New Mexico Children, Youth and Families Department: Civil Legal Services for Victims of Domestic Violence

The New Mexico Children, Youth and Families Department (CYFD) has issued an RFP to establish a contract for the procurement of statewide no cost civil legal services to victim/survivors of domestic violence, especially in cases where the perpetrator has secured legal representation. Victims must be referred from CYFD-contracted domestic violence agencies. Licensed attorneys with experience representing victims/survivors of domestic violence shall provide direct civil legal services including formal legal representation. Collaboration with CYFD-contracted domestic violence agencies shall occur regularly to ensure that a structured referral process is established and communication regarding mutual clients is effectively conducted with respect to confidentiality requirements.

Legal issues to be addressed include, but are not limited to: domestic violence orders of protection; divorce; custody; time-sharing; child support; paternity; landlord/tenant disputes; access to public benefits; assistance with negotiations; letters; and legal advice. The offeror must ensure that all areas of the state are provided equal access to legal resources via licensed attorneys with experience working with victims of domestic violence. Thorough assessments of a referred client’s situation must be completed; assessment forms must be developed and approved by CYFD prior to implementation. Guidelines must be developed and implemented to ensure that each case is evaluated for appropriateness of formal legal representation in light of such factors as lethality, legal sufficiency, need for court appearances, and offender representation. For each case that is denied, the victim/survivor will be provided a written response detailing the reasons for denial of services.

Amount: Contract award.

Eligibility: The offeror must be a not-for-profit entity that will provide civil legal services at no cost.

Link: http://cyfd.org/for-providers/rfp

Note: An optional pre-proposal conference will be held on April 23, 2015.

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