Child Welfare Prevention and Support Services Contracts

In an on-going effort to inform and interact with the public regarding Child Welfare Prevention and Support Services contractual matters, the Child and Family Services Division (CFSD) has set forth a universal process by which interested and eligible parties are able to secure and execute a contract to provide services.  Contracts ensure clarity regarding contract scope of work, procedures, fees and services.  

The purpose of these contracts is to assist in cases where it is deemed professional services are necessary by providing:

  • Effective assistance to enable, develop, establish, expand, and to operate well-supported, supported, promising, and general practices, whenever possible;
  • Operate coordinated programs of community based-family support services, family preservation services, reunification services, and adoption promotion and support services to accomplish the following objectives: consisting of family-based preservation, family-based support, reunification services, and access and visitation services. [Sec. 430 42 U.S.C. 629]; 
  • To prevent child maltreatment among families at risk through the provision of supportive family services;
  • To assure children's safety within the home and preserve intact families in which children have been maltreated, when the family's problems can be addressed effectively;
  • To address the problems of families whose children have been placed in foster care so that reunification may occur in a safe and stable manner in accordance with the Adoption and Safe Families Act of 1997;
  • To support adoptive families by providing support services as necessary so that they can make a lifetime commitment to their children; and,
  • To establish and administer programs to support and facilitate noncustodial parents access to and visitation of their children during intervention by CFSD.

Expected Safety, Permanency and Well-Being Outcomes of Contracted Services:

  1. First and foremost, protect children from abuse and neglect.
  2. Safely maintain children in their homes whenever possible and appropriate.
  3. Ensure children have permanency and stability in their living situation.
  4. Preserve the continuity of family relationships and connections for children.
  5. Enhance the capacity of the family to provide for their children’s needs.
  6. Ensure children receive adequate services to meet their physical and mental health needs.
  7. Practices reduce the impact of social stress on the mental health of vulnerable children and families.

Utilizing Evidence-Based, Trauma-Informed Services and Supports

The above outcomes are best met through well-supported, supported, promising, and general practices/models (i.e. evidence based, trauma focused, or evidenced informed) that are implemented and provided with fidelity to the model; and through collaborative efforts of CFSD and contractors who strengthen their prevention efforts in order to share the responsibility for the safety of children and families in their local communities.

Implementation and model fidelity is a key consideration for the models listed in the contract exhibits as it determines a program’s effectiveness in accomplishing its goals. It is the Contractor responsibility to meet fidelity of the models they are using, certified, and trained in.  Contractors will collaborate with CFSD to determine fidelity and requirements of the models are being met. The Contractor will provide documentation showing they are meeting fidelity of the models they have identified they are certified or trained in. 

Client Population to be Served:

Child Protection Specialist (CPS) or the Child Protection Specialist Supervisor (CPSS) may make referrals under these contracts for any child or family coming to the attention of CFSD for the services described in the contract.

Interested Parties:

“Contractor” is defined as an agency, individual, or self-employed independent business person.  Child and Family Services Division maintains a list of interest persons and agencies which request contracts to provide the services described.  If you, or your agency, would like to request a service contract or additional information regarding these contracts and services, please submit a written request for additional information which includes:

  • Agency/individual name;
  • Contact information including: e-mail, mailing address, phone number; and,
  • Provide a short description of services the contractor able to offer.

Requests, and any other questions relating to these contracts, can be sent to:

Michael Shell
Child Welfare Prevention and Support Services Contract Program Manager
Child and Family Services Division
2300 12th Avenue South, Suite 211
Great Falls, MT 59405
Office: (406) 439-7167
(406)761-8663(fax)
Michael.Shell@mt.gov

Current information on the matrix payment fee schedule and catalog

ARMS