Aligning for Action: California's Wraparound Initiative Taking Flight to New Heights!

Wraparound is all about flexing proactive muscles, supporting communities to support families whenever they need it most. 

Ever heard of a superhero squad dedicated to empowering superhero families? That's exactly what California's Wraparound Initiative is building! But before we dive into said superhero squad’s future, let's take a quick trip through Wraparound's origin story.  

The Past 

Wraparound’s roots began in the 1970s. Wraparound was a novel idea in that it sought to empower families through community support, fostering flexible care (a.k.a. unconditional care), developing collaborative plans that prioritize family needs and positive outcomes, all to prevent problems and improve lives. California planted its own Wraparound garden in the 1980’s. Since then, families have flourished and the number of agencies providing Wraparound support has grown.  

Building Upon a Foundation of Success 

California's Wraparound Initiative is learning from the past and ensuring the spirit and core principles of Wraparound are interwoven with every step we take toward high-fidelity Wraparound with a clear, effective process. 

In 2018-2019, research on the effectiveness of Wraparound was conducted in 46 out of California’s 58 counties. The research was asking, “What makes Wrapround so effective? Why does this work?” As a result, the report, Standardizing Success: Recommendations for California Wraparound Certification was created and provides strategies to support the future of Wraparound.  

Here are some key recommendations from the report: 

• Unified Approach: The report suggests that standardizing care in California Wraparound programs (ensuring all Wraparound programs adhere to core principles, processes and best practices) will lead to improved outcomes for children and families across the state. 
• Focus on Fidelity: Statewide Wraparound Certification will ensure programs meet established standards for Wraparound implementation, guaranteeing families receive the most effective support. 
• Building Expertise: A qualified workforce is essential. The recommendations outline training and development programs to equip Wraparound providers with the necessary skills. 

• Data-Driven Decisions: The report calls for robust data collection to track program effectiveness and identify areas for improvement. 
• Continuous Improvement: The certification process won't be static. Ongoing monitoring and evaluation will ensure Wraparound programs adapt and evolve to best meet the needs of California's families. 

By implementing these recommendations, California dreams of creating a gold standard for Wraparound, empowering families and strengthening communities throughout the state.  

Leveling Up 

Recognizing the need for a unified Wraparound community in California, the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) and UC Davis’s Resource Center for Family Focused Practice (RCFFP) established the Wraparound Steering Committee in 2020. This diverse group, with more than 200 years of combined Wraparound experience, is working to improve practices and outcomes for children, youth and families through collaboration and strategic planning. Their goals include data analysis, curriculum review and policy development–all focused on building a strong Wraparound community across the state. 

Paving the Path to High-Fidelity Wraparound 

Achieving high-fidelity Wraparound is not just about ticking boxes for certification. Like most complex organizational initiatives, the secret ingredient is culture, and the Wraparound culture is so well-positioned in its dedication to genuine collaboration, integration and partnership.  

As a member of the California Wrapround Steering Committee and a 20-year champion of Wraparound, here are some recurring themes I have observed that might guide our Wraparound realignment. 

• Kin-First & Families Always: Families and youth are the heroes of their own stories. Their voices and choices matter most. We empower and support youth to be connected and utilize their family as support and healing in their journeys. We share power with youth and families. 
• Community Care: Remember your awesome neighbor who always lends a hand? That's the spirit of community-based care; tapping into the natural support systems around families. 
• Cultural Champions: Every family is unique, and so is their cultural background. We're building a system that celebrates and understands these differences. 
• Prevention Powerhouse: Stopping problems before they start is the key to a brighter future. 
• Flexible Funding: Sometimes a helping hand means concrete support like access to resources. Wraparound ensures families have what they need, when they need it. 
• Integration Station: Breaking down silos! Different systems working together as one seamless unit is the integration dream. County agencies and communities have to partner together for Wraparound Implementation.  
• Family-Youth-Professional Power Trio: This team of champions works together to create a supportive environment for families and youth. 
   

Wraparound Without Borders 

California is not alone in this quest! Similar movements like, "Thriving Families, Safer Children" and "Family Resource Centers" are popping up across the country. We're all working toward the same goal: supported families and thriving communities. 

The Future 

Remember when support only came after a crisis hit? Not anymore. Wraparound is all about flexing proactive muscles, supporting communities to support families whenever they need it most. Imagine a system where all levels of care—from Wraparound-informed to high-fidelity—seamlessly blend to support families. Speaking of families, they're not just bystanders in this story. High-fidelity Wraparound empowers families, youth and professionals to co-design and oversee the entire process. It's a true team effort. 

With the future of Wraparound already bright, it’s easy to imagine it getting even brighter. Here are some indicators of where we are headed next: 

• Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support Wraparound: Imagine AI technology tools that help with training, engagement, fidelity, and even addressing bias (think high-tech sidekick!).  
• Some communities are working toward a system with "one Wrap-box"; a single, unified Wraparound continuum for seamless support.  
• Some communities are shifting to a community-based model similar to OpenTable and San Diego’s Community-based Wraparound, where the process was trained and educated to community healers to support families in need without the threat of policing and surveillance.  
• Physical health and managed care entities are joining the Wraparound movement in many communities. For instance, you might see Wraparound-informed care with enhanced care management and enhanced member benefits provided by a health insurance provider.    

Unconditional Care 

Finally, let’s be reminded of the ultimate future-guiding principle for California Wraparound: unconditional care; that is, persistence, and what I like to call “relentless effort.” No matter what, families know they can always rely on Wraparound for unwavering support. It's a "no-eject, no-reject" zone, where whatever it takes gets done to empower children, youth, and families to soar! This requires a focus on unconditional care, one that never turns its back on families, no matter the circumstance. 

A few years back, we celebrated Wraparound’s 20th birthday. I can only imagine the impact we, together as one unified California Wraparound community, will have 20 years from now. As a member of the California Wraparound Steering Committee and a heartfelt California Wraparound Champion, I am excited to see the seeds of integration flourish as we walk into the future of healing with California Wraparound program certification.  

Are you ready to join the California Wraparound Initiative? 

Contributing author Jarred "Jay Vermillion is a Wraparound Fidelity and Training Manager at The National Center for Innovation & Excellence. He is also a Wraparound Steering Committee member, Wraparound expert consultant, head of Vermillion Life Circle Consulting, lived experience expert and ever-popular instructor for the Resource Center for Family-Focused Practice (RCFFP).

Read additional articles from this issue of the Wraparound Connections Newsletter!