Promoting Safe and Stable Families

Background

The Delaware Department of Services for Children, Youth and Their Families (DSCYF), through its Division of Prevention and Behavioral Health Services (DPBHS), is issuing a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the Promoting Safe and Stable Families (PSSF) Program. This initiative is funded by the Children’s Bureau’s Title IV-B, MaryLee Allen Promoting Safe and Stable Families funding, aimed at supporting family support and preservation services. The mission is to develop a family-driven, youth-guided, trauma-informed prevention and behavioral health system of care that strengthens families, promotes child safety, and prevents maltreatment.

Work Details

The successful bidder will provide family-centered services that may include: - Family support and preservation services - Fatherhood engagement programs - Culturally responsive and community-driven family strengthening initiatives. These services are intended to improve family functioning, reduce risk factors associated with child maltreatment, enhance protective factors contributing to child and family well-being, and support families in Delaware with at least one child aged 17 or younger. Priority will be given to families referred by DPBHS experiencing stressors such as trauma, housing instability, unemployment, or behavioral health challenges.

Period of Performance

The project period is from September 1, 2026, to August 31, 2027. Contracts may be renewable up to five years based on satisfactory performance and availability of funds.

Place of Performance

Services will be provided in Delaware, specifically targeting areas in New Castle County (zip codes: 19805, 19720, 19802, 19801, 19702), Kent County (zip codes: 19901, 19904), and Sussex County (zip codes: 19973, 19956, 19963, 19966, 19947).

Bidder Requirements

Bidders must demonstrate how their programs incorporate trauma-informed principles including safety, peer support, trustworthiness and transparency, collaboration and mutuality, empowerment voice and choice. They must also include staff training policies reflecting trauma-informed care. A Delaware Business License is required at the time of contract execution. Successful bidders must comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws.