2024 RFQ-Respite Services for Youth with Developmental Disabilities served by the Children’s System of Care

The State of New Jersey’s Department of Children and Families issued a competitive Request for Qualification (RFQ) for a five‑year, statewide respite‑service contract that supports youth (≤ 21 years) with developmental disabilities. The contract is fee‑for‑service, with unit‑rate reimbursement for five distinct service types (Agency After‑School, Agency Hired, Agency Weekend, Self‑Hired, and Overnight respite). Twenty‑three new‑vendor providers were awarded the contract on 12 / 20 / 2024, each required to submit extensive organizational documentation and to comply with strict background‑check, reporting, and licensing requirements. No start‑up or transportation funding is provided; rates are capped (e.g., $7.40 per 15‑minute AAS unit, $10.69 per 15‑minute AHR unit, $155 per overnight night). The contract runs from late 2024 through 2029, with renewal contingent on future appropriations rather than automatic extensions. • Scope: Provide short‑term, temporary, or emergency respite (group‑based, in‑home, or overnight) for eligible youth. • Funding: Medicaid‑funded fee‑for‑service; maximum unit rates defined; no supplemental funds. • Eligibility: New providers only; must be NJ‑registered, in good standing, and enrolled as a FamilyCare/Medicaid provider. • Compliance: Mandatory background checks, EVV for AHR, licensing for OVR sites, trauma‑informed and cultural‑inclusivity policies, and extensive reporting (annual checklist, incident reports, etc.).