Family Finding & Engagement Services

The County of Alameda is seeking a qualified bidder to provide Family Finding and Engagement (FFE) services. The goal of this RFP is to identify and fund one qualified bidder that has interest, experience, and expertise to provide FFE services. These services and support refer to a collection of strategies that help locate and engage family and non-related extended family members (NREFMs) for children who enter foster care. The successful bidder will be expected to execute all efforts to locate family and NREFMs, provide culturally sensitive knowledge, training, and engagement support to those located, and facilitate the social engagement of foster youth and identified family members. Key responsibilities include: • Identifying maternal and paternal relatives and NREFMs • Engaging relatives to support their navigation through the child welfare system • Supporting the DCFS’s efforts at maintaining sibling connections through visitation • Engaging tribes for Indian youth to determine extended family • Using tools such as social media, government search engines, case file reviews, and consultations • Engaging current and prior caseworkers, service providers, and youth support networks • Utilizing trauma-informed strategies to support a productive working relationship with the assigned Child Welfare Worker, and other important connections involved in a child/youth’s case • Providing regular written reports detailing progress on work with families, as well as a final report on case closure. The contract will be for a period of two years, with the option to renew for three additional years.