CFS20240328 - Children and Family Services - Foster Care Services Request for Proposal (RFP)

Children and Family Services (CFS) is procuring Foster Care Services using a multi-phased tendering approach. This is Phase 1 of the tender, which incorporates the service needs of CFS North Region.

CFS promotes continuous improvement in contracted out-of-home services through procurement activities. Through these activities, CFS continues to support innovative practice, culturally focused program models, and the achievement of optimal outcomes for children, youth, and families receiving services. Through the procurement of Foster Care Services CFS intends to achieve the following seven objectives:

1.To ensure a fair, open, and equitable opportunity for all interested vendors to submit a Submission Package to the Foster Care Services RFP.
2.Ensure that the procurement activity aligns with the Ministry of Children and Family Services' commitment to fiscal accountability, prioritizing both optimal value and high-quality services.
3.Establish a provincially consistent funding and contracting approach for Foster Care Services.
4.Ensure contracted Foster Care Services consistently embed the key program principles and 12 key program and practice elements.
5.Establish Foster Care Services that promotes placement stability and reduces risk of placement disruptions, and
6.Establish contracted Foster Care Services that prioritize foster caregiver support and well-being. Fostering a nurturing environment for foster caregivers, this initiative aims to strengthen their capacity to provide stable, nurturing homes for children and youth in need. The ultimate objective is to create a resilient and well-supported foster caregiver community, contributing to the overall success and effectiveness of the foster care program in Alberta.
7.Establish a funding approach that incentivizes foster caregiver recruitment.