The proposed bill seeks to establish a Human Care Agreement (HCA) between the District of Columbia's Office of Contracting and Procurement and Cornell Abraxas Group, LLC, for a contract valued at $2,905,113.65, covering the period from June 10, 2026, to June 9, 2027. This agreement is designed to provide specialized residential treatment services for youth facing delinquency and mental health challenges, including those with dependent children, sex offenders, and individuals with developmental delays. The bill outlines the responsibilities of the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services (DYRS) in creating a system of care that is gender-specific, culturally sensitive, and tailored to the needs of youth aged 12 to 21. It emphasizes the importance of individualized assessments, educational services, and trauma-informed care, while also mandating that providers maintain high-quality service delivery and comply with licensing requirements.

Additionally, the bill introduces several provisions aimed at enhancing the juvenile justice system, including requirements for criminal background checks for employees and volunteers, compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and adherence to fair labor practices. It establishes a structured dispute resolution process for claims made by both the contractor and the District, and it includes provisions for compliance with the Protecting Pregnant Workers Fairness Act and the Nonprofit Fair Compensation Act of 2020. The bill also emphasizes the need for providers to create a supportive environment that fosters positive youth development and successful reintegration into the community, while ensuring accountability and transparency in service delivery.