Procurement Purpose
This RFR is issued by the Department of Children and Families (DCF) to obtain assessors, both individuals and agencies to complete teen parent assessments on teen parent families referred by the Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) to DCF for a determination of the appropriateness of the teen parent and child to reside in the home of a parent or guardian as a condition of receiving Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children (TAFDC). Successful bidders will be required to assess (1) if the home of origin is safe for the teen parent and her child; (2) the teen’s parenting abilities and ability to live independently; and (3) the capacity of the teen parent to benefit from the service offered by a structured living program.
Assessors Description
Teen Parent Assessors are social workers/clinicians experienced in the field of adolescent development and working with teens who are pregnant/parenting. They conduct home evaluations to determine whether teen parents and their children are at risk due to abuse, neglect, addiction, or extraordinary circumstances; and assess the functioning and service needs of teen parents. Teen parents, who are unable to return to their parents, guardian or an adult relative over the age of 20, will be recommended for placement in a Teen Parenting Program (TPP) based on their independent functioning and skill level.
Assessors Responsibilities
Assessors will receive the name, address, and telephone number of the teen parent and the contact information for the home of origin. The assessor meets at least once with the teen and her child(ren), the father of the child if possible and once with parents, guardian or adult relative over age 20 of the teen in the home of origin. The assessor will utilize the Teen Parent Assessment Tool developed by DCF, which includes in-depth questions to ascertain needed information. Assessors will obtain permission from the teen utilizing a release of information to contact all appropriate collaterals involved with the family. Collaterals will be contacted either in person or by telephone and asked to provide relevant information and documents to the assessor. The assessor will use this information to determine whether there are any medical, educational, mental health issues or other information that would impact a teen’s ability to live at home, independently or within a Teen Parenting Program.