Request For Proposal: Final RFP Court Appointed Counsel August 2026

Description

AITKIN COUNTY, MINNESOTA Request For Proposals (RFP) For Legal Representation / Court-Appointed Counsel For Eligible Parents or Guardians in Child Welfare Matters Under the Juvenile Protection Provisions of the Juvenile Court Act Including Child in Need of Protection or Services (CHIPS), Termination of Parental Rights (TPR), and Other Permanency Cases Issued by: Aitkin County, Minnesota Responses Due: September 18, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. 1. INTRODUCTION & BACKGROUND A. Purpose of this RFP The purpose of this RFP is to establish a professional service contract with an attorney or law firm with the experience and training to provide legal representation to individuals, parents, guardians, or custodians who are eligible for court‑appointed counsel in matters where appointment of counsel is required or permitted by law under Minnesota Statutes §260C.163. B. Scope of Services The County anticipates contracting with two (2) service providers for the following areas: Juvenile Cases: Child in Need of Protection or Services (CHIPS), Termination of Parental Rights (TPR), and other permanency cases. Family Cases: Paternity and child support contempt (child support) services. Probate Cases: (1) Judicial Commitment services including for Sexually Dangerous Persons (SDP), Sexually Psychopathic Persons (SPP), Mentally Ill and Dangerous (MI&D) persons, Mentally Ill (MI) persons, Developmentally Disabled (DD) persons, and Chemically Dependent (CD) persons; and (2) Conservatorship / guardianship case services. Providers are required to comply with all applicable equal employment opportunity laws and regulations. A draft contract for services is attached as Exhibit 1. The term “Provider” is used interchangeably with “Attorney” throughout this RFP and in Exhibit 1. C. Process for Appointment of Counsel When cases requiring court‑appointed counsel are filed, the Aitkin County Court Administrator (or designee) will contact counsel to represent the eligible individual. It is anticipated that appointed counsel will be available with short notice to appear at the first hearing, including Emergency Protective Care hearings or Admit/Deny hearings. Once appointed, counsel is expected to represent the client throughout the life of the case. D. Term and Services Required 1. Term The initial term of any contract awarded under this RFP is anticipated to be for a period of two years. 2.