The Office of Juvenile Affairs shall carefully define its services and programs as to their purpose, the population served, the needs of the community if the facility, program or service is community-based, and performance expectations. Planning for new programs and services and major modifications to existing ones shall be made only after evaluation of their effect on other existing programs and services and communication and coordination with other existing public and private children and youth service providers in order to assure successful and cost-effective implementation of the program. An evaluation component that includes monitoring and evaluation of client outcomes shall be incorporated into all of the programs and services of the Office of Juvenile Affairs to children and youth, whether provided directly by the agency or through a contract.

1. All programs and services shall be designed to ensure the accessibility of the program to the persons served. Provision for transportation, child care and similar services necessary in order to assist persons to access the services shall be made. If the service is provided in an office setting, the service shall be available during the evening, if necessary. Services may be provided in a school setting at the request of or with permission of the school.

2. Programs and services shall be targeted to the areas of the state having the greatest need for them. The programs and services shall be designed to meet the needs of the area in which they are located. Programs and services intended for statewide implementation shall be implemented first in those areas that have the greatest need for them.

3. Requests for proposals developed by the Office of Juvenile Affairs shall be based upon documented service needs and identified priorities. The request for proposals shall clearly identify the program or service requirements, the population to be served, and performance expectations. The agency shall adopt clear, written guidelines to ensure uniformity in the management, monitoring and enforcement of contracts for services. If in-state private providers are unable or unwilling to respond to the proposal, then out-of-state providers should be encouraged to respond.

Added by Laws 1995, c. 352, § 86, eff. July 1, 1995. Amended by Laws 2006, c. 320, § 13, emerg. eff. June 9, 2006. Renumbered from § 7302-3.10 of Title 10 by Laws 2009, c. 234, § 171, emerg. eff. May 21, 2009.