OS/MLSP-25-500-S "Legal Representation Services"

The Maryland Department of Human Services is seeking legal representation services for children involved in Child in Need of Assistance (CINA) and Termination of Parental Rights (TPR) proceedings, as well as indigent adults involved in Adult Protective Services (APS) and Adult Public Guardianship Review Board (APGRB) hearings. The selected contractor will provide legal representation services in all 24 jurisdictions in Maryland. The contract will be for a three-year base period with two one-year options. The contractor must have at least one attorney with a minimum of one year of experience in Maryland-specific child welfare legal experience or five years of general litigation experience. • The contractor will provide legal representation services for children and adults in various proceedings, including CINA, TPR, APS, and APGRB hearings. • The contractor must ensure that each attorney providing legal representation under this contract does not exceed a 1:100 attorney-client ratio. • The contractor must provide sufficient qualified staff to meet the requirements of CINA/TPR or related case representation. • The contractor must adhere to the Maryland Standard of Practice for Lawyers who represent children involved in child abuse and neglect cases. • The contractor must provide continuing legal education and training to its staff annually.