Wraparound Blog Posts

 

Collectively, our nation is in a period of profound change. The word “uncertainty” is everywhere—used by scholars, media personalities, politicians, colleagues and friends alike. It has become shorthand for something deeper: a widespread sense of disorientation, transition and not quite knowing what comes next.

Jesus and Cassie, along with their toddler Xavier, were proud to share their Wraparound journey with Lynne Jones, field consultant at the Resource Center for Family-Focused Practice. We are excited to uplift their story of resilience, courage, faith and hope.

Cheryl’s wisdom, warmth and unyielding spirit will be deeply missed in the halls of social services, but her legacy is woven into the very fabric of child welfare. Though she now embarks on a well-earned retirement filled with hiking, family time and community service, her voice, her passion and her fight for equity will continue to inspire us all.

In the Summer 2024 issue of Wraparound Connections, Jarred “Jay” Vermillion’s article, Aligning for Action: California's Wraparound Initiative Taking Flight to New Heights!, explored the history and future of California’s Wraparound Initiative. As a Wraparound Champion for the 0-5 population, I was especially struck by two statements in the piece that deeply resonated with my work.

"Your ABA will be provided by an RBT under a BCBA per the IPP and IEP BIP." UMMMM, WHAAAATTT???

Becoming a parent partner at Aspiranet Intensive Home-Based Services (IHBS) Wraparound in Visalia was not just my career choice, it was a part of my personal mission, rooted in my experiences navigating the often complex and overwhelming world of mental health care.

Our partnership exemplifies what is possible when agencies work together toward a shared goal. CDSS is proud to collaborate with RCFFP in providing the guidance, training and resources needed to ensure that Wraparound remains a strong, effective, and family-driven model of care in California.

Growing up in the foster care system for six years before returning to my mother, I remember being scared, sad and angry. As a 7-year-old little girl yearning for love and comfort, I found myself surrounded by strangers, bouncing between foster homes and the Mary Graham Children's Shelter in French Camp, CA.

While it’s often been said that the only certainty is uncertainty, Wraparound remains relentlessly determined to be there for children and families when they need it, and as early as they need it, so that their lives are strengthened and improved by services rather than overwhelmed by such uncertainty. This is what Wraparound can be, and needs to be, to keep our most vulnerable and marginalized children, families and communities safe.

After months of being away from her family, Kimberly was returned to her mother’s care alongside her other siblings. The Wraparound team worked diligently to build connection and trust with Kimberly and Eveline as the family began to navigate their new life together. The flexibility of Wraparound and access to flex funds allowed us to creatively support the family in their goals, and to celebrate accomplishments.

After serving as an outstanding co-chair for the Parent Partner Advisory Committee (PPAC) for more than a decade, Ebony Chambers-McClinton is moving to a special advisor role. As this longtime champion for social justice, child welfare and mental health takes on her new role, the PPAC would like to share this open letter of gratitude.

How do you know if your Wraparound families continue to be successful after services have ended? Much of this answer will come down to what kind of outcomes data you collect.

While using acronyms at work amongst those familiar with them creates a shorthand and easy mode of communication, acronyms can also create confusion and communication barriers when used in situations where not everyone is familiar with the meaning. Acronym overuse can also make new team members or people outside of a specific field feel excluded.

Early in my career, way before DCFS, I worked in a psychiatric facility with the chronically mentally ill. That is where I met Paul, who was much older and had such a gentle soul. He grew up in an orphanage in New York, and essentially never got to experience a family. He went from one institution to another, and eventually died in one. I promised myself that I would do everything in my power to make sure no one ever had to experience that.

The Resource Center for Family-Focused Practice at UC Davis Human Services is excited to announce the launch of two new Wraparound Skills Labs. We’re also offering Wraparound Foundational Class Passports—easy-to-use tools available on our website to help you keep track of your attendance in the fundamental Wraparound classes.