What is Wraparound?

Wraparound is a Family Intervention Service seeking to enable youth facing placement out of their homes to remain in their home by “wrapping” the family with services and supports. Wraparound seeks to engage those who know about and are most important to a young person’s life - the family- in the process of supporting and building stability in ways that benefit both the Child and the family as a whole.  Through Wraparound, families learn about and are connected to help from the community, help from a natural network of family and friends, and help from their own well of strengths once unrecognized. Whether the need be economic self-sufficiency, better family communication or safety for all, the Wraparound Team works with the Family towards viable solutions so that all members are successful together through a stronger home and community environment.

How A Child Receives Wraparound.

A Child receives Wraparound through referral from Social Services, Probation or Mental Health Services. The referral begins with an explanation of services made to the Family by their Social Worker, Probation Officer or Therapist and the Family volunteers to participate.  When the referral is made a Wraparound Team is engaged composed of a Care Coordinator, Parent Partner and, if requested, a Youth Partner. The Care Coordinator is the hub of communication between the Team members, facilitates Family and Family Team Meetings, over sees record keeping and planning for Family Care, and researches resources that address Family needs. The Parent Partner, draws upon  knowledge both of being a Parent and of life experience to support Parents, teach skills, find resources and advocate for the Parent’s voice in creating a plan for the Family. A Youth Partner may be added to the Team, giving time and attention to the needs of the Child as well as supporting the Child in voicing needs to the Team. 

The Wraparound Team Becomes The Family Team.

At the very first meeting with the family, the Wraparound Team begins work on evolving into a Family Team, gathering strengths of the Family members and encouraging the family to invite those in their lives that may also be a helpful part of the process. The referring party participates on the Family Team but other involved Social Workers, Therapists, Pastors, family friends, extended family, teachers and coaches are also possible members of the Family Team. At the core of the Family Team are the Child and her or his Family. It will be the strengths, stated needs and problem - solving ideas of the family, the family’s own voice and choice, that will play the largest role in setting up resources and supports. Together, members of the Family Team collaborate on a Plan of Care and Safety Plan that will state the goals and actions for the members of the Family Team. Meetings are held to follow-up on actions, celebrate successes and revise the Plan of Care when needed.

Graduation.

The average time span for the process of Wraparound is 18 months. If the process is successful, the family makes progress in utilizing community and natural supports and in creating an environment that enables all members, including the Child, to remain together at home. The Family graduates from Wraparound amid much celebration and is recognized as the primary force in its own success. Wraparound is noted to be among the most successful programs for enabling at-risk youth and their families to remain together.