What is Wraparound?

Wraparound is an evidence-based, family-and youth-driven planning process for responding when children or youth experience serious emotional and behavioral concerns. The goals of Wraparound are to help families and youth identify their strengths and their needs, then to develop a plan that connects them to supports (some formal, some natural) and services in their communities.

NH’s Wraparound model is not designed to replace existing research or evidence-based treatments, services, or therapies. Instead, Wraparound is designed to help families align the available services and supports to accomplish each family’s vision, resulting in better and more effective use of the resources that are available to each family and to the child/youth.

The Process

The four stages of Wraparound: Hello, Help, Healing, Hope

First, a well-trained facilitator called a Wraparound Coordinator engages the family in a powerful self-discovery process, meeting with the family to understand their history and concerns.

Together they develop a list of their strengths, resources, and the deep needs that, when met, will help the family to feel whole and healthy. The family crafts a Family Vision for a happier and more fulfilling life, including their own unique goals and criteria for success.

At this stage the Wraparound Coordinator helps the family form a team that includes individuals from their formal network of helpers (e.g., therapists, teachers), as well as informal supports such as extended family members, friends, employers, neighbors, and others. Each team member has a stated reason for participating, and brings functional strengths to the table.

With the Coordinator’s guidance, the team works together to help the family move closer to their Vision. The Coordinator helps the family review progress and adjust their plan of care at every team meeting.

Once the family reaches or gets close to its Vision, the Coordinator works with the family to develop a plan for transitioning out of Wraparound. Wraparound typically lasts between 6 and 18 months, depending on the needs and strengths of the family.