The mission of the New York State Unified Court System (UCS) is to deliver equal justice under the law and to achieve the just, fair and timely resolution of all matters that come before our courts. In the service of our mission, the UCS is committed to operating with integrity and transparency, and to ensuring that all who enter or serve in our courts are treated with respect, dignity, and professionalism. We affirm our responsibility to promote a court system free from any and all forms of bias and discrimination and to promote a judiciary and workforce that reflect the rich diversity of New York State. More information about the UCS is available at https://www.nycourts.gov .

The UCS Office of Court Administration’s (OCA) Division of Professional and Court Services (DPCS) is soliciting proposals via this Request for Proposals (RFP) for the purpose of establishing a contract to provide mental health services to participants in the Buffalo City Treatment Courts.

UCS operates problem-solving courts which help judges and court staff respond to the needs of participants and the community. Problem-solving courts look to the underlying issues that bring people into the court system, employ innovative approaches to address those issues, and seek to simplify the court process for participants. A problem-solving court involves an intervention by the court in cooperation with a team of specialists in social services, treatment, and criminal justice professionals in the local community. In return for a promise of a reduced sentence, appropriate non-violent addicted offenders are given the option of entering voluntarily into court-supervised treatment. The rules and conditions of participation are clearly stated in a contract entered into by the defendant, the defense attorney, the district attorney, and the court.

Coordinating court, treatment, and social services to support participants requires a specialized combination of expertise with the justice, substance use, mental health, and social services communities.

UCS is the recipient of an award by the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) for the purpose of improving outcomes for treatment court participants by addressing their mental health, trauma-related, and co-occurring substance abuse needs, reducing participants’ recidivism, and enhancing public safety. The BJA grant award is hereinafter referred to as the Project.

The BJA grant period is October 1, 2019 – September 30, 2023 (hereinafter “Grant Term”). This RFP seeks Project Services as set forth below.

UCS intends to award one contract for a term effective on or around November 1, 2022 and terminating on September 30, 2023 (“Contract Term”).

In the event of an extension of the grant term by BJA, UCS shall have the option to extend the contract at no additional cost for a maximum of twelve (12) months upon the same terms and conditions as of the expiration date of the Contract Term. Any such extension is subject to the approval of the NYS Attorney General and the NYS Comptroller.

Proposals will be considered only from applicants who meet the following qualifications:

• Applicants must possess at least two years of experience in performing services relevant to those described herein.
• Applicants must have the ability to provide Project Services to within the county.

UCS seeks proposals describing how the applicant will provide the services listed below (“Project Services”). The selected applicant shall be required to provide the Project Services, including the required staffing, listed below.

1. Trauma-informed assessment and behavioral health treatment on-site in the court. The selected applicant shall provide individually tailored, trauma specific and wrap around support services to participants. These services will be provided by the Behavioral Health Counselor, who will conduct a full intake assessment exploring all biopsychosocial components of a person’s life; ensure linkages/referrals to mental health supports or increased level of care or provide evidence-based treatment services to treatment court participants; closely monitor and encourage participants’ continued engagement in treatment and services; medication management; report to the court on the participants’ attendance, compliance with medications (if applicable) and stability of mental health. The counselor will meet with participants at the court, office, jail or other community locations as needed.
2. Provide an expedited mental health evaluation within 72 hours of referral for all participants whether or not the individual has health insurance.
3. Act as a liaison between the applicant and the courts, as well as with the county’s existing mental health systems, to share information and make appropriate referrals.
4. Utilize the scope of knowledge of mental health issues and provide further screenings for unaddressed needs.
5. Oversee local cross-system trainings for project staff, criminal justice personnel, and community based mental health and substance abuse providers on relevant subjects, including mental health, substance abuse, trauma specific care, case management, peer support, crisis responses, and integrated treatment and supervision strategies. These services will be provided by the Clinical Services Supervisor with assistance from the Counselor.
6. Assist in collecting and maintaining all data as required by BJA.
7. Attend all court hearings and other meetings as needed.
8. Staff will maintain project logs, reports and records in appropriate files and database(s) and provide continuous feedback on participants’ progress with team members.
9. Provide appropriate supervision and oversight for any staff included on this project.

Required Staffing:

1. Behavioral Health Counselor (Full Time). The Behavioral Health Counselor must demonstrate skill in identifying primary treatment/intervention needs, such as mental health problems, substance abuse, and other areas of concerns. They will report directly to the Clinical Services Supervisor and must have experience in the mental health and substance use fields and strong organizational skills.

Preferred qualifications:

• Master’s Degree from an accredited college or university in the field of mental health counseling, social work, or a related relevant field with two (2) years of relevant experience.

2. Clinical Services Supervisor (Part Time). The Clinical Services Supervisor must demonstrate skill in identifying primary treatment/intervention needs, such as mental health problems, substance abuse, and other areas of concern.

Preferred qualifications:

• Master’s Degree from an accredited college or university in the field of mental health counseling, social work, or a related relevant field with two (2) years of relevant experience.