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Youth & Families

Child Mental Health Wraparound

A Guide for
Youth and Families

An initiative of the Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA), the Child Mental Health Wraparound Program (CMHW) is designed to address the demands of youth with complex needs and/or who are in danger of out-of-home placement.

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Program Overview

Welcome to the Indiana Child Mental Health Wraparound Program (CMHW). CMHW participants have a variety of service providers available to help build hope for your family. Every family will partner with a Wraparound Facilitator. Other services may be added to your unique plan of care based on your family’s needs and availability in your county.

Download Guide

Child Mental Health Wraparound Youth & Family Guide

Let’s meet your team!

Through the wraparound approach, you’ll collaborate with a committed team of family, friends, community members and professional supports to develop a personalized care plan. The plan will be tailored to the youth’s unique needs by incorporating available resources, talents and strengths. Familiarize yourself with the role each team member will serve throughout the process.

Wraparound Facilitator!

Hi, I’m a Wraparound Facilitator!

  • I am your first point of contact for Wraparound.
  • I drive the process, from the beginning when we assemble a team and you share your family story, to the end when we celebrate your youth and family’s growth and success.
  • I help set and maintain ground rules for team meetings, explore and engage team member strengths, and manage your family’s plan of care.
  • At our first visit, we’ll create a crisis plan for safety for your family.
  • I make sure your family’s voice is heard and utilized throughout Wraparound.
  • I communicate with you and other team members weekly to check in around tasks from our plan of care and to prepare for our monthly team meetings.

Hi, I’m your Informal/Natural Support!

  • I am your neighbor, best friend, grandparent, coach, faith leader, or any other individual connected to your family who wants to see you succeed.
  • Wraparound works best when there are informal supports on the team, and your Wraparound Facilitator will help you find these people in your life who you can lean on for support.
  • I attend all team meetings, and when Wraparound is over, I’ll still be here for you.

Informal/Natural Support

Unpaid Caregiver Provider

Hi. I’m a Training and Support for the Unpaid Caregiver Provider!

  • Often referred to as “FST.”
  • I educate and support the caregiver(s) to increase confidence and empowerment.
  • I attend all team meetings and typically see the caregiver a few times a week. We may work together in your home or in community spaces. I can help you develop skills like home management, parenting, crisis de-escalation, and coping with difficult situations.
  • Most of our sessions will be in person, but we can use phone sessions a few times a month.
  • I make sure your family’s voice is heard and utilized throughout Wraparound.
  • I communicate with you and other team members weekly to check in around tasks from our plan of care and to prepare for our monthly team meetings.

Hi, I’m a Respite Provider!

  • I give the caregiver a break. Maybe you need weekly scheduled time to grocery shop without your youth, or go to the gym, or spend 1-1 time with a younger sibling. Schedule respite for those planned breaks you need that help increase your well-being.
  • You can also use respite for unexpected emergencies, such as the need to care for a loved one out of town, when you have no other caregivers available for the youth.
  • I attend all team meetings, and I can care for the youth for a few hours at a time or for overnight stays. I cannot provide childcare for when you are attending work or school.
  • There are two location-types for respite:
    • Facility-based Respite (FBR) – this kind of respite happens in a DMHA-authorized
    • facility.
    • Home- and community-based Respite (HCBR) – this kind of respite happens in your
      • home and/or community.

Respite Provider

Habilitation Provider

Hi, I’m a Habilitation Provider!

  • Often referred to as “Hab.”
  • I help the youth develop and improve social, emotional, and decision-making skills.
  • I attend all team meetings and typically see the youth a few times a week. We’ll have sessions in your home to go to community spaces like parks and libraries to work on the youth’s goals and need from the plan of care.
  • We’ll role play, use games and scenarios, and engage in real-life practice to develop the youth’s skills.

FAQ

We understand that starting this journey can feel overwhelming, but know you’re not alone. To help guide you through the process, we’ve gathered answers to frequently asked questions. Whether you’re seeking guidance, available resources or what to expect along the way, you’ll find the answers you need here.

What is your role
as the caregiver?

  • First, read through the National Wraparound Initiative Wraparound Process User’s Guide – where you will find more detailed information about what to expect from the Wraparound process.
  • Share your family’s story, needs, and vision for your future with the team.
  • Attend and participate in monthly team meetings.
  • Collaborate with your team regularly to communicate challenges and successes.
  • Use the crisis plan that is developed with the team if/when your youth has a crisis event.
  • CMHW is a voluntary program that works best with your full engagement.