z Re-Release BCDSS Mental Health Services for Children in Out-of-Home Care
Opens Oct 8 2025 08:00 AM (EDT)
Deadline Nov 8 2025 05:00 PM (EST)
$475,000.00
Description
- The selected applicant will annually serve a total of 120 BCDSS-involved children in out-of-home care and their families, providing the services and meeting the requirements described below. The children will range in age from 5–21. Services will be provided in Baltimore City and all surrounding counties in Maryland.
Services
The selected applicant must:
Deliver mental health services in homes, communities, and offices using evidence-based practices (EBPs). In partnership with the Baltimore City Department of Social Services (BCDSS), the selected applicant will address the needs of youth in crisis and their families while promoting social skills and strong family ties through a comprehensive prevention and treatment model. Services must be flexible to accommodate each child and family’s needs across time and locations. Services include in-person assessments, Individual Treatment Plans (ITPs), and therapy (if clinically appropriate). Also, document access barriers and coordinate with BCDSS.
Offer services based on the child or family’s specific location needs, including current or future placement settings such as the primary home or community-based sites. Services must remain flexible in time and location, regardless of whether the youth is placed in Baltimore City or elsewhere in Maryland. Services must be provided on dates/times agreed upon by the youth, their families, and BCDSS staff and/or as required by the prescribed evidence-based practice dosage. Scheduling should remain flexible and responsive to client needs.
Offer evidence-based interventions. This can include traditional counseling, and alternative therapeutic methods - such as art, movement, mindfulness, or pet therapy - may be integrated or recommended based on clinical assessment and client need.
Become certified in the Baltimore City Foster Care Clinician Curriculum, which is rooted in youth/family input and implementation science. The curriculum trains clinicians to support children and families in the child welfare system with a culturally responsive approach. It is delivered via 18 asynchronous 2-hour sessions over 10 weeks, totaling 36 training hours.
Engage in teaming activities—such as Family Team Decision Meeting (FTDMs), treatment team meetings, and other project-specific meetings/events—to support collaborative planning and decision-making with children, youth, and their families.
The selected applicant will meet the following service requirements:
Employ four licensed clinicians, each managing a caseload for up to 30 clients.
Be “ready for services,” must assign a licensed clinician who will schedule the initial meeting, and deliver services at a location convenient for the family, per BCDSS direction. Also, will collaborate with BCDSS to overcome service barriers and must report completions, reasons for delays, and the “ready” date in the BHSB monthly report.
Within 48 hours of the first meeting, must submit a completed Intake assessment with treatment recommendations to the BCDSS Youth Wellness Program Manager and caseworker. Intake assessment completion rates and reasons for any incomplete assessments must be included in the BHSB monthly report.
Within 72 hours of a referral being “ready for services,” the assigned licensed clinician must begin services by meeting with the client at their placement or preferred location. Completion data and reasons for any missed starts must be included in the BHSB monthly report. If applicable, the assigned licensed clinician will notify the BCDSS Mental Health Supervisor within 1 hour of contact if scheduled services are not provided.
Collaborate with the BCDSS-designated staff to receive service requests. (BCDSS will include the following information on all service requests: the youth’s name and date of birth, specific location where services are to be delivered, requested time of service delivery, contact info for the BCDSS caseworker, current caretaker of the child, a summary of service needs, the service goal, and the youth’s Medical Assistance Number.)
Offer 24/7 crisis care via phone, text, or chat, ensuring swift, least-invasive support to protect child safety. In-person, on-site intervention may be provided when needed, involving caregivers and child welfare staff. A crisis care plan must be shared with the BCDSS Youth Wellness Program Manager and caseworker within 24 hours of response.
Report all incidents involving staff or clients by the end of the business day, with a written report submitted the following business day to the BCDSS Program Manager. Report injuries, suspected abuse/neglect, or self-harm incidents immediately to a BCDSS Program Manager and the CPS hotline.
Secure psychiatry services for evaluations and medication management, billing Medicaid accordingly. For each initial and ongoing (every 90 days) appointment, a written psychiatric evaluation—per COMAR 10.21.20.08—must be submitted to the BCDSS Youth Wellness Program Manager and caseworker. The caseworkers must document medication details, including dosage, purpose, and side effects, and submit this within five business days of each appointment. The selected applicant will maintain a record of all psychiatric services, including referrals, evaluations (submitted within 5 business days), and medication tracking (every 90 days).
Complete a written Individual Treatment Plan (ITP) in line with Maryland COMAR 10.21.20.07 and submit it to the BCDSS Youth Wellness Program Manager and caseworker every six months.
Ensure clients are not discharged due to repeated no-shows or no-calls. Discharge planning must involve the child/youth, their family or caregiver, the BCDSS Youth Wellness Program Manager or designee, and the BCDSS caseworker.
Provide a written explanation due within 5 business days if a service request is declined.
Collect and report data to submit monthly reports to BCDSS. The report will include:
Referral and assessment data: Referrals accepted/declined, intakes completed, and initial assessments with treatment recommendations.
Treatment plan metrics: Number of ITPs completed by the 5th session and updated every 6 months.
Received referral sources: Categorized as BCDSS Navigator, psychiatrist, MATCH, or other.
Unassessed referrals: Includes placement disruptions, inaccessible families, or pending/canceled appointments.
Service disruptions: Due to Absence Without Leave (AWOL), hospitalization, withdrawal (by BCDSS, caregiver, or youth).
Service delivery: Unduplicated clients served, session counts (in-person, virtual, phone), canceled appointments, psychiatric referrals, crisis calls, urgent responses (which includes responses that happen between 5 PM–8 AM).
Team engagement: Meeting participation (e.g., FTDM, multidisciplinary team services, and care continuity consultations)
Staffing: 24/7 coverage and retention data, new/current staff names and counts.
Deliverables
The select applicant must submit monthly reports and invoices by the 10th of each month. Failure to submit both together and on time may delay payment processing, as BCDSS must meet the Department of Human Services’ Invoice Approval Process requirements. Each report will include the data collected in #12 and the following activities:
Maintain a compliant staffing pattern
Ensure all clinicians and supervisors complete the Baltimore City Foster Care Clinician Curriculum and associated coaching; supervisors must attend at least the required one-day session
Develop and maintain a training and supervision plan; lower licensed staff must be supervised by LCSW-Cs or LCPCs.
Select and implement appropriate evidence-based practices (EBPs)
Collaborate closely with BCDSS to meet the needs of youth in crisis and their families
Apply trauma-informed practices that address recognition, prevention of re-traumatization, and healing
Provide timely clinical response: assign a clinician within 24 hours; complete intake within 48 hours, and initiate services within 72 hours of referral readiness
Provide responsive, 24/7 crisis care (phone, text, chat), including on-site intervention as needed
Conduct in-person assessments and services when clinically appropriate, documenting any barriers
Complete ITPs per COMAR 10.21.20.07 and update every six months
Ensure access to psychiatric services with evaluations and documentation every 90 days per COMAR 10.21.20.08
Participate in collaborative meetings (e.g., FTDMs, treatment teams) to support shared decision-making
Attend all BHSB and BCDSS meetings related to mental health services for youth in care
Adhere to all service goals and deliverables outlined in the service description
Focus Population
This program is designed for children and youth aged 5-21 or until clinically appropriate for discharge or transition. Families who are involved with BCDSS in some capacity and are facing moderate to high-risk, complex mental health problems will also be served.
Staffing Requirements
OMHC must employ four (4) 1.0 FTE Licensed Mental Health Clinicians.
Master's Level Licensed Mental Health Professionals licensed to practice in Maryland. This includes:
Licensed Certified Social Workers (LCSW-Cs) or Licensed Clinical Professional Counselors (LCPCs) licensed in Maryland to practice independently.
Licensed Master's Social Workers (LMSW), and Licensed Graduate Professional Counselors (LGPC). Must receive supervision from OMHC-employed, preferably on-site, as required by their specific professional board
All licensed mental health professionals will have relevant experience and knowledge of the population of focus to be served. Professionals should have knowledge of treatment strategies in the areas of youth behavior management and family crisis intervention, the ability to effectively work with families in a supportive manner throughout the diagnostic and referral processes, and the ability to provide mental health treatment for children, youth, and their families.
All staff providing services with this project must complete annual CPS background checks and initial clearances, including:
Maryland & Federal Criminal Background (CJIS-CR)
CPS Clearance Form
Maryland Judiciary Registry Search
National Sex Offender Registry
The selected applicant will collaborate with BHSB staff to determine the appropriate FTE for managing the data collection requirements for this project.
z Re-Release BCDSS Mental Health Services for Children in Out-of-Home Care
- The selected applicant will annually serve a total of 120 BCDSS-involved children in out-of-home care and their families, providing the services and meeting the requirements described below. The children will range in age from 5–21. Services will be provided in Baltimore City and all surrounding counties in Maryland.
Services
The selected applicant must:
Deliver mental health services in homes, communities, and offices using evidence-based practices (EBPs). In partnership with the Baltimore City Department of Social Services (BCDSS), the selected applicant will address the needs of youth in crisis and their families while promoting social skills and strong family ties through a comprehensive prevention and treatment model. Services must be flexible to accommodate each child and family’s needs across time and locations. Services include in-person assessments, Individual Treatment Plans (ITPs), and therapy (if clinically appropriate). Also, document access barriers and coordinate with BCDSS.
Offer services based on the child or family’s specific location needs, including current or future placement settings such as the primary home or community-based sites. Services must remain flexible in time and location, regardless of whether the youth is placed in Baltimore City or elsewhere in Maryland. Services must be provided on dates/times agreed upon by the youth, their families, and BCDSS staff and/or as required by the prescribed evidence-based practice dosage. Scheduling should remain flexible and responsive to client needs.
Offer evidence-based interventions. This can include traditional counseling, and alternative therapeutic methods - such as art, movement, mindfulness, or pet therapy - may be integrated or recommended based on clinical assessment and client need.
Become certified in the Baltimore City Foster Care Clinician Curriculum, which is rooted in youth/family input and implementation science. The curriculum trains clinicians to support children and families in the child welfare system with a culturally responsive approach. It is delivered via 18 asynchronous 2-hour sessions over 10 weeks, totaling 36 training hours.
Engage in teaming activities—such as Family Team Decision Meeting (FTDMs), treatment team meetings, and other project-specific meetings/events—to support collaborative planning and decision-making with children, youth, and their families.
The selected applicant will meet the following service requirements:
Employ four licensed clinicians, each managing a caseload for up to 30 clients.
Be “ready for services,” must assign a licensed clinician who will schedule the initial meeting, and deliver services at a location convenient for the family, per BCDSS direction. Also, will collaborate with BCDSS to overcome service barriers and must report completions, reasons for delays, and the “ready” date in the BHSB monthly report.
Within 48 hours of the first meeting, must submit a completed Intake assessment with treatment recommendations to the BCDSS Youth Wellness Program Manager and caseworker. Intake assessment completion rates and reasons for any incomplete assessments must be included in the BHSB monthly report.
Within 72 hours of a referral being “ready for services,” the assigned licensed clinician must begin services by meeting with the client at their placement or preferred location. Completion data and reasons for any missed starts must be included in the BHSB monthly report. If applicable, the assigned licensed clinician will notify the BCDSS Mental Health Supervisor within 1 hour of contact if scheduled services are not provided.
Collaborate with the BCDSS-designated staff to receive service requests. (BCDSS will include the following information on all service requests: the youth’s name and date of birth, specific location where services are to be delivered, requested time of service delivery, contact info for the BCDSS caseworker, current caretaker of the child, a summary of service needs, the service goal, and the youth’s Medical Assistance Number.)
Offer 24/7 crisis care via phone, text, or chat, ensuring swift, least-invasive support to protect child safety. In-person, on-site intervention may be provided when needed, involving caregivers and child welfare staff. A crisis care plan must be shared with the BCDSS Youth Wellness Program Manager and caseworker within 24 hours of response.
Report all incidents involving staff or clients by the end of the business day, with a written report submitted the following business day to the BCDSS Program Manager. Report injuries, suspected abuse/neglect, or self-harm incidents immediately to a BCDSS Program Manager and the CPS hotline.
Secure psychiatry services for evaluations and medication management, billing Medicaid accordingly. For each initial and ongoing (every 90 days) appointment, a written psychiatric evaluation—per COMAR 10.21.20.08—must be submitted to the BCDSS Youth Wellness Program Manager and caseworker. The caseworkers must document medication details, including dosage, purpose, and side effects, and submit this within five business days of each appointment. The selected applicant will maintain a record of all psychiatric services, including referrals, evaluations (submitted within 5 business days), and medication tracking (every 90 days).
Complete a written Individual Treatment Plan (ITP) in line with Maryland COMAR 10.21.20.07 and submit it to the BCDSS Youth Wellness Program Manager and caseworker every six months.
Ensure clients are not discharged due to repeated no-shows or no-calls. Discharge planning must involve the child/youth, their family or caregiver, the BCDSS Youth Wellness Program Manager or designee, and the BCDSS caseworker.
Provide a written explanation due within 5 business days if a service request is declined.
Collect and report data to submit monthly reports to BCDSS. The report will include:
Referral and assessment data: Referrals accepted/declined, intakes completed, and initial assessments with treatment recommendations.
Treatment plan metrics: Number of ITPs completed by the 5th session and updated every 6 months.
Received referral sources: Categorized as BCDSS Navigator, psychiatrist, MATCH, or other.
Unassessed referrals: Includes placement disruptions, inaccessible families, or pending/canceled appointments.
Service disruptions: Due to Absence Without Leave (AWOL), hospitalization, withdrawal (by BCDSS, caregiver, or youth).
Service delivery: Unduplicated clients served, session counts (in-person, virtual, phone), canceled appointments, psychiatric referrals, crisis calls, urgent responses (which includes responses that happen between 5 PM–8 AM).
Team engagement: Meeting participation (e.g., FTDM, multidisciplinary team services, and care continuity consultations)
Staffing: 24/7 coverage and retention data, new/current staff names and counts.
Deliverables
The select applicant must submit monthly reports and invoices by the 10th of each month. Failure to submit both together and on time may delay payment processing, as BCDSS must meet the Department of Human Services’ Invoice Approval Process requirements. Each report will include the data collected in #12 and the following activities:
Maintain a compliant staffing pattern
Ensure all clinicians and supervisors complete the Baltimore City Foster Care Clinician Curriculum and associated coaching; supervisors must attend at least the required one-day session
Develop and maintain a training and supervision plan; lower licensed staff must be supervised by LCSW-Cs or LCPCs.
Select and implement appropriate evidence-based practices (EBPs)
Collaborate closely with BCDSS to meet the needs of youth in crisis and their families
Apply trauma-informed practices that address recognition, prevention of re-traumatization, and healing
Provide timely clinical response: assign a clinician within 24 hours; complete intake within 48 hours, and initiate services within 72 hours of referral readiness
Provide responsive, 24/7 crisis care (phone, text, chat), including on-site intervention as needed
Conduct in-person assessments and services when clinically appropriate, documenting any barriers
Complete ITPs per COMAR 10.21.20.07 and update every six months
Ensure access to psychiatric services with evaluations and documentation every 90 days per COMAR 10.21.20.08
Participate in collaborative meetings (e.g., FTDMs, treatment teams) to support shared decision-making
Attend all BHSB and BCDSS meetings related to mental health services for youth in care
Adhere to all service goals and deliverables outlined in the service description
Focus Population
This program is designed for children and youth aged 5-21 or until clinically appropriate for discharge or transition. Families who are involved with BCDSS in some capacity and are facing moderate to high-risk, complex mental health problems will also be served.
Staffing Requirements
OMHC must employ four (4) 1.0 FTE Licensed Mental Health Clinicians.
Master's Level Licensed Mental Health Professionals licensed to practice in Maryland. This includes:
Licensed Certified Social Workers (LCSW-Cs) or Licensed Clinical Professional Counselors (LCPCs) licensed in Maryland to practice independently.
Licensed Master's Social Workers (LMSW), and Licensed Graduate Professional Counselors (LGPC). Must receive supervision from OMHC-employed, preferably on-site, as required by their specific professional board
All licensed mental health professionals will have relevant experience and knowledge of the population of focus to be served. Professionals should have knowledge of treatment strategies in the areas of youth behavior management and family crisis intervention, the ability to effectively work with families in a supportive manner throughout the diagnostic and referral processes, and the ability to provide mental health treatment for children, youth, and their families.
All staff providing services with this project must complete annual CPS background checks and initial clearances, including:
Maryland & Federal Criminal Background (CJIS-CR)
CPS Clearance Form
Maryland Judiciary Registry Search
National Sex Offender Registry
The selected applicant will collaborate with BHSB staff to determine the appropriate FTE for managing the data collection requirements for this project.
Value
$475,000.00
Opens
Oct 8 2025 08:00 AM (EDT)
Deadline