Wraparound is a State initiated and State/County funded program intended to keep children in their own homes and communities who would otherwise be placed in out-of-home care settings such as residential treatment programs or group homes. This goal is accomplished by bringing together a unique team comprised of professionals and individuals who know and care about the family. Called the child and family team (CFT), this group helps develop a plan that builds on the family’s strengths and uses natural supports along with community resources.
The Wraparound motto is doing “whatever it takes” to keep the child and family together safely. Once enrolled in Wraparound, children/youth typically remain in the program for a year or more though each family’s unique needs determine the length of stay within the program. Wraparound is considered a process not a service and, from the beginning of the process, the goal of Wraparound is for families to continue to succeed once formal supports (involvement of the CFT) has ended.
Referrals for Wraparound are made through Ventura County Probation, Behavioral Health and Human Services Agencies (Including Adoptions Assistance Program, Permanency Planning, Family Preservation, and Family Reunification).
Following the Ten Principles of Wraparound, the program takes a unique approach to working with youth and families having the most acute and complex needs in the county. While taking a family-driven, needs-focused, strength-based approach, the Wraparound team comprised of a Family Facilitator, Parent Partner, and Family Specialist works with the entire Child & Family Team to address the family’s needs in twelve life domains:
The CFT team develops a Mission Statement as well as a Safety and Crisis Plan and a Plan of Care - all are constantly reviewed and revised as the family needs change throughout the process.
Following a competitive bid process overseen by Ventura County Human Services Agency, Casa Pacifica was awarded the Wraparound program contract in 2003, and then ‘re-awarded’ the program in 2007 and 2010. While the contract is set to provide services for 50 active families, we work collaboratively with the county referring agencies to provide services to approximately 60-75 families per month including those families receiving 90-day follow-up support after graduating from the Wraparound program.
Wraparound also provides an outpatient substance abuse group for youth displaying high risk behavior associated with substance use. Addiction is not a requirement of participation in this group. Using Matrix Model, an evidence based program from UCLA, services include three groups weekly, random drug testing, linkage to community 12-step programs, and family/individual therapy and support.
Marissa Espinoza, M.A., Program Manager
Phone: (805) 388-7753
E-mail: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
