The proposed bill seeks the Council's approval for a contract with Maximum Quest Residential Care Facilities (MQR) to provide congregate care services for youth in foster care who cannot be placed in family-based care due to abuse or neglect. Valued at a not-to-exceed amount of $1,971,001.50, the contract is set for a one-year term with provisions for option periods and economic price adjustments. MQR, which has been providing similar services since 2013, will be compensated based on fixed unit rates and is required to adhere to federal and District laws governing child welfare. The bill emphasizes the importance of trauma-informed care, individualized service planning, and the active involvement of youth and their families in treatment processes.

Additionally, the bill outlines various compliance and operational requirements for contractors, including the necessity for criminal background checks for employees and volunteers, adherence to the Nonprofit Fair Compensation Act, and the establishment of a quality assurance system. It mandates that contractors maintain a drug-free workplace, provide life skills training, and ensure cultural competence in service delivery. The bill also introduces a Quick Payment Clause for timely contractor payments and emphasizes the importance of hiring District residents. Notably, it deletes previous hiring requirements and replaces them with updated stipulations to enhance accountability and ensure fair labor practices within public contracts. Overall, the bill aims to create a supportive framework for youth in congregate care settings while maintaining fiscal responsibility and compliance with established guidelines.