Credible Messengers

The Iowa Judicial Branch is seeking proposals from qualified Respondents to deliver Credible Messenger Transformative Mentoring for youth involved with Juvenile Court Services within the Seventh Judicial District, in Scott County, Iowa. The program aims to provide authentic engagement, peer support networks, and mentor well-being to strengthen public safety, youth belonging, and long-term community outcomes. The Respondent will be responsible for delivering and managing the Credible Messenger program within Scott County. Some key aspects of the program include: * Transformative Mentoring: a core component of the Credible Messengers initiative, which pairs youth with Credible Messenger-Mentors who have shared life experiences and can build authentic relationships with system-involved youth. * Restorative Justice Practices: the program implements Restorative Justice Practices to enable youth to learn important skills in conflict resolution and build empathy. * Community-based mentoring: the program prefers community-based mentoring, with facility-based mentoring available for youth in out-of-home placement to support their reentry planning. * Goal Achievement Plan: the program involves creating a plan for attaining particular goals, including connecting youth to services and supports, engaging them in positive activities, and investing in local organizations to maximize social capital. * Prosocial Activities: the program includes structured, positive, and developmentally appropriate experiences to help youth build skills and relationships necessary for success in school, work, and community life. The contract is expected to begin on July 1, 2026, and end on June 30, 2027, with the possibility of up to 5 additional one-year renewals.