARDED CONTRACTOR(S) is expected to utilize targeted outreach to engage TAY by working within the community and collaborating with community organizations, non-profit organizations, faith-based organizations, and other individuals, groups, and/or services that have the trust of and connection with the population. For more details about this procurement, please download the attachements included in this RFP.