‘Wrap-Around Services’ Tailored To Each Family

Some families are beset with such a myriad of problems - homelessness, unemployment, substance abuse - that they fear they’ll never escape.

Lacking a support network and unsure of how to escape their predicaments, they often are too discouraged to apply for help.

Members of the Kootenai Alliance for Children and Families are exploring a different approach to helping families - one that gives families more control.

It’s called “wrap-around services,” and it’s a growing trend in social services around the country.

“It coordinates services and streamlines them,” said Greg Johnson, family resource specialist for the Coeur d’Alene School District. “It becomes an individual plan for the family.”

Once a family in need is identified by a school district, a homeless shelter or some other agency or organization, wrap-around services can kick in.

A coordinator calls a meeting with the family, representatives from relevant agencies and anyone close to the family who also can provide support.

“We have each of those components all in the same room,” Johnson explained. “The family becomes the case manager. They decide what they want.”

The idea is to highlight the family’s strengths and to build on them, said Jim Bell, coordinator for the year-old wrap-around services program in Spokane County. There, the program is called “individualized and tailored care.”

The team approach improves communication and allows for more efficient delivery of services. If a service doesn’t exist that the family needs, then the team has to create the service.

“If we get the participation and support of those key people (the family), it’s my feeling (it) can’t fail,” Bell said.

The Kootenai alliance, made up of more than 20 agencies concerned with children, is bringing in Dr. Lucille Eber, an expert on wrap-around services, to lead a seminar Friday at Lake City High School. The seminar will run from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and costs $10 for non-teachers.

, DataTimes