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Transcript of "REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP)"
1. RFP #1577 BMCW-SM 10/13/06 Permanency Consultation Services DRAFT REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL RFP # 1577 BMCW-SM TO PROVIDE PERMANENCY CONSULTATION FOR CHILDREN IN OUT-OF-HOME CARE SERVED BY THE BUREAU OF MILWAUKEE CHILD WELFARE ISSUED BY: STATE OF WISCONSIN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND FAMILY SERVICES DIVISION OF CHILDREN AND FAMILY SERVICES BUREAU OF MILWAUKEE CHILD WELFARE PROPOSALS MUST BE SUBMITTED NO LATER THAN 4:00 PM ON NOVEMBER 17, 2006 LATE PROPOSALS WILL BE REJECTED 10/13/06 1577 BMCW-SM 1
RFP #1577 BMCW-SM 10/13/06 Permanency Consultation Services Bureau of Milwaukee Child Welfare Permanency Consultation for Children in Out-of-Home Care TABLE OF CONTENTS 1.0 GENERAL INFORMATION 4 1.1 Introduction and Background 4 1.2 Scope of the Project 5 1.3 Who May Apply? 7 1.4 Procuring and Contracting Agency 8 1.5 Clarification and/or revisions to the specifications and requirements 8 1.6 Vendor Conference 9 1.7 Calendar of Events 9 1.8 Contract Term and Funding 9 1.9 Reasonable Accommodations 10 1.10 VendorNet Registration 10 2.0 PREPARING AND SUBMITTING A PROPOSAL 11 2.1 General Instructions 11 2.2 Submission Requirements 12 3.0 PROPOSAL SELECTION, AWARD PROCESS AND CRITERIA 13 3.1 Award and Final Offers 13 3.2 Notification of Intent to Award 14 3.3 Preliminary Evaluation 14 3.4 Evaluation of the Proposal 15 3.5 Evaluation Criteria 15 3.6 Right to Amend 19 3.7 Presentations 19 3.8 Minority Business Vendors 19 3.9 Vendor Responses 19 3.10 Public Information 20 3.11 Appeals Process 20 3.12 Withdrawal of Proposals 21 4.0 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION 21 4.1 Overview of Bureau of Milwaukee Child Welfare with Service Projections for 2006 21 4.2 What is Permanency? 23 4.3 Principles and Role of the Permanency Consultation Worker 23 4.4 BMCW Outcomes Measures and Program Objectives 26 4.5 Listing of Administrative and Service Related Cost Categories 29 RFP #1577 BMCW-SM 10/13/06 2
RFP #1577 BMCW-SM 10/13/06 Permanency Consultation Services 5.0 CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS 29 5.1 Payment for Services 29 5.2 Special Contract Requirements 30 5.3 Special Contract Terms and Conditions 30 5.4 General Contract Requirements 30 5.5 Standard and Supplemental Terms and Conditions 36 6.0 Standard Terms and Conditions Standard Terms and Conditions (Requests for Bids/Proposals) (DOA-3054) Supplemental Standard Terms and Conditions for Procurements for Services (DOA-3681) 7.0 Required Forms Designation of Confidential and Proprietary Information (DOA-3027) Vendor Information Sheet (DOA-3477) Vendor Reference (DOA-3478) SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION Attachments Service Territory Map and Boundary Descriptions A-1 Related Child Welfare and Program Definitions A-2 Permanency Consultation RFP Evaluation Criteria A-4 Permanency Consultation Budget Template A-5 RFP #1577 BMCW-SM 10/13/06 3
RFP #1577 BMCW-SM 10/13/06 Permanency Consultation Services 1.0 GENERAL INFORMATION 1.1 Introduction and Background The purpose of the Request for Proposal (RFP) is to solicit proposals to provide permanency consultation services to the Bureau of Milwaukee Child Welfare (BMCW). Permanency Consultation is an approach to permanency planning for children placed in out-of-home care. The approach focuses on advocating for permanency through a thorough assessment and identification of all permanency options available and appropriate for each child in out-of-home care while maintaining a sense of urgency for permanency to be achieved. Permanency options include: reunification, adoption, transfer of guardianship and subsidized guardianship; ensuring that the focus remains on the safety, well-being, and best interest of each child. 1.1.1 Project description Permanency planning begins at the point a child enters out-of-home care and continues throughout the life of the case to allow for expedited and safe permanence. Permanency consultants will assist BMCW case managers to achieve safe, timely permanency for children in out of home care. 1.1.2 Current operations The BMCW currently contracts with two vendors to provide Out of Home Care and Adoption services. The services that are provided by these two contracts have been redesigned to better meet the needs of families served and children in need of foster and adoptive families. The current Out of Home Care functions include recruitment, licensing/re-licensing of foster families, retention and support of foster families, training for foster parents and matching and placement authorization of children. The current functions of the Adoption contract include recruitment, licensing/ re-licensing of adoptive parents, and matching and placement of children in need of an adoptive home, case management services for children in need of adoption, training for prospective adoptive parents and permanency consultation services. The redesign has divided these functions into four separate contracts: 1) recruitment of foster care and adoptive families, 2) permanency consultation services, 3) training for foster and adoptive parents, 4) and licensing/re-licensing of foster and adoptive homes; retention and supervision of foster and adoptive homes, matching and placement of children in need of a foster and adoptive home, and case management services for children in need of adoption services. This RFP addresses permanency consultation services. 1.1.3 Objectives BMCW data shows that 75% to 80% of the children in BMCW custody, who are adopted, are adopted by their foster parents. One focus of the redesign is on the joint recruitment of foster and adoptive families, a common approach to the assessment of foster and adoptive parents, and joint home-studies for foster and adoptive homes. Parents interested in either foster care or adoption will be referred to the same contracting agency. RFP #1577 BMCW-SM 10/13/06 4
RFP #1577 BMCW-SM 10/13/06 Permanency Consultation Services Permanency consultants will work as part of the team to help BMCW staff and families served to explore all options for permanence as the case progresses so all children will reach permanency as soon as possible. 1.1.4 Needs Feedback and experience from staff within the BMCW, community partners, advocates and concerned community members was all taken into consideration regarding the redesign. This redesign to providing services to foster and adoptive families and children in their care is a part of the continuing efforts to expedite permanency for children, and to continue to improve the quality of services being provided. This new design will prove to be more functional and will promote greater efficiency and flexibility. The successful vendor will demonstrate: comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the continuum of permanency options available to children and families, best practice models that will ensure the best interests of each child is the primary consideration in planning for permanence, an understanding of the barriers and opportunities to achieving permanence, and what is necessary to achieve permanence expeditiously. The BMCW will award a single contract to an agency or consortium of agencies that best meet the requirements of this RFP. 1.2 Scope of the Project The Bureau of Milwaukee Child Welfare will fund up to nine permanency consultation positions. These positions will provide consultation and support services to the three ongoing case management regions. Each region has approximately 60 case managers serving about 16 to 20 children on average as part of their caseload. The children will need varying degrees of permanency consultation services depending on the circumstances and complexity of the child's need for permanency. The permanency consultants must keep abreast of all children assigned to them for consultation and prioritize the degree of involvement needed at various stages of the child's permanency goal. 1.2.1 General Requirements The general requirements of the Permanency Consultant are to: • Engage and support case managers, children, and families by utilizing child welfare best practice models regarding permanency; • Ensure that each child's unique and comprehensive needs are considered when considering options for permanence; • Provide active and informed consultation; • Work in partnership with the BMCW to comply with the terms of the Jeanine B. Settlement Agreement; • Work in partnership with the BMCW in meeting the federal Child and Family Services Review outcomes for children and families; RFP #1577 BMCW-SM 10/13/06 5
RFP #1577 BMCW-SM 10/13/06 Permanency Consultation Services • Manage funds carefully so that objectives are achieved within funding constraints; • Cooperate with the Office of the Milwaukee Ombudsman for Child Welfare; • Stay informed regarding contemporary research, best practice models and standards and changes in federal and state public child welfare related policy; • Effectively use the eWiSACWIS system to ensure timely, accurate documentation of all case work and service activity in accordance with BMCW policy. 1.2.2 Specific Requirements Specific requirements of the Permanency Consultant are to provide informed, direct and case specific consultation in the following areas: • The assessment and identification of all permanency options for each child (sibling group) who is placed in out-of-home care; • Use of concurrent planning; • Informing birth parents of all options of permanency planning and decision-making for their children and the potential implications if permanency is not achieved within certain time frames; • Engaging and involving older youth in creating their plan for timely permanency; • Educating biological parents, children, relatives, out-of-home care providers and case management staff about timely permanency and the continuum of all permanency options; • Identifying barriers and potential solutions regarding permanency; • Participating in the decision-making and selection process for the most appropriate, child specific permanency goal; • Ensuring the long-term view of caring for the child beyond the child's exit from the child welfare system is considered; • Identifying and addressing barriers to expediting permanency; • Actively participating in Coordinated Service Team (CST) meetings. 1.2.3 Workforce Qualifications and Requirements Successful vendors will demonstrate a commitment to workforce recruitment and retention for continuity of staff with minimal turnover that will assure stability in services provided to children and families with minimal disruptions. This requires successful strategies to stabilize and develop the workforce through (1) excellence in human resource practices for recruiting, interviewing, pre-employment screening, and day-to- day management; (2) enhanced compensation, benefits, and training; (3) appropriate RFP #1577 BMCW-SM 10/13/06 6
RFP #1577 BMCW-SM 10/13/06 Permanency Consultation Services credentialing and certification; and (4) opportunities for academic education and career advancement within existing positions. Strategies should take into account Workforce Recruitment and Retention in the Bureau of Milwaukee Child Welfare report prepared in Jess McDonald & Associates January 2005, and the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Child Welfare League of America (CWLA) Recruitment and Retention Project recommendations released in October 2005. All current and newly hired staff must successfully complete and comply with the staff professional development requirements and core competencies for their employment position within the timeframes identified by the BMCW. This may include core, pre- service, supervisory, ongoing training, and any other identified professional development requirements or activities. The vendor must also cooperate in the implementation of any additional requirements developed to help ensure the recruitment and retention of a professional, stable workforce of qualified permanency consultants. It is essential that agency leadership demonstrate a strong, clear commitment to the BMCW mission and to the values and priorities discussed throughout this RFP; and that they ensure their staff have core competencies to: • Understand and apply appropriate, culturally competent, strategies while working with children and families; • Engage families in the understanding of permanency and the reasons for expediting permanency; • Understand the functions and responsibilities for public child welfare outcomes; • Understand the needs of children in out-of-home care and their birth families. 1.3 Who May Apply? An agency or consortium of agencies which meet the following criteria may apply: • Understand the diverse and changing needs of the children and families who enter the Milwaukee child welfare system; • Have an established history of public child welfare service; • Have established positive, collaborative relationships with churches, human service agencies, businesses, and other community-based organizations; • Demonstrate an understanding of all child welfare permanency options; • Understand the implications of out of home care; • Have experience with the issues facing families whose children have been removed from their homes; • Have the capacity to provide services, carry out the expectations, and meet the goals of the Permanency Consultation Services Program. The agency (or lead consortium agency) must have experience in managing a budget in a fiscally responsible manner and significant experience providing direct child welfare services, which requires an extensive knowledge of Wis. Stat. Ch. 48 Children's Code, Wisconsin Administrative Rules and other federal and state child welfare laws and regulations. RFP #1577 BMCW-SM 10/13/06 7
RFP #1577 BMCW-SM 10/13/06 Permanency Consultation Services In the event that the proposal is submitted jointly by a consortium of organizations, one organization must be designated as the lead agency. Specific information must be provided regarding the corporate structure to provide clarity regarding roles and structure, and to assure that any parent organization is actively involved in the planning, management, and financial viability of the lead agency in the implementation of the contract. If submitting a proposal as a consortium, the proposal must identify the names of each agency and describe the roles of the lead agency and each partner agency. The agency (or lead consortium agency) must maintain worker's compensation insurance and standard and adequate agency liability insurance covering injury to persons and damage to property for the responsibilities associated with the agency. 1.4 Procuring and Contracting Agency This RFP is issued by the State of Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services (DHFS), Bureau of Milwaukee Child Welfare. The Procurement Manager for this RFP is: Susan McKercher Bureau of Fiscal Services Division of Management & Technology 1 West Wilson PO Box 7850 Madison WI 53707-7850 firstname.lastname@example.com (608)267-7637 The contract resulting from this RFP will be administered by the Bureau of Milwaukee Child Welfare. The contract administrator will be Martha Johnson. 1.5 Clarification and/or revisions to the specifications and requirements Vendors may submit written questions regarding the RFP requirements. The BMCW will supply written responses to all questions submitted by October 27, 2006. Answers to questions will be posted on the State of Wisconsin's VendorNet at http://vendornet.state.wi.us/vendornet/default.asp. and at the DHFS Website http://dhfs.wisconsin.gov/rfp/index.htmWritten requests for technical assistance on the proposal process should be addressed to: Linda Ashley Bureau of Milwaukee Child Welfare 1555 N. Rivercenter Drive, Suite 220 Milwaukee, WI 53212 Email Address: firstname.lastname@example.com Telephone # 414-220-7063 RFP #1577 BMCW-SM 10/13/06 8
RFP #1577 BMCW-SM 10/13/06 Permanency Consultation Services Collect calls will not be accepted. Telephone requests are discouraged and will be responded to in writing. Vendors are expected to raise any questions, exceptions, or additions they have concerning the RFP document by October 18, 2006. If a vendor discovers any significant ambiguity, error, conflict, discrepancy, omission, or other deficiency in this RFP, the vendor should notify immediately the above named individual of such error and request modification or clarification of the RFP. In the event that it becomes necessary to provide additional clarifying data or information, or to revise any part of this RFP, revisions/amendments and/or supplements will be provided to all recipients of this initial RFP. Each proposal shall stipulate that it is predicated upon the requirements, terms, and conditions of this RFP and any supplements or revisions thereof. Any contact with state employees concerning this RFP are prohibited, except as authorized by the RFP manager during the period from date of release of the RFP until the notice of intent to contract is released. 1.6 Vendor Conference A vendors' conference will be held on Friday, October 20, 2006, from 2:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. CST, at the BMCW Region 1 office, 1730 W. North Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53205, to respond to written questions and to provide any needed additional instruction to vendors on the submission of proposals. If no questions are received, the State reserves the right to cancel the vendors' conference. All vendors who intend to respond to the RFP are encouraged to attend the vendors' conference. Any questions answered verbally are not binding until or unless they are followed-up in writing. Answers will be provided on the State of Wisconsin VendorNet at: http://vendornet.state.wi.us/vendornet/default.asp. 1.7 Calendar of Events October 13, 2006 Release of RFP October 18, 2006 Deadline for submission of written questions October 20, 2006 Vendor Conference Friday, October 20, 2006 BMCW Region 1 office 1730 W. North Avenue Milwaukee, WI 53205 2:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. October 27, 2006 BMCW Reply to Written Questions and Questions from Vendor Conference October 27, 2006 VendorNet notification of supplements or revisions to the RFP November 17, 2006 Due date for proposals at 4:00 p.m. December 15, 2006 Final award letters mailed RFP #1577 BMCW-SM 10/13/06 9
RFP #1577 BMCW-SM 10/13/06 Permanency Consultation Services December 15, 2006 Public inspection of proposals January 1, 2007 Contract Start Date (subject to change based on vendor transition) 1.8 Contract Term and Funding The Bureau of Milwaukee Child Welfare expects to enter into a contract for the Permanency Consultation Services with the successful vendor(s) for the initial period of January 1, 2007 through December 31, 2007. The dates may vary in order to ensure a smooth transition due to changes in service providers. Transition plans provide for continuity of services to ensure minimal disruptions for children and families. Satisfactory agency performance and funding availability will result in annual renewals for a total of four (4) years; that is, one initial contract period and four renewals. The following provisions will be discussed and renegotiated as needed during an active annual review process: case rates, budget, workforce stability, and program outcomes. The BMCW proposed budget, has the following amounts: Permanency Consultation Services: 12 Month Budget Permanency Consultation Services $700,000 Average Projected Funds Per year: $700,000 In the contract resulting from this RFP, vendors will receive a cost-based payment for Permanency Consultation Services. 1.9 Reasonable Accommodations The BMCW will provide reasonable accommodations, including the provision of informational material in alternative format, for qualified individuals with disabilities who are applying for one or more of these contracts. For special needs, contact: Linda Ashley 1555 N. Rivercenter Drive Suite 220 Milwaukee, WI 53212 414-220-7063 1.10 VendorNet Registration The State of Wisconsin's purchasing information and vendor notification service is available to all businesses and organizations that want to sell to the state. Anyone may access VendorNet on the Internet at http://vendornet.state.wi.us to get information on state purchasing practices and policies, commodities and services that the state buys, and tips on selling to the state. Vendors may use the same Web site address for inclusion on RFP #1577 BMCW-SM 10/13/06 10
RFP #1577 BMCW-SM 10/13/06 Permanency Consultation Services the bidders list for commodities and services that the organization wants to sell to the state. A subscription with notification guarantees the organization will receive an e-mail message each time a state agency, including any campus of the University of Wisconsin System, posts a request for bid or a request for proposal in its designated commodity/service area(s) with an estimated value over $25,000. Organizations without Internet access receive paper copies in the mail. Increasingly, state agencies also are using VendorNet to post simplified bids valued at $25,000 or less. Vendors also may receive e-mail notices of these simplified bid opportunities. 2.0 PREPARING AND SUBMITTING A PROPOSAL 2.1 General Instructions The evaluation and scoring of the proposal is based on the information provided by the responder. With the exception of information that may result from presentations identified in Section 3.7, the only information evaluators will be given about a project is that which is contained within the proposal, and it is that information which will be scored in determining the merits of one proposal over another. For that reason, each copy must be a duplicate of the entire original proposal, including any attachments. Failure to respond fully to each of the requirements and specifications in the RFP may be the basis for rejecting a proposal. Proposals must include the following items, submitted in the order listed: 1. Cover Page Form DOA 3261; 2. Narrative Components (not to exceed a combined total of 15 pages* for items a through d as listed here); a. Building and Maintaining Successful Permanency Strategies, b. Engagement of Ongoing Case Management Staff, Children, and Families In Various Permanency Options, c. Building and Maintaining a Qualified, Stable Workforce, d. Systems Coordination to Achieve Key Child Welfare Outcome Measures, 3. Budget (Attachment A-5) plus 2 pages of narrative and any other supporting financial documentation; 4. Designation of Confidential and Proprietary Information Form DOA-3027. *Evaluators will only review a combined total of 15 pages of documentation for items a-d. Additional information will not be considered or scored in the evaluation of the proposal. 2.1.1 Cover Page RFP #1577 BMCW-SM 10/13/06 11
RFP #1577 BMCW-SM 10/13/06 Permanency Consultation Services The cover page (DOA 3261) of proposals must identify the vendor and include the following information: 1. The name, address, and telephone number of the agency submitting the proposal. (Note: "Agency" is defined as the legal entity that will contract with the BMCW to provide all services and administrative tasks under the contract.) 2. The name, address, and telephone number of the contract fiscal agent. (Note: The fiscal agent is the agency designated by a consortium of two or more organizations that have come together to submit a proposal to this RFP that is responsible for the receipt and administration of the funds and for the submission of all fiscal reports to the BMCW.) 3. The Internal Revenue Service number assigned to the agency that is responsible for the employees hired under this professional services contract. 4. The name, title, and telephone number of the official authorized to commit the vendor agency to a contract. This official must also sign the cover page of the proposal. 2.1.2 Proposal Technical Specifications Successful vendors must be accountable for fulfilling the requirements of this RFP. Each of the specific RFP response requirements in sections 3.5.1 through 3.5.6 must be addressed in your proposal. In recognition that some responses or parts of responses to topics may be relevant in more than one section, where appropriate, the same language or response can be used in more than one section. However, the response to each section must be complete in itself. This RFP process will determine the best proposal for the operation of the BMCW Permanency Consultation program. The determination will be based on the information submitted, including: • Commitments to guide our mutual priorities; • The ability to shape an effective collaborative process to address these priorities; • The ability to manage this program while collaborating with other BMCW contract partners; • Commitment at the highest levels of leadership to working with the BMCW, other contract partner agencies, and key stakeholders in the implementation of best practice models and the achievement of safety, permanence, and well-being goals. 2.2 Submission Requirements All proposals must be typed single-spaced in 12-point Times New Roman or similar font and submitted on 8.5 by 11-inch paper with pages numbered and bound securely with a combined total of 15 pages for the four RFP narrative components 3.5.1 through 3.5.5 and no more than two pages, plus Attachment A-5 for component 3.5.6, plus supporting documentation. Proposals must be prepared in accordance with the requirements set forth in the RFP. RFP #1577 BMCW-SM 10/13/06 12
RFP #1577 BMCW-SM 10/13/06 Permanency Consultation Services The original and 12 copies of the proposal must be received by the closing date for the receipt of all proposals under this solicitation, which is November 17, 2006. Proposals may be mailed or hand-delivered. A proposal will be accepted and considered received on time if: • The proposal is received at the address, time, and date shown below; or • The proposal is hand-delivered to the Division of Children and Family Services, Bureau of Milwaukee Child Welfare at the address, time, and date shown below. Linda Ashley/BMCW 1555 North Rivercenter Drive, Suite 220 Milwaukee, WI 53212 Proposal Due Date: November 17, 2006, 4:00 p.m. CST No faxes or e-mails submissions will be accepted. All proposals will be date-stamped and time verified upon receipt. To ensure confidentiality, all proposals must be packaged, sealed and show the following information on the outside of the package: PERMANENCY CONSULTATION REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL FOR BUREAU OF MILWAUKEE CHILD WELFARE RFP 1577 DCFS Vendor's Name and Address Receipt of a proposal by the State mail system does not constitute receipt of a proposal by the office identified in this section, for purposes of this RFP. Proposers are cautioned to allow sufficient time for delivery by the U.S. Post Office because it can sometimes take several days to receive mail from outlying areas. Any proposals, which are received after the closing date and time, will not be reviewed and will be returned to the vendor. No exceptions will be allowed. Supplemental and clarifying information will not be accepted from a vendor after the deadline for submittal of proposals, unless requested by BMCW. 3.0 PROPOSAL SELECTION, AWARD PROCESS AND CRITERIA 3.1 Award and Final Offers The State will compile the final scores (technical and cost budget) for each proposal. The award will be granted in one of two ways. The award may be granted to the highest scoring responsive and responsible proposer. Alternatively, the highest scoring proposer or proposers may be requested to submit final and best offers. If final and best offers are RFP #1577 BMCW-SM 10/13/06 13
RFP #1577 BMCW-SM 10/13/06 Permanency Consultation Services requested by the State and submitted by the vendor, they will be evaluated against the stated criteria, scored and ranked by the evaluation committee. The award then will be granted to the highest scoring proposer. However, a proposer should not expect that the State will request a final and best offer. 3.2 Notification of Intent to Award All vendors who respond to this RFP will be notified in writing of the State's intent to award the contract(s) as a result of this RFP. After notification of the intent to award is made, and under the supervision of agency staff, copies of proposals will be available for public inspection as described in Section 3.8 Each vendor whose proposal has not been approved shall be given an opportunity to discuss with the BMCW representative the reasons for rejection or may write the BMCW representative requesting the reason for the decision. Upon request, the BMCW representative will verbally clarify the reasons for rejection or will respond in writing explaining the reasons for the rejection. 3.3 Preliminary Evaluation RFP proposals are due by 4:00 PM on November 17, 2006, and will be initially reviewed for completeness; incomplete proposals may be rejected. In the event that all vendors do not submit a complete proposal, the State reserves the right to continue the evaluation of the proposals and to select the proposal that most closely meets the requirements specified in this RFP. 3.3.1 General Information Submission of a proposal shall constitute vendor recognition, understanding, acceptance, and consent to adhere to the requirements, responsibilities, terms, and conditions of this RFP. This RFP may or may not result in an award of a contract. The BMCW reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to cancel this RFP at any time for any reason. Submission of proposals confers no rights upon the vendor. Receipt of the proposals shall not, in any manner whatsoever, obligate the BMCW or the State of Wisconsin, or any employees thereof. Award of a contract to a vendor will be based on an evaluation of the information submitted in the proposal process, references, presentations, if required, and written clarifications and corrections, if any, requested by the BMCW. 3.3.2 Supplemental and Clarifying Information The BMCW may require references from vendors, as well as references from other service industry sources and users known to the evaluation team, and the contract administrator will provide the results of these references to the Evaluation Committee. RFP #1577 BMCW-SM 10/13/06 14
RFP #1577 BMCW-SM 10/13/06 Permanency Consultation Services The Evaluation Committee will consider the results of the information obtained through references using such information, as is appropriate, to amend its scores in accord with the original evaluation criteria. To remain in the selection process, the vendor must provide the requested information within the time specified by the BMCW. Unless requested by the BMCW, no additional information will be accepted from a vendor after the deadline for submittal of proposals. 3.4 Evaluation of the Proposal The information described in this section, and information from references including those not cited in the proposal and any presentation(s), if requested] will be used to determine the qualifications of the vendors. Accepted proposals will be reviewed by an evaluation committee and scored against the stated criteria. A vendor may not contact any member of the evaluation committee except at the direction of BMCW. The committee may review references or documents, request interviews, and/or conduct on-site visits and use the results in scoring the proposals. 3.5 Evaluation Criteria The maximum points for each proposal are distributed as shown in the table below. For additional details on evaluation criteria, please see Attachment A-4. ITEM EVALUATION CRITERIA Max. Points Allowed 3.5.1 Building and Maintaining Successful Permanency Strategies 50 3.5.2 Engagement of Ongoing Case Management Staff, Children and 40 Families in Various Permanency Options 3.5.3 Building and Maintaining a Qualified, Stable Workforce 50 3.5.4 Systems Coordination to Achieve Key Child Welfare Outcome 30 Measures 3.5.5 Cultural Competency Practice 50 3.5.6 Budget 20 TOTAL 240 3.5.1 Building and Maintaining Successful Permanency Strategies (50 Points) Background: The BMCW wants to ensure quality permanency options for children. Please describe how your agency will: 1. Develop and implement a workplan regarding permanency options; RFP #1577 BMCW-SM 10/13/06 15
RFP #1577 BMCW-SM 10/13/06 Permanency Consultation Services 2. Demonstrate an understanding of each of the continuum of permanency options available for children in out-of-home care that meets the child's physical, emotional, cultural needs; and determine which option is in the best interest of each child; 3. Demonstrate an understanding of the purpose and requirements of public child welfare functions and requirements; 4. Demonstrate an ability to assess all permanency options for children in out-of- home care and engage families to share those options, including non-custodial fathers and paternal and maternal relatives; 5. Develop and maintain a positive connection to community and faith-based organizations as a team to lead the children to quality permanence; 6. Develop and implement creative strategies to increase the awareness and positive impact of permanence with the child's family. 3.5.2 Engagement of Ongoing Case Management Staff, Children, and Families in Various Permanency Options (40 Points) Background: The BMCW wants to ensure that all permanency options are fully explored for each child in out-of-home care; that the physical, emotional, and cultural needs of each child are taken into consideration; and that the permanency option that best meets the needs of each child is implemented expeditiously. Please describe how your agency will: 1. Build on case information learned through the initial assessment process and ongoing case management in developing a child-specific plan for timely and safe permanency; 2. Determine the appropriate permanency options for the child(ren) throughout the life of a case; 3. Commit effective family-centered case planning in collaboration with case management staff and through Coordinated Service Teams (CST); 4. Discuss cultural responsiveness to the populations served by addressing the following: a. How your agency will be responsive to cultural distinctions families may present and your ability to engage them in a culturally appropriate and effective way; b. That your agency has sufficient language proficiency among staff and contractors to communicate and interact effectively and appropriately with non-English speaking children and families. 3.5.3 Building and Maintaining a Qualified, Stable Workforce (50 Points) Background: A vendor's workforce must demonstrate sufficiency, accessibility, and continuous quality assurance and improvement in order to provide quality services that support successful permanency outcomes for children in out-of-home care. RFP #1577 BMCW-SM 10/13/06 16
RFP #1577 BMCW-SM 10/13/06 Permanency Consultation Services Please describe how your agency will ensure: 1. A sufficient number of well qualified permanency consultants to meet the needs of the children in out-of-home care; include a description of your plan for staff recruitment, development, and retention; 2. That permanency consultants are available to children and families when the families have a need to understand the various permanency options and the implications of each option; 3. That permanency consultants are oriented to their roles and responsibilities and receive ongoing training; 4. An ethnically diverse workforce that is culturally competent; 5. Services provided by your agency are of sufficient and consistent quality and are appropriately provided to help families achieve the outcomes of safety, permanence, and well-being; 6. Strong, experienced, collaborative leadership and management and supervision of the staff; 7. That staff understand the needs of children and families served by the BMCW in out of home care. 3.5.4 Systems Coordination to Achieve Key Child Welfare Outcome Measures (30 points) Background: Systems coordination, both internal and external, is critical to achieving quality safety, permanence, and well being outcomes for children and families. This includes effective communication and collaboration at all levels with out-of-home care and adoption agencies, schools, law enforcement, W2 providers, foster parents, courts, network service providers, etc., and effective internal coordination with a family- based emphasis to achieve quality of services. Please describe your agency's plan and commitment to: 1. Engage BMCW partners and key stakeholders in meeting safety, permanence, and well-being outcomes by: a. Working effectively with BMCW initial assessment and ongoing case management staff to ensure that information critical to permanency is timely and sufficient; b. Engaging licensing staff in collaboration with ongoing case management to help ensure appropriate placements for children to ensure placement stability; c. Engaging adoption staff in collaboration with ongoing case management staff in case planning early in the process to ensure timely adoptions; RFP #1577 BMCW-SM 10/13/06 17
RFP #1577 BMCW-SM 10/13/06 Permanency Consultation Services d. Engaging foster parents in collaboration with ongoing case management in efforts to ensure timely reunification or other movement toward permanency; e. Working effectively with the court personnel to ensure that children achieve timely permanency. 2. Engage with economic and community supports in approaches to assure permanency options are coordinated, delivered, and reflected in the ongoing case plans for families with children in out of home care. 3. Your agency's commitment at the highest level of leadership to working with the BMCW, other contract partner agencies, and key stakeholders in the implementation of best practice models and the achievement of the goals of safety, permanence, and well being for BMCW children. 3.5.5 Cultural Competency Practice (50 points) Background: Understanding and respecting the culture of families served by the BMCW is essential to quality program services. Culture is not limited to ethnicity; it also encompasses socio-economic background, educational level, lifestyle choices, values, spiritual beliefs, and a specific family culture. Staff must be willing and able to explore the myriad of cultures that co-exist in an urban setting. They must also assist foster parents and adoptive families in understanding and valuing the cultural background of the child in their care. Please describe how your agency will: 1. Incorporate a value for cultural diversity into the ethos of its organization; 2. Ensure staff is culturally competent and exhibits a respect and value for cultural diversity in a broader sense. 3.5.6 Budget (20 points) Background: Financial responsibility is essential to maintaining BMCW operations and the performance of permanency consultation services. Please provide costs in Attachment A-5 that will tie back to the narrative income and expenditures that you have provided to achieve permanency consultation goals for items in sections 3.5.1 through 3.5.5. a. Personnel; i. Title of Position: List each full time and part time project position by its title (professional and clerical) which will be funded by the contract; ii. Percent of Time Budgeted; iii. Hourly Rate or Monthly Salary: List the hourly rate or monthly salary for each project position listed. If salary increases are to be effected during the contract period, this amount must be budgeted at the time of proposal; RFP #1577 BMCW-SM 10/13/06 18
RFP #1577 BMCW-SM 10/13/06 Permanency Consultation Services iv. Hours per Week: In the case of employees paid on the basis of hours worked only, estimate for each of those positions the total number of hours per week to be devoted to the project; v. Number of Months: Indicate the total number of months of employment to be devoted to the project for each position listed; vi. Personnel Cost: Indicate the salary to be charged to the project for each position listed; vii. Salary Sub-Total: This is the sum of the lines above in column vi. that lists the agency project positions; b. Fringe Benefits; List the Fringe Benefits costs for all positions that will be funded by the project. If the position is assigned a fraction of time to the project, only that same fraction should be charged to the fringe benefits column. Fringe benefits include such items as FICA, unemployment insurance, retirement, life Insurance, workers compensation, and health insurance. Also, enter the percentage used to compute fringe benefits; c. Insurance: If applicable, enter the cost for agency personal liability insurance; d. Travel for staff; 2. Agency budget reflects sound fiscal judgment and responsibility in their budget. 3.6 Right to Amend BMCW reserves the right to modify, at its sole discretion, this RFP at any time prior to the proposal due date by issuing written RFP addenda. These include, but are not limited to revisions, additions, clarifications and deletions. This RFP and any RFP addenda shall become part of the final contract. Answers to written questions may also become part of the RFP. BMCW will send RFP addenda via certified or overnight mail to all vendors. 3.7 Presentations After the initial rating of the written proposals, the Evaluation Committee may require the vendors with the top scoring proposals to make presentations. The Evaluation Committee may amend their ratings of the proposals based on the presentations in accord with the pre-established criteria specified in the Evaluation of Proposals subsection of this RFP. Vendors will be notified of the time and place for the presentation, if requested. The presentation will be made at no cost to the State of Wisconsin. A vendor invited to make a presentation must include, at a minimum, the fiscal agent, and key staff person from the lead agency who will be responsible for the implementation and direction of the vendor's role in the Bureau of Milwaukee Child Welfare system. If presentations are requested and held, the proceedings will be recorded and the Evaluation Committee's questions and each vendor's responses will be relevant to any ensuing contract. RFP #1577 BMCW-SM 10/13/06 19
RFP #1577 BMCW-SM 10/13/06 Permanency Consultation Services 3.8 Minority Business Vendors A proposal from a vendor certified as a Minority Business Enterprise will have points weighted by a factor of 1.00 to 1.05 to provide a 5% preference to these vendors. For more information about Wisconsin's Minority Business Enterprise Policy see: http://vendornet.state.wi.us/vendornet/procman/prod1.asp 3.9 Vendor Responses The evaluations of proposals for each service territory are based on the information submitted in the vendor's proposals of this RFP process, plus any references and any required presentations. The BMCW reserves the right to waive minor informalities. The determination of whether a RFP condition is substantive or a minor formality shall reside solely with the BMCW. A provision is substantive if the DCFS determines it is important for a complete and accurate understanding of the proposal and important to the performance of the role of lead agency. For vendors of the process whose bid(s) are accepted, the BMCW reserves the right to negotiate different or additional terms, including the assignment of a region or regions, the award amount, the programmatic goals and methods, and the budget items with the selected vendor(s) prior to entering into an agreement. If contract negotiations cannot be negotiated successfully with the highest scoring vendor, the Division may negotiate a contract with the next highest scoring vendor. All program requirements outlined in the RFP and included in the proposal response(s) from the successful vendor(s) will be incorporated into the contract requirements for this requisition unless specifically stated otherwise. 3.10 Public Information It is the intention of the State to maintain an open and public process in the submission, review and approval of contract awards. All material submitted by vendors will be made available for public inspection after mailing notice to vendors of the scoring outcomes generated from the evaluation(s) of the proposals which were submitted. This information will be available for public inspection during the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday (except holidays) following the Notice of Intent to award. The information will be available at the BMCW Administrative Office, 1555 North Rivercenter Drive, Suite 220, Milwaukee WI. No entire proposal submitted to the state may be marked as confidential. Proprietary information as specified in DOA-3027 can be held as confidential with appropriate agency submission of DOA-3027. Evaluation tabulation and scoring by individual evaluators will also be open for public inspection, but these scores will not identify individual evaluators. 3.11 Appeals Process RFP #1577 BMCW-SM 10/13/06 20
RFP #1577 BMCW-SM 10/13/06 Permanency Consultation Services Notice of protest and final protests must be made in writing. A protestor may appeal the decision of the procuring agency, provided the protestor alleges a violation of a statute or a provision of this chapter, to the Secretary within five (5) working days of issuance of the decision. The subjective judgment of evaluators is not appealable. The Secretary, or designee, shall take necessary action to settle and resolve the protest and shall promptly issue a decision in writing, which shall be mailed or otherwise furnished, to the protestor. The written notice of protest of the rejection of a proposal must be filed with: Helene Nelson, Secretary Department of Health and Family Services 1 West Wilson Street, Room 650 P.O. Box 7850 Madison, Wisconsin 53707-7850 The written notice of protest must be received by the DHFS Secretary's Office no later than five (5) working days after the notice of the RFP results is issued. The full, final written protest must be received in the DHFS Secretary's Office of no later than ten (10) working days after the notice of the RFP results is issued. The decision of the Secretary of the Department of Health and Family Services may be appealed to the Secretary of the Department of Administration within five (5) working days of issuance, with a copy of the appeal filed with the procuring agency, providing the appeal alleges a violation of statute(s) or a provision of Wisconsin Administrative Code. 3.12 Withdrawal of Proposals Proposals may be withdrawn by written notice. Vendors may withdraw proposals in person or through an authorized representative who signs a receipt for the proposal. 4.0 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION 4.1 Overview of Bureau of Milwaukee Child Welfare with Service Projections for 2006 Effective January 1, 1998, the DHFS assumed direct responsibility for child welfare administration in Milwaukee County, as required by 1997 Wisconsin Act 27. The Bureau of Milwaukee Child Welfare (BMCW) is the state agency mandated in statute to investigate allegations of child abuse and neglect in Milwaukee County, to ensure the protection of children at risk of maltreatment, and to provide services to children and families. The Bureau of Milwaukee Child Welfare performs a public child welfare function within the Division of Children and Family Services and contracts with private agencies in order to provide many of the child welfare services in Milwaukee County. The mission of the Bureau of Milwaukee Child Welfare is "to promote the best interest of children by supporting and encouraging families' efforts to resolve problems which threaten the safety of their children. We remove children from their homes when they are RFP #1577 BMCW-SM 10/13/06 21
RFP #1577 BMCW-SM 10/13/06 Permanency Consultation Services not safe. When children cannot be reunified with their families, we will provide suitable alternatives in permanent, stable and nurturing homes." The safety, permanence, and well being of children are the primary focus for all programs within BMCW. Safety outcomes are designed to ensure that children are protected from abuse and neglect and are safely maintained in their homes whenever possible. Permanency and stability in their living situations are a priority, as is the preservation of family and community relationships and connections, when appropriate. Child well-being focuses on ensuring that case plans and services are directed toward increasing the families' capacity to provide for their children's needs, including educational, physical and mental health needs. BMCW consists of a public/private partnership in a decentralized case management services model delivered from three service territories. BMCW Child Welfare Programs and Service Projections: 1. Intake and Assessment is defined as child protection intake and initial assessment functions in response to child abuse and neglect reports and in response to child welfare referrals where a parent or child is requesting assistance with a special need. (This work is done by state employed staff and is not included in this RFP.) 2. Ongoing Case Management is defined as family–centered assessment, case planning, service procurement, coordination and monitoring, court appearances, and other necessary services for children in out-of-home care and children at home under court supervision, and their families. Successful Ongoing case management ensures the identification and implementation of services and evaluation of family outcomes that bring child as quickly as possible to a safe and supportive permanent home, either through reunification, placement with family, or adoption. (This work is done by privately contracted employed staff and is not included in this RFP.) 3. Safety Services are defined as family-centered assessment and case planning, identification and implementation of services, and evaluation of family outcomes that ensure the safety and mitigation of risk factor of children who are determined to be safe at home, if supported by appropriate and necessary services. (This work is done by privately contracted employed staff and is not included in this RFP.) 4. Permanency Consultation Services is defined as ensuring prompt quality permanence outcomes for children who are placed in out-of-home care. (These services are included in this RFP.) 5. Recruitment Services is defined as providing child welfare recruitment services for foster/adoptive families as placement resources for the children in the custody of the BMCW. (These services are included in an RFP titled Foster Care and Adoptive Family Recruitment for Children in Out-of-Home Care.) RFP #1577 BMCW-SM 10/13/06 22
RFP #1577 BMCW-SM 10/13/06 Permanency Consultation Services 6. Foster Care and Adoption Licensing, Placement, and Support Services is defined as the support and licensing of foster care and adoptive families, provides case management to pre-adoptive children and provides the centralized function with respect to matching/authorizing placement of children in foster/adoptive homes, group homes, treatment foster care homes, and residential care centers for children and youth. (These services are included in an RFP titled Foster Care and Adoption Licensing, Placement, and Support Services) 7. Families in Need of Supportive Services (FISS) Program: FISS provides assessment and intervention services for adolescents and their families to assist them in avoiding unnecessary juvenile court involvement. (This work is done by privately contracted employed staff and is not included in this RFP.) 8. Wisconsin Kinship Care program: The Kinship Care program financially supports both unlicensed relative placements that are ordered by the county Children's Court, as well as relative living arrangements that are privately arranged absent Children's Court or Child Protective Services involvement. (This work is done by privately contracted employed staff and is not included in this RFP.) 9. Group Setting: Group Setting Care is an out of home care program designed to address the changing needs of high risk adolescents in the areas of Independent Living, Reproductive Health, Domestic Violence, Pregnant and / or Parenting Teens, and Adolescents with Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Issues (AODA). These high risk youth have much difficulty in traditional child welfare out of home placement and act on behaviors that are frequently a danger to themselves and or others. (These services are included in an RFP titled Group Settings.) 4.2 What is Permanency? Every child is entitled to a safe, secure, appropriate, and permanent home. Permanency is achieved when the child is living in a home that the child, parents or out-of-home caregivers, and other stakeholders believe will endure lifelong. Permanency is an enduring family relationship that: • is safe and meant to last a lifetime; • offers the legal rights and social status of full family membership; • provides for physical, emotional, social, cognitive and spiritual well-being; • assures lifelong connections to extended family, siblings, other significant adults; • supports the child's family history and traditions, race and ethnic heritage, culture, religion and language. Specific elements of permanency that are important to older youth are: RFP #1577 BMCW-SM 10/13/06 23
RFP #1577 BMCW-SM 10/13/06 Permanency Consultation Services • involvement of the youth as a participant or leader in the process; • a permanent connection with at least one committed adult who provides a safe, stable, and secure parenting relationship, love, unconditional commitment, lifelong support, and a legal relationship if possible; • the opportunity to maintain contacts with important persons including siblings. 4.3 Principles and Role of the Permanency Consultation Worker 4.3.1 Guiding Principles • The health, well-being, and safety of the child are our primary concern; • The child's best interest should always be at the heart of any decision-making; • All children deserve a safe, permanent, nurturing family and home that encourages well-being and provides support so that the child can flourish and grow into capable adults; • Children should remain in their own homes whenever possible, provided their health and safety can be assured; • Permanency planning begins at the time of first contact with a family; • Parents should be treated with respect, empathy, sincerity, and fairness; • Permanency should remain a priority concern throughout BMCW Involvement; • A child's cultural heritage and spiritual beliefs are valued and considered in all permanency planning decisions; • No child should be ruled out for permanence because of his age (older); • Promote a collaborative, community involved, multi-disciplinary approach to our practice; • Permanence requires a legal commitment by a family to a child; • The Agency is responsible for assuring adherence to relevant federal laws and regulations; state statutes, including chapter 48; administrative rules and standards; and state and agency policies. 4.3.2 Practice Principles • Pursuit of permanence must be timely and adhere to all applicable federal and the Wisconsin Children's' Code (Chapter 48); • Concurrent planning is practiced; • Family members should be involved in all phases of permanency planning and decision making to the extent possible; • Older youth should be directly involved, to the extent possible and reasonable, in every stage of creating his or her permanency goal and plan; • The family identifies who its members are and inform us regarding their cultural and spiritual heritage; • Parents should be treated with respect, empathy, sincerity, and fairness; • Workers should demonstrate cultural competency and embrace diversity; RFP #1577 BMCW-SM 10/13/06 24
RFP #1577 BMCW-SM 10/13/06 Permanency Consultation Services • Workers involved in planning for a child's permanence should remain impartial and open to all permanency options until a particular option is determined preferential; • Selection of the permanency goal and decision-making must be based on thorough assessments of the child and family; • The scope of permanency planning encompasses the long-term view of caring for the child, beyond the child's exit from the child welfare system; • A sense of urgency with regard to permanency should be maintained by all professionals throughout the life of the case. 4.3.3 Concurrent planning approach Concurrent planning is both a philosophy and a case management method emphasizing goal setting and time limits with birth parents and service providers. While establishing goals and timelines for family reunification, concurrent planning also involves simultaneous activities moving towards an adoption plan that is progressively implemented where reunification efforts are not accomplished. Concurrent planning is based on informing birth parents about their options, including the steps necessary for reunification, the possibility of a voluntary termination of parental rights (TPR) for adoption and the likelihood of an involuntary TPR if reunification goals are not accomplished within time limits. Effective concurrent planning assures that the birth family recognizes that they choose outcomes for their child through their actions. 4.3.4 Indian Child Welfare Act Considerations This role includes consideration of individual tribal practices around such issues as out- of-home placement, relative placement, TPR, and adoption when the child is American Indian and ICWA governs case activity and decision-making. ICWA allows individual tribes to establish orders of preference through the process of resolution. For example, the Act lists, in order, the placement preferences for adoptive placements as follows: 1) a member of the child's extended family; 2) other members of the Indian child's tribe; or 3) other Indian families. According to the Act, if the Indian child tribe has established a different order of preference by resolution, the agency or court making the placement shall follow such order so long as the placements is the least restrictive setting appropriate to the particular needs of child. Furthermore, where appropriate, the preferences of the Indian child or parent shall be considered. In making any placement, ICWA requires the court to consider an Indian child's tribal heritage and the political sovereignty of the tribe and its members. 4.3.5 Understanding of permanency options This role includes a thorough knowledge of each permanency option and the ability to consider all and select the safest, most appropriate option(s) to pursue in each case. 4.3.6 Managing permanency planning This role includes maintaining an overall focus on the importance of safe, stable living arrangements for children; establishing an appropriate permanence goal (or goals) for the child which will direct the case; developing and implementing the permanency plan; taking measures to assure that family members and service providers understand the RFP #1577 BMCW-SM 10/13/06 25
RFP #1577 BMCW-SM 10/13/06 Permanency Consultation Services importance of permanence for children, the timeframe for change and the consequences of lack of progress; and participating in all permanency plan reviews. 4.3.7 Establishing a relationship that supports the change process This role includes planning strategies to engage family members in permanency planning; establishing, to the extent possible, a partnership with family members to assure child safety and facilitate necessary change; and maintaining a focus on enhancing the quality of the relationship with the family throughout the involvement with the agency. 4.3.8 Managing documentation. This role includes preparing reports for the court and others regarding case activity; assuring that the agency case record is current; assuring that all decisions and the basis for those decisions are documented in eWISACWIS and the case file; and, for Indian children, documenting tribal notification and participation at all points in the case process. Maintaining all court orders in the case file is also an essential function of managing documentation. 4.4 BMCW Outcomes Measures and Program Objectives The Bureau of Milwaukee Child Welfare's Child Protective Services System will accomplish the following outcomes and program objectives in a creative and dynamic partnership approach between the Contract Agencies, the State of Wisconsin, and the Milwaukee community. 4.4.1 Safety and Child Protection Children are first and foremost protected from abuse and neglect through comprehensive and timely investigations of reports of child maltreatment. • Children are safely maintained in their homes when possible and appropriate through the implementation of services to protect children and prevent removal. 4.4.2 Permanency for Children Children have permanency and stability in their living situations by decreasing the time in foster care through: • Timely and appropriate permanence goals; • Increasing the stability of foster care placements including proximity of placements to family and schools, and placement of children with siblings. Continuity of family relationships and connections are preserved for children through: • Placements with siblings; • Visiting with parents and siblings while in foster care; • Relative placements. RFP #1577 BMCW-SM 10/13/06 26
RFP #1577 BMCW-SM 10/13/06 Permanency Consultation Services 4.4.3 Child and Family Well-Being • Families have enhanced capacity to provide for their children's needs by: (1) strengthening their capacity to provide a safe, stable, and nurturing environment for their children; (2) increasing the effectiveness of support for foster parents by improving their access to information, training and resources; (3) increasing coordination efforts with schools to ensure that children receive appropriate educational services. • Children receive adequate services to meet their physical and mental health needs by: (4) improving case planning and assessment efforts that ensure children receive adequate physical and mental health services; (5) collaborating in the pilot managed care program in Milwaukee County for children in foster care that will provide every child with mental, physical, and dental health care. 4.4.4 Program Specific Objectives • Return home within 12 months of out-of-home placement; • Adoption within 24 months of out-of-home placement; • Reduce re-entry rate for children reunified with their family; • Involve non-custodial fathers in the permanency planning process; • Involve maternal and paternal relatives in the permanency planning process; • Expedite the safest most appropriate permanency option; • Collaborate with BMCW partners and the community; • Maintain qualified staff. 4.4.5 Consumer Satisfaction and Quality Assurance • Assure the proposal of policy, procedure and automation through staff training and mastery of child welfare work competencies; • Increase recruitment and retention of quality staff. Additional specific outcome measures and goals that must be met to include those outlined in the December 3, 2002 Children's Rights, Inc., Lawsuit Settlement Agreement, Wisconsin's Program Enhancement Plan (PEP), and KidsFirst Agenda: • Lawsuit Settlement Agreement: BMCW and Children's Rights, Inc. reached a settlement of the lawsuit filed in 1993 on behalf of "Jeanine B. et. al" with an agreement approved by federal court December 3, 2002. The Ongoing Case Management agency must ensure compliance with the terms of the Settlement Agreement. To review the Settlement Agreement online, go to http://dhfs.wisconsin.gov/bmcw/progserv/AboutBMCW/general info/SettlementDescription.htm. RFP #1577 BMCW-SM 10/13/06 27
RFP #1577 BMCW-SM 10/13/06 Permanency Consultation Services • Wisconsin's Program Enhancement Plan: In August 2003, the federal Administration for Children and Families (ACF) evaluated Wisconsin's child welfare program. Similar to every other state that has undergone the review, Wisconsin was found to be in substantial nonconformance with many of the outcomes and systemic factors in the Child and Family Services Review (CFSR). In response to these findings, Wisconsin created the statewide Program Enhancement Plan (PEP), of which BMCW is an important part. The plan must produce measurable progress within two years (November 1, 2004 – October 31, 2006), toward improving outcomes for children and improving the systemic factors that support child welfare program operations statewide. The contracting agency at each site must participate in the implementation of the PEP. To review the Wisconsin Program Enhancement Plan online, go to: http://dhfs.wisconsin.gov/cwreview/PEP.htm. KidsFirst Agenda: In his KidsFirst Agenda, issued in Spring 2004, Governor Doyle proposed several strategies for improving the safety, permanence, and well being of children involved in the Bureau of Milwaukee Child Welfare System. These include: • Recruit, train, and retain a quality, diverse child welfare workforce; • Effectively engage and partner with community-based service providers that address the needs of birth parents; • Coordinate case planning and service delivery with the appropriate W2 provider for families eligible for or enrolled in the state's W2 program to assure that plans make sense for families; • Develop and maintain a quality, responsive service provider network that meets the social, behavioral, and physical health needs of children and families in the child welfare system. To review the KidsFirst Agenda online, go to: http://www.wisgov.state.wi.us/docs/kidsfirst.pdf Other Department initiatives that require the collaboration and participation of the Permanency Consultation contractor include but are not limited to the following: • Subsidized Guardianship Waiver: BMCW has received approval for a federal Title IV-E waiver request to implement a subsidized guardianship program under which relatives caring for children as foster parents could receive an ongoing subsidy if they become legal guardians. The program will be initially implemented in Milwaukee during 2005 and is a key strategy to meet performance goals in the Milwaukee lawsuit Settlement Agreement. The contracting agency at each site must participate in the implementation plan. 4.5 Listing of Administrative and Service Related Cost Categories Administrative Related: RFP #1577 BMCW-SM 10/13/06 28
RFP #1577 BMCW-SM 10/13/06 Permanency Consultation Services • CEO Salaries • Parent Company Charge Backs (Administrative Fees) – i.e. Accounting, HR, Technology, CFO • Chief Operating Officer • Quality Assurance Manager/Auditors • Allocated Portion of Telephone Charges Based on FTEs • Operational Charges such as Utilities, Occupancy, Liability Insurance, etc. • Purchased Services, such as Supplies; Administrative Services, such as Shredding • Clerical Positions Categories for Direct Service or Service Related: • Permanency Consultation Positions • Direct Line Supervisor Positions • Employee Travel (There may be employee travel included for non direct service related but those are very minimal.) • Allocated Portion of Telephone Charges Based on FTEs • Program Director/Manager 5.0 CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS 5.1 Payment for Services The BMCW will use a cost based payment mechanism for the Permanency Consultation Services. Features of payment mechanisms are: • Agencies will be paid a monthly payment based on cost subject to a contract maximum. • Calculation of allowable costs is based on the DHFS Allowable Cost Policy Manual. Costs associated with Permanency Consultation Services include staff costs, fringe benefits, supplies and administrative costs. This RFP will fund up to nine permanency consultation positions. These positions will provide consultation and support services to the three ongoing case management regions. Each region has approximately 60 case managers serving about 16 to 20 children on average as part of their caseload. The children will need varying degrees of permanency consultation services depending on the circumstances and complexity of the child's need for permanency. The permanency consultant must keep abreast of all children assigned to them for consultation and prioritize the degree of involvement needed at various stages of the child's permanency goal. 5.2 Special Contract Requirements The vendor must ensure the provision of permanency consultation services that will comply with all the aspects of The Wisconsin Model. This document provides a specific structure for gathering, organizing and assessing relevant information in Child Protective Services (CPS) cases so that it may be used most effectively to make critical RFP #1577 BMCW-SM 10/13/06 29
RFP #1577 BMCW-SM 10/13/06 Permanency Consultation Services decisions throughout the CPS case process. Submittal of the proposal by the vendor will constitute the vendor's full understanding of, commitment in, and adherence to the requirements listed below and those contained within the RFP and all attachments. 5.3 Special Contract Terms and Conditions The contractor's staff must be available for contract responsibilities and attend all meetings and training required by DCFS /BMCW to maintain up-to-date knowledge of federal and state laws, regulations, standards, and policy interpretations. At minimum, the contractor shall be open and provide staffing to conduct normal business during the same days and hours that the BMCW is open. (The BMCW is open for business Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. The BMCW is closed on the following holidays: Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve Day, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve Day, New Year's Day.) 5.4 General Contract Requirements The following items are required to assure the continuation of funds. These requirements will form part of the contract used to award these funds. Failure to comply with these requirements may result in disallowance of expenditures or termination of the agreement. a) Acceptance of Proposal Content A successful vendor who receives this award will be obligated to meet all requirements mandated within this RFP. Mandated requirements include language in this RFP narrative which reads "must," "must ensure," "is responsible for ensuring," and any other statement which denotes that a specific action or responsibility is expected. b) Allowable Costs A successful vendor will be required to comply with the DHFS Allowable Cost Policy Manual. A copy of the DHFS Allowable Cost Policy Manual is available on line at: http://www.dhfs.state.wi.us/Grants/Administration/ACPM.HTM. c) Capital Equipment Funds may be used to purchase capital equipment with prior written approval from the BMCW. Capital equipment costs are defined as all costs associated with the acquisition of assets having a value in excess of $5,000, and a useful life in excess of one year. d) Reports and Documentation Reports and documentation of both programmatic and fiscal activity will be required for the purpose of documenting the satisfactory meeting of contract responsibilities, in accordance with the requirements contained within this RFP and in the final contract. Detailed policies and procedures related to RFP #1577 BMCW-SM 10/13/06 30
RFP #1577 BMCW-SM 10/13/06 Permanency Consultation Services documentation and reporting of information to eWiSACWIS, must be followed. The vendor must accept the cost of decentralization, such as the cost of automation, although BMCW will seek to help with federal matching funds when appropriate and available. The official and required reporting and documentation system is eWiSACWIS, and the vendor must ensure that staff have basic proficiencies with the use of electronic technologies including use of FAX, email, Window NT, Microsoft Word, and telephone answering equipment. Failure of the successful vendor to accept these obligations may result in cancellation of the award. As part of its contract obligations, the successful vendor shall, at the request of BMCW, appear before the administrator, managers, or any other persons or groups, including committees or the Legislature, to clarify findings and to answer any questions at any time during or after the contract period. The successful vendor shall complete and submit all reports for state or federal reporting as required in the contract. e) News Releases and Public Relations Activities News releases pertaining to this award or any part of the proposal shall not be distributed without the prior written approval of BMCW. Copies of any news releases distributed regarding this program during the contract period will be submitted to and approved by DCFSBMCW prior to release. The successful vendor is required to cooperate with the public relations activities of the BMCW, the Department of Health and Family Services, and the Office of the Governor as needed or requested. f) Legal Services Contract funds may be used to provide legal advice to the lead agency for purposes of carrying out its contract obligations, however, legal opinions related to program or policy interpretation must first be sought through the Department's Office of Legal Counsel. Funds may not be used for lobbying or contract disputes that might arise with BMCW whether pursued directly by the contractor or through a representative. The lead agency will indemnify and hold harmless the State of Wisconsin and all of its officers, agents and employees for all suits, actions, damages, or claims of any character, including attorney's fees, brought for or on account of any injuries or damages received by any persons or property resulting from the operations of the lead agency, or any of its contractors, in prosecuting work under this agreement. g) Employment The successful vendor will not engage the services of any person or persons RFP #1577 BMCW-SM 10/13/06 31
RFP #1577 BMCW-SM 10/13/06 Permanency Consultation Services now employed by the State of Wisconsin, including any department, commission, or board thereof, to provide services relating to this agreement without the written consent of the employer of such person or persons and of the BMCW. h) Dual Employment Section s. 16.417, Stats., prohibits an individual who is a state employee or who is retained as a consultant full-time by a state agency from being retained as a consultant by the same or another agency where the individual receives more than $12,000 as compensation within the same one-year period as the resulting contract. This prohibition applies only to individuals and does not include corporations or partnerships. Contrary to intent of Wisconsin Administrative Rule HFS 56.04(2) on who can be issued a foster care license, BMCW prohibits any staff (State or contracted partner) to be licensed as a foster parent by BMCW or by the licensing agent contracted with BMCW. Staff may be licensed as a foster parent by another county or by a private child placing agency for children who are not under BMCW' custody or responsibility (subject to verification that no conflict of interest exists.) i) Sub-contracting Permanency Consultation functions cannot be subcontracted. j) Minority Business The State of Wisconsin is committed to the promotion of minority business in the State's purchasing program and has a goal of placing five (5) percent of its total purchasing dollars with certified minority businesses. Authority for this program is found in ss. 15.107(2), 16.75(4), 16.755, and 560.036(2), Wis. Stats. The contracting agency is committed to the promotion of minority business in the state's purchasing program. With this procurement, the successful vendor will be encouraged to purchase services and supplies from minority businesses certified by the Wisconsin Department of Commerce, Bureau of Minority Business Development. A listing of certified minority businesses, as well as the services and commodities they provide, is available from the Department of Administration, Office of Minority Business Program, (608) 267-7806. This information is also available on line at the following web address: http://www.doa.state.wi.us/section_detail.asp?linkcatid=46 k) Audits The contractor that is the successful vendor will submit to the BMCW a certified annual audit report within 180 days after the close of the fiscal year. The audit shall be in accordance with the applicable federal and state audit requirements, which could include: RFP #1577 BMCW-SM 10/13/06 32
RFP #1577 BMCW-SM 10/13/06 Permanency Consultation Services a. Federal OMB Circular A-133 Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non-Profit Organizations (on line at www.whitehouse.gov/omb/ circulars); b. The State Single Audit Guidelines (on line at www.ssag.state.wi.us) if the Provider is a local government that meets the criteria of OMB Circular A- 133 for needing an audit in accordance with that Circular; c. The Provider Agency Audit Guide (on line at www.dhfs.state.wi.us/ grants/audit/PAAG/) for all other Providers. The Department reserves the right to conduct an independent audit of the successful vendor if the vendor fails to secure an audit covering all funds or a follow-up review of selected areas is determined to be necessary. In the event that the successful vendor fails to secure an audit, the Department's costs for completing an audit will be charged back to that organization. l) Termination of Agreement The BMCW may terminate this agreement at its sole discretion with ninety (90) days written notice to the lead agency. The State reserves the right to terminate this agreement with less notice if BMCW determines a breach or default has occurred or it is necessary to protect the best interests of the State. The Department may immediately terminate this Contract, by notice of termination, if it is found after due notice and examination that there is a violation by the Contractor of any conflict of interest, ethics or similar state laws, including the disclosure requirements under sec. 19.45, Stats., applicable to the Contractor in the procurement of or performance under this Contract. Upon termination, BMCW liability will be limited to the cost of the services performed as of the date of termination plus expenses incurred with the prior written approval of BMCW. If the Department, after due diligence, has not secured a replacement contractor at the end of the 120 day period, the Contractor shall continue providing the services under this Contract until such replacement is secured. During this notice period the Contractor remains responsible, and shall provide, the services as described under this Contract. The Department shall be liable only for payment in accordance with the terms of this Contract and only for services provided prior to the effective date of termination. However, the Department will reimburse the Contractor for actual Costs, subject to the Contract's maximum reimbursement, incurred by the Contractor for providing the services under this Contract after the 120 day period and until replacement is secured. If such termination is prompted by the lead agency, a written notice to that effect must be delivered by the lead agency to the BMCW not less than six (6) months prior to said termination. The lead agency retains responsibility for the RFP #1577 BMCW-SM 10/13/06 33
RFP #1577 BMCW-SM 10/13/06 Permanency Consultation Services requirements of the contract throughout this time period. In the event that either the successful vendor or BMCW terminates this agreement, for any reason whatsoever, the successful vendor will refund to BMCW within fourteen (14) days of said termination all payments made hereunder by BMCW to the successful vendor for work not completed or costs not incurred. Upon termination of this Contract, the Contractor shall forthwith return to the Department all confidential information, paper materials and other properties held by the Contractor for purposes of providing services under this Contract. In addition, each party will assist the other party in orderly termination of this Contract and the transfer of all aspects hereof, tangible and intangible, as may be necessary for the orderly, nondisrupted business continuation of each party. The BMCW may require that the lead agency continue providing services during a turnover period extending beyond the planned termination date if a successor agency is not fully prepared to provide services. m) Incurring Costs The State of Wisconsin is not liable for any cost incurred by vendors in responding to this RFP. Costs for the contract may not be incurred prior to the effective date of the contract. n) Waiver of Informalities The BMCW reserves the tight to accept or reject any or all responses to the RFP, waive minor informalities and to accept only those proposals which meet the basic requirements of the RFP in the judgment of the BMCW. The determination of whether an RFP condition is substantive or a mere informality shall reside solely with the BMCW. o) Proprietary Information Data contained in the proposal, all documentation provided therein, and materials and innovations developed as a result of this contract award cannot be copyrighted or patented without written authorization from DCFSBMCW. All data, documentation, and innovation become the property of the State of Wisconsin and the Department of Health and Family Services. The successful vendor agrees that DHFS shall have royalty-free, non-exclusive, and irrevocable rights to reproduce, publish, or otherwise use and authorize others to use any materials and innovations developed as a result of this contract award. Any copyright material authorized by DHFS or distribution of materials developed through this contract award will acknowledge use of DHFS funds. p) Affirmative Action and Civil Rights Compliance The successful vendor or subcontractor to the successful vendor with a contract of an expected value of $25,000 or more and who has a workforce of 25 or more employees must 1) submit an affirmative action plan for approval to OSF within fifteen (15) working days after the contract is awarded (instructions on preparing the plan and technical assistance regarding this requirement are RFP #1577 BMCW-SM 10/13/06 34
RFP #1577 BMCW-SM 10/13/06 Permanency Consultation Services available from the DHFS Affirmative Action/Civil Rights Compliance Office); and 2) must agree to post in conspicuous places, available for employees and vendors for employment, a notice to be provided by OSF that sets forth the provisions of the State of Wisconsin's nondiscrimination law. Failure to comply with the conditions of this section may result in the successful vendor or subcontractors becoming declared an "ineligible" contractor, termination of the contract, or withholding of payment. No other qualified persons shall be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or otherwise be subject to discrimination in any manner on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, or age. This policy covers eligibility for and access to service delivery and treatment in all programs and activities. In delivering services to adolescents and their families, the successful vendor must ensure civil rights compliance consistent with the Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. q) Non-Discrimination in Employment In connection with the performance of work under this contract, the successful vendor and any subcontractor agree not to discriminate against any employee or vendor for employment because of age, race, religion, color, handicap, sex, marital status, physical condition, arrest or conviction record except as provided in s. 48.685, Wis. Stats., developmental disability as defined in s. 51.01 (5), Stats., sexual orientation or national origin. This provision shall include, but not be limited to the following: employment, upgrading, demotion or transfer, recruitment or recruitment advertising, layoff or termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation, and selection for training, including apprenticeship. The successful vendor agrees to post in conspicuous places, available for employees and vendors for employment, notice to be provided by the contracting administrator setting forth the provisions of the non-discrimination clause. The successful vendor and any subcontractors agree to take affirmative action to ensure equal employment opportunities. r) Terms and Conditions Vendors must read the Standard Terms and Conditions Form, DOA-3054, and Supplemental Terms and Conditions Form, DOA-3681, and must agree to the terms and conditions contained therein. s) Availability of Records All information provided to or obtained by the successful vendor is the sole property of the State of Wisconsin. The successful vendor will maintain the confidentiality required by state and federal law. The DCFSBMCW in its monitoring of the contract, reserves the right to inspect or investigate any and all contract and subcontract agency records, procedures, and operations at any time during and after the close of the contract period. t) State and Federal Statutes The successful vendor must ensure that all of its employees and any of its RFP #1577 BMCW-SM 10/13/06 35
RFP #1577 BMCW-SM 10/13/06 Permanency Consultation Services agents have a working knowledge of and comply with all applicable state and federal statutes and regulations in performance of services delivered under the RFP. u) Confidentiality The successful vendor must provide all staff with information and training on federal and state statutes, administrative codes, and applicable policies and procedures related to confidentiality of client records as defined by DHFS. The successful vendor will indemnify and hold harmless the Department from all damages, costs, liabilities, and expenses caused by or arising from the vendor's failure to protect confidential information. v) State Policies The successful vendor must comply with all policies, procedures and provisions as referenced or attached to this RFP or otherwise provided by BMCW. w) Executed Contract to Constitute Entire Agreement In the event of contract award, the contents of this RFP (including all attachments), RFP addenda and revisions, and the proposal of the successful proposer, and additional terms agreed to, in writing, by the agency and the contractor shall become part of the contract. Failure of the successful proposer to accept these as a contractual agreement may result in a cancellation of award. 5.5 Standard and Supplemental Terms and Conditions The State of Wisconsin reserves the right to incorporate standard State contract provisions into any contract negotiated with any proposal submitted responding to this RFP (Standard Terms and Conditions (DOA-3054), and Supplemental Standard Terms and Conditions for Procurements for Services (DOA-3681). Failure of the successful vendor to accept these obligations in a contractual agreement may result in cancellation of the award. RFP #1577 BMCW-SM 10/13/06 36
RFP #1577 BMCW-SM 10/13/06 Permanency Consultation Services DRAFT Attachment A-1 Map of the BMCW Service Territories 10/13/06 1577 BMCW-SM 37
RFP #1577 BMCW-SM 10/13/06 Permanency Consultation Services DRAFT Attachment A-1 Service Territory Boundary Descriptions Description of the Region #1 and Region #2 dividing line. Beginning at the North Milwaukee County line and the intersection of the Western boundary of the City of Brown Deer, travel south and east along City of Brown Deer boundary until the line intersects with the City of River Hills boundary; then Follow the City of River Hills boundary south to the City of Glendale boundary; then Follow the City of Glendale boundary south to W. Silver Spring; then Follow W. Silver Spring west to N. 27th; then Follow N. 27th south to N. Teutonia; then Follow N. Teutonia south to W. Ruby; then Follow W. Ruby west to N. 26th; then Follow N. 26th north to W. Glendale; then Follow W. Glendale west to N. Hopkins; then Follow N. Hopkins south to W. Congress; then Follow W. Congress west to N. Sherman; then Follow N. Sherman south to W. Locust; then Follow W. Locust to N. 24th; then Follow N. 24th south to W. Juneau. This point ends the dividing line between New Region #1 and New Region #2. Description of the northern boundary of New Region #3. Beginning at the intersection of the Western Milwaukee County boundary and the Southern City of Wauwatosa boundary, follow the Southern boundary of the City of Wauwatosa east to the intersection of the Menominee River; then follow the Menominee River east to W. Wisconsin; then follow W. Wisconsin east to N. 35th; then follow N. 35th north to W. Juneau; then follow W. Juneau east to N. Prospect; then follow N. Prospect south to Mason; then follow Mason east until end of road and; then follow an imaginary line extended from the end of Mason to the eastern Milwaukee County Boundary. This point ends the northern boundary of New Region #3. 10/13/06 1577 BMCW-SM 38


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Our Latest Photo Galleries - Have We Snapped You?
Festival of Nations 2015Photos from Thursday 30th July 2015 at Arts Central with MKFM Read More
Active Bletchley Funday 29/7/15Free community funday hosted by MKFM on Wednesday 28th July 2015 Read More
Loveliness Festival 2015The free music, arts and entertainment festival returned on Saturday 25th July 2015 at Inter-Action MK with MKFM Read More
Swan Fest 2015A weekend of live music and a beer festival 25th - 26th July 2015 Read More
Broughton Fire Station Open DayPhotos from the open day on Sunday 26th July 2015 Read More
MK Culture Day Parade 2015The parade returned on Saturday 25th July 2015 with MKFM Read More
Henry's Happiness Funday 2015Photos from Sunday 19th July 2015 at Emerson Valley Sports Pavilion Read More
Milton Keynes Comedy FestivalPhotos from a weekend of comedy. Friday 17th - Sunday 19th July at Westbury Arts Centre with MKFM and The Comedy Cow Read More
Art In The Park Festival 2015The event returned to Campbell Park on 18th - 19th July 2015 with MKFM Read More
amazon.co.uk's 20th BirthdayWe helped celebrate with the MKFM Sound System and our DJs in the canteen at the amazon distribution centre and head office in MK Read More
Picnic On The GreenPhotos and videos from MK Disability Awareness Day on Tuesday 14th July at Walnut Tree green, hosted by MKFM Read More
EDC 2015Electric Daisy Carnival returned to the National Bowl in Milton Keynes on Saturday 11th July 2015 with MKFM Read More
Ampthill Festival 2015Photos and audio from three amazing days on 3rd, 4th and 5th July with Amp Rocks, Ampthill Park Proms, Gala Day and the Literary Festival on 11th July Read More
Soapbox Derby 2015Photos and video from Sunday 12th July 2015 in Newport Pagnell Read More
Wolverton And Greenleys CarnivalThe first annual carnival parade since the 80s took place on Sunday 12th July 2015 Read More
Two Mile Ash Party In The ParkPhotos from Saturday 11th July 2015 in the Two Mile Ash park with MKFM Read More
New Bradwell Carnival 2015The 30th anniversary carnival took place on Saturday 11th July 2015 with New Bradwell School Read More
AYME Offices OpeningThe Newport Pagnell offices of the Association of Young People with ME were officially opened on Friday 10th July 2015 Read More
MK BMX Meeting - 5/7/15Round 6 of the BMX East Region Racing Series took place on Sunday 5th July at Milton Keynes BMX Track in Pineham Read More
Newport Pagnell Carnival 2015The carnival returned on Sat 4th and Sun 5th July 2015 at Riverside Meadow with MKFM Read More
Midnight Moo Walk 2015The fantastic night time sponsored walk for Willen Hospice returned on Saturday 4th July 2015 with MKFM Read More
Walking With Giants Parade 2015The Giants returned on Sunday 5th July, organised by Festive Road Read More
Beanhill Funday 2015Photos from Saturday 4th July 2015 at Beanhill Capron football field Read More
Newport Pagnell Strawberry Fayre 2015An afternoon of family fun, music and strawberries hosted by Newport Pagnell Youth Club on Sunday 28th June 2015 Read More
MK Calling 2015Photos, video and audio from the launch of the exhibition from local artists and artists inspired by Milton Keynes at MK Gallery on 2/7/15 Read More
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Community Action:MK is a registered charity with over 30 years of experience supporting and promoting voluntary and community sector groups. We are a membership organisation, which provides practical support services and a co-ordinated voice on local issues.
The aim is to strengthen local voluntary organisations and community groups by providing services and a strong voice on policy issues. The team of volunteers and staff share one goal: to help Milton Keynes' voluntary and community sector meet the challenges of the 21st century.
Community Action:MK gives groups the opportunity to meet with each other through a series of popular networking events. We also run themed events and focus groups to help to you to get involved with new areas of work or projects. Keep an eye out on our Learning and Events page for what's coming up.
Community Action:MK works in partnership with other voluntary and community groups, public sector bodies and private organisations to enable people to play an active part in their community. We also support some local voluntary sector partnerships, and are interested in getting groups to look at how they can work better with each other.
Working For Change
Community Action:MK works to influence the development of policies that affect the voluntary and community sector. We look to get the views of the sector and feed them into public service agencies so the sector has a voice.
In Your Community
Community Mobilisers (CMs) support people to have a voice in their community. They work with agencies and schools, enabling volunteers to play a role in decision making, signposting to training, and creating sustainable ways to contribute and enjoy life in the places they live. For more info see our Mobiliser Areas page.
Find a local group
The Community Action:MK website lists over 275 local voluntary and community groups in Milton Keynes.
There are several other directories of community groups in MK:
Age UK Milton Keynes' Directory For People In Later Life
Arts & Heritage Alliance Members List
City Counselling Centre's Members List
COIN Directory of local voluntary and community groups
GP One Click - Database connecting Health care professionals and patients with social enterprises, voluntary and community groups
Milton Keynes Centre for Integrated Living's Survival Guide (for local people with a disability)
Milton Keynes Community Enterprise's Social Enterprise Network Directory
Milton Keynes Council's Community Information Network (COIN)
Milton Keynes Council's Community Properties listing
Q:Alliance's Local LGBT Information
Community Action:MK
Acorn House, 351 Midsummer Boulevard, Central Milton Keynes MK9 3HP

subset: commoncrawl


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Fish Rescued From Global Warming by Llamas and British Taxpayers
Just because there hasn't been any "global warming" since the 1990s is no reason not to carry fish by llama into the mountains where they'll be safe from it. From the moonbattery-ravaged farce we once knew as Great Britain:
Thousands of rare fish have been given a lift up a mountain on the back of llamas in an extraordinary move, led by the Environment Agency, to help the species survive climate change.
The endangered vendace, that has been in Britain since the Ice Age, is in danger of dying out as lakes and rivers warm up because of man made global warming.
To ensure the species survival, the UK's environmental watchdog took eggs from Derwentwater in Cumbria, thought to be the only remaining site where the fish are found in England and Wales. …
Lord Chris Smith, Chairman of the Environment Agency, said British species have to be protected from climate change.
"In addition to the anticipated warming of lakes and rivers, we may also see an increase in the occurrence of extreme weather events such as floods, droughts and heatwaves."
"Anticipated warming" means the warming hasn't happened yet. But given that climate always fluctuates, it will eventually. The predicted increase in the occurrence of weather can be attributed to the very real increase in weather-related hype and hysteria blasted at us by the liberal establishment media.
Andy Gowans, fisheries technical specialist for the Environment Agency, said the fish are now safe from global warming.
At last I'll be able to sleep at night.
On a tip from BURNING HOT. Cross-posted at Moonbattery.
Also see...
This dad punches the crap out of two girls attacking his daughter. Tell me you wouldn't do the same if a pack of thugs were beating on your child. I...Read More
Dave Blount
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