TITLE
title
APPROVE PEER SUPPORT SERVICES CONTRACT WITH CARING SERVICES
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SPONSOR
sponsor
Sheriff Danny H. Rogers (Dr. Lakisha Ellison)
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BACKGROUND
background
Since 2018, the Guilford County Sheriff’s Office (GCSO) has provided Certified Peer Support Specialists to serve justice-involved and justice-impacted individuals. Before release, specialists meet with residents in the detention centers to assess needs, screen for programming, coordinate transportation, and plan for re-entry. After release, they assist with job placement, emergency shelter, and housing, and provide referrals, clothing, food, and vocational training.
Mental Health Associates of the Triad (MHAT) previously provided these services. On March 27, 2026, MHAT notified GCSO that it would terminate its contract effective April 15, 2026. GCSO worked with the Guilford County Purchasing Department to issue a request for proposals (Bid 20334), which received five proposals. After careful evaluation, Caring Services, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, was selected as the best fit for the program based on experience, staff availability, and established community connections to facilitate the program's objective.
Caring Services will provide one full-time Certified Peer Support Specialist at the Greensboro Detention Center and one part-time specialist at the High Point Detention Center. The specialists will work closely with GCSO Re-Entry Case Managers and manage post-release cases through intake, planning, follow-up, and discharge, completing documentation for each step within 24-48 hours.
GCSO requests approval of a three-year contract with Caring Services, Inc. totaling $387,443:
Year 1: $125,350
Year 2: $129,110
Year 3: $132,983
Funding for this contract will come from funds already budgeted for the re-entry peer support contract previously held by MHAT; no additional County funds are requested.
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BUDGET IMPACT
budget impact
NO ADDITIONAL COUNTY FUNDS REQUIRED
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REQUESTED ACTION
requested action
Approve the contract, in substantial form, with Caring Services, Inc. for a period of three (3) years effective December 1, 2026 through November 30, 2029 in the amount of $387,443.00, for certified peer support services for the Greensboro and High Point detention facilities and allow for two (2) additional one-year renewals, if so required by the Guilford County Sheriff's Office.
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