Outpatient Mental Health Center (OMHC) for Children in Out-of-Home Care

Outpatient Mental Health Center (OMHC) for Children in Out-of-Home Care is sponsored by Behavioral Health System Baltimore (BHSB). BHSB is seeking one (1) qualified Outpatient Mental Health Center (OMHC) to deliver mental health services to children (ages 5 to 21) in out-of-home care under the Baltimore City Department of Social Services (BCDSS), serving 120 children annually.

## z Re-Release BCDSS Mental Health Services for Children in Out-of-Home Care Accepting applications from Oct 8 2025 08:00 AM (EDT) to Nov 8 2025 05:00 PM (EST) Through this Request for Proposals (RFP), BHSB is seeking one (1) qualified Outpatient Mental Health Center (OMHC) to deliver mental health services to children in out-of-home care under the Baltimore City Department of Social Services (BCDSS).

The overall project is designed to serve 480 children annually across four OMHCs, with each center responsible for supporting 120 children per year. The target population includes BCDSS-involved children and youth ages 5 to 21 who present with moderate to high-level behavioral health needs. This procurement seeks (1) OMHC to serve 120 children annually.

The selected applicant is expected to provide a continuum of mental health services that includes prevention, early identification, crisis response, and psychiatric services. Aside from promoting placement stability and reunification, this service improves hospitalization length, fosters permanency, fosters supportive relationships between youth and caregivers, and expands behavioral health services.

The selected applicant will provide mental health services that promote placement stability, support reunification, reduce hospital stays, and minimize the impact of trauma on children and youth. Services will also enhance permanency outcomes, strengthen relationships between youth and caregivers, and expand behavioral health offerings within the existing program structure.

Ongoing communication and coordination between the Baltimore City Department of Social Services and the selected applicant are essential to ensure program success. BCDSS and BHSB, through a collaborative partnership, have developed a shared vision wherein children, youth, and their families involved with the Baltimore City Department of Social Services are provided with equitable and comprehensive mental health services.

The proposed work shall enhance the structure and capacity of the current system and implement an innovative approach to addressing this vulnerable population's complex and unique needs.

## zRespite Services-Child and Adolescent Care Accepting applications from Oct 24 2025 11:00 AM (EDT) to Nov 24 2025 05:00 PM (EST) Through this Request for Proposals (RFP), BHSB is seeking one (1) respite care provider to deliver in-home and out-of-home respite care services for children and adolescents under 20.

Respite services are designed to provide structured therapeutic breaks for both caregivers and youth while maintaining children in the least restrictive environment possible. This program is designed to strengthen family stability, reduce caregiver stress, and support youth in community-based settings.

It aims to prevent youth from needing more intensive care by supporting family caregivers, strengthening family stability, and helping youth remain in their communities with appropriate therapeutic support. The Respite Care Program provides services to families with a child who has a DSM-5 diagnosis and is enrolled in mental health services.

In-home respite: Ranges from 1 to 10 hours a day, up to 72 hours every 3 months Trained respite caregivers provide care in the child's own home or take them out into the community Child does not spend the night away from home Out-of-home respite: Includes up to 12 nights every 3 months (typically 6 weekends) Child stays with licensed respite foster families in their homes Usually runs from Friday evening to Sunday afternoon This procurement reflects BHSB’s commitment to expanding high-quality behavioral health services for underserved Baltimore City residents by increasing respite care capacity.

## z Baltimore City Co-Occurring Forensic Supported Housing RFP Accepting applications from Nov 12 2025 08:00 AM (EST) to Dec 23 2025 05:00 PM (EST) BHSB seeks a qualified applicant to implement a transitional housing initiative for individuals with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders who also have forensic involvement.

The selected applicant will be responsible for supporting and maintaining the transition of 25 eligible individuals into community-based housing, utilizing the principles of the Housing First model and evidence-based practices for permanent supportive housing.

## z Baltimore City 988 Public Education Campaign RFP Accepting applications from Nov 18 2025 08:00 AM (EST) to Dec 18 2025 05:00 PM (EST) Behavioral Health System Baltimore (BHSB) seeks one qualified full-service social marketing consultant to lead a comprehensive community engagement and outreach campaign.

The goal is to increase awareness and use of urgent behavioral health services, specifically the 988 Helpline, among Baltimore City residents and stakeholders. The campaign should promote behavior change in how individuals respond to an urgent need for mental health and substance use services—encouraging them to call or refer others to call 988.

Launched nationally in July 2022, 988 is a free, 24/7 helpline offering confidential support and referrals, including for opioid use disorder and overdose prevention. This initiative builds on the regional CALL 988 campaign across Central Maryland and is funded through the Opioid Restitution Fund to support the BHSB 988 Helpline Awareness and Use Campaign.

The Opioid Restitution Fund BHSB 988 Lifeline Awareness and Use Campaign is a five-year, $10 million initiative funded by the Mayor's Office of Recovery Programs. BHSB has allocated $1. 3 million in Year 1 for market research, campaign planning, and campaign activation.

Funding during years two to five will support campaign implementation, promotion, and ongoing optimization. ## z Substance Use Urgent Care Center RFP Accepting applications from Dec 4 2025 08:00 AM (EST) to Jan 16 2026 05:00 PM (EST) The purpose of this RFP is to select an applicant to operate the Substance Use Urgent Care Center (previously known as the Crisis Stabilization Center).

The Substance Use Urgent Care Center provides immediate, low-barrier support for individuals in Baltimore experiencing a substance-related crisis, including those under the influence or recently revived from an overdose. Designed for people who may be hesitant to engage with traditional treatment programs, the center offers a safe and accessible alternative to emergency departments.

Crisis services are a vital component of the behavioral health continuum, providing immediate, low-barrier access to care for consumers experiencing substance-related crises. The Substance Use Urgent Care Center offers short-term stabilization for adults affected by substance use, overdose, or intoxication from opioids, stimulants, alcohol, or other drugs.

As an alternative destination for Baltimore City Fire Department Emergency Medical Services (EMS), the center helps reduce unnecessary emergency department utilization by addressing substance use needs in a more appropriate setting.

The 35-bed facility accepts walk-ins and referrals, offering services such as: Up to 23-hour observation Medical screening and monitoring Buprenorphine induction Peer support and counseling Case management and care coordination Referrals to ongoing treatment and community resources Consumers receive meals, rest, hygiene services, and transportation upon discharge, along with 30 days of follow-up support.

Repeat admissions are not viewed as negative and are considered an opportunity to better tailor care to individual needs, reduce drug-use related harms such as overdose, and improve overall health outcomes for people who use drugs. The Substance Use Urgent Care Center is located on the first floor of the historic Hebrew Orphan Asylum at 2700 Rayner Avenue, Baltimore, MD.

The center operator contracts with BHSB who sub-leases from the Baltimore City Health Department for use of the space. The center operator is responsible for liability insurance and facility maintenance.

The 8,000-square-foot space includes: Ground-level access and ambulance drop-off Open layout for direct client observation Two private rooms for higher-need consumers Safe, comfortable cots and recliners for sobering from opioids and/or alcohol intoxication Laundry and shower facilities Bug extermination hot box for belongings Personal lockers Storage for first aid, medications (including naloxone and buprenorphine), and other medical supplies ## z Recovery Housing for Pregnant Women & Women with Children Accepting applications from Feb 3 2026 10:00 AM (EST) to Mar 3 2026 05:00 PM (EST) BHSB seeks one qualified organization to operate the Recovery Housing for Pregnant Women and Women with Children Program.

This program provides a safe, stable, and supportive recovery residence for women in early recovery from substance use disorders who meet the following criteria: Pregnant women or women with children who are early in recovery from a substance use disorder and eligible for a treatment level 2.

1 or lower Homeless or in need of temporary housing Have physical custody of their child/children within 60 days of program entry Able to independently manage their own and dependents activities of daily living A Maryland resident Participants must provide legal documentation of custody or guardianship for any child who will reside with them.

The recovery residence will provide a secure, recovery‑oriented environment tailored to each participant’s individual needs. All residents will receive care coordination through Marian House, which includes connections to healthcare, mental health services, counseling, and entitlement benefits.

Additional services offered through the program include: Prenatal and postnatal support, including childbirth education, breastfeeding assistance, newborn care guidance, and postpartum health services Parenting education and life skills training, such as budgeting, time management, and establishing healthy family routines Employment and education services, including job readiness training, resume development, and access to workforce training programs Other supports, such as financial literacy education, transportation assistance, and ongoing case management to help participants achieve stable housing and sustained long‑term recovery