January 2013

CALIFORNIA WRAPAROUND

A Breath of Fresh Air

John, Nicole, Paul and Ivannah

IN THIS ISSUE

Wraparound Family Experience ..........................Cover

Editor’s Column: The Warmth of Togetherness ........ 2

Paying It Forward....................... 3

Wraparound Advisory Committee ................................ 4

Continuum of Care Reform: The New Fiscal Workgroup ............... 5

California Hub Reports .............. 6

Announcements ........... Back cover

That is how Nicole and her husband, John, described their Wraparound experience. The family had an open DCFS case and was extremely frustrated as Nicole and John tried to work with all the plans and services the juvenile court ordered.

“My goal was to get my son out of foster care and back home,” Nicole said.

They tried all the “usual” services like parenting classes, mental health treatment, etc. Nothing seemed to help improve Nicole’s relationship with her son, Paul. She described everyone in the family as angry and defensive, and there was no positive communication.

Paul, the oldest, took a seat on the couch next to his mom, who was holding the newest member of the family, baby Ivannah. When Paul spoke, he was polite and reflective. He listened to what his mom and step-father had to say and joined in the conversation. He shared his thoughts about what made a difference for him.

“This,” Nicole said, looking around the room at her family sitting together and sharing, “would have never happened without Wraparound.”

Paul described how he would shut down and not talk. He was angry all the time. He would walk out of counselors’ offices and refuse to go to appointments. He did not know how to express himself and didn’t trust that anyone would care to listen. “I feel more confident now, and I can handle myself,” Paul said.

Nicole and John described hectic and chaotic family situations ending in crisis. They described other family stressors such as a less than ideal living situation and the economy that took a toll on family resources. Nicole was considering taking Paul out of the state when she called a meeting with everyone she could think of from DCFS. It was at that meeting Nicole made her mission clear that, no matter what, she wanted to keep her son at home. Someone from the Wraparound team was at that meeting and spoke up. He asked her to try working with them. Because the family had reached a critical crisis point, the offer of Wraparound sounded good, and the family started Wraparound the next day.

“They came to the house, so there was no running here and there for appointments,” Nicole said. “It was the first time someone just listened and actually heard my frustration. There were no papers to go over, and plans to sign. There was no agenda except to listen. It was powerful.”

For the first time she had hope. The follow-up meetings occurred around the family’s schedule and centered on their needs. According to Nicole, “The Wraparound team helped Paul and me open up, and I learned better ways to communicate with him. I learned what his needs were. That was big!”

John agreed that the same skills they learned early on are still used today and that learning new communication skills has paid off.

continued

Deborah K. Lowery, M.S.W., DirectorResource Center for Family-Focused PracticeCenter for Human Services, UC Davis Extension

Editor’s Column:

The Warmth of Togetherness

One of the greatest benefits of Wraparound is bringing families together. Whether it means a child or youth is able to return

from an out-of-home placement or family members who have been estranged are reunited over shared concern for their younger members, Wraparound is a powerful mechanism for strengthening families.

As much as families value their Child and Family Team members, parent partners and other Wraparound providers, we will all move on. Wraparound helps families to build on their strengths and enhance their resilience so they can meet challenges and know when to reach out for help. When families have the confidence to face what life will bring, we know we have made the positive contribution that brought us to our work.

Winter brings opportunities to come together with those whom we love the most. From cold, rainy days to special holidays that allow us to be together. Wraparound can help support positive behavior, assist families in making plans, and sometimes even help to put the food on the table. Individually, it can feel like such small things, but any of these things can transform a potentially stressful day into one of pleasure in being together. Such days are the building blocks of committed family relationships.

Our wish for you is wonderful time with your own family. Rest, relax, enjoy and revive! Treasure your time together and take pride in what you help other families achieve. We look forward to another year of Wraparound together.

Warmly,

Debbie

“Paul knows that what he has to say is important, too, and we listen now,” Nicole said. “It [Wraparound] was not always rosy. I had to learn patience, and we all had to be accountable to each other.”

She also realized that all the goals they made with Wraparound were theirs, not DCFS’ or the court’s. “They went with me to meetings with social workers and judges. The team members spent time with each of us, and that was a gift.” The important thing for Nicole was to have access to someone on the team during stressful periods. “We had a crisis plan, but never really had to use it. I could always call and talk things out. I felt important and heard. I discovered new ways to resolve problems,” she said.

Wraparound helped the family in so many ways. Paul described his Wraparound person as someone who was “always real” and would listen to what he needed. “They made it a safe place to be in the family,” said Paul. The Wraparound team could see the bigger picture.

Today, the family is grateful to Wraparound and still has contact with team members from time to time. “We can still call—that’s the best thing. It’s like they are always a part of you,” Nicole stated.

John hoped that Wraparound would continue to be funded and available to families when they first run into trouble, not as the last resort. Nicole commented that Wraparound, from the beginning, would save time, and more families like hers could stay together.

Today Paul is confident, secure and feels safe to voice his needs. He is a high school senior and looking forward to attending college. Nicole and John are busy parents with lots of interests. The family is hopeful about the future as John shared plans to start a new business. Baby Ivannah’s infectious smile is a window into the love they all share. Nicole loves her job as a mom and shared that Wraparound will always be in her heart (and a phone call away).

cover story continued

2

Our focus this year was “Strengthening

“If I can leave you with one thing, it would be to let your children follow their dreams and assist them in making possibilities come true.”

3

We need you!California Wraparound Connections helps to spread the innovations occurring in Wraparound throughout the state. No matter what your role in Wraparound, you have a story worth sharing.

If you are a family, you can share what worked for you in Wraparound. If you work within Wraparound, then you have an idea, an approach, a lesson learned to share.

Ways to contribute•Nominateafamilytobeprofiledasa

cover story (We come to you! Please share past cover stories so families understand that we are strength-based!)

•Writeaparentpartnercolumn(about500words) or, alternatively, volunteer to be interviewed about your selected topic and we will write the article.

•Writeafeaturearticleorshortarticle(1,000wordsor500words)aboutasuc-cess, lesson learned or innovative practice.

• Submitpoetryorothercreativeendeavorsby children, youth and family that reflect Wraparound.

If you are interested, please contact Monica Caprio at macaprio@ucdavis.edu to obtain information on how you can contribute. We look forward to hearing from you!

3

Paying It ForwardBy Lanita Mims, Family Partner

After attending an IEP for my son in 1993, I left the meeting feeling defeated and bewildered by the process. I drove to the nearest bookstore and attempted to locate a self-help book to help me learn more about what was happening with my son and what to expect from an IEP. Unable to find anything to help me, and now feeling completely overwhelmed, I left the store, sat on a bench outside and began to cry.

Within a few minutes a woman walking past me realized I was crying and approached me to ask if I was okay. Normally wary of strangers, I sensed that this woman was genuine in her concern and felt I could confide in her.

When I finished sharing my story, I learned that my confidante was none other than Carolyn Cooper, one of the founding mothers of United Advocates for Children and Families. Carolyn invited me to attend a meeting that evening, where I met other parents with similar frustrations. During the course of the meeting, each person was matched with a parent partner, someone who could assist with navigating the often complicated educational, child welfare and juvenile probation processes.

I left the meeting with renewed hope, a list of resources to assist me and a plan of action for future meetings regarding my son’s educational needs. And so our journey began. Despite his challenges, my son went on to graduate high school on time and is currently taking college classes with the hope of one day becoming a five-star chef.

Carolyn and I remain friends to this day, and I am beyond grateful for the assistance I received that fateful day. Inspired by Carolyn and others like her, and full of knowledge that could help other families, I became a family partner and have been one for 18 years. After all these years, I continue to actively assist families, and I still find the experience very rewarding.

4

OnNovember13,2012,theCaliforniaDepartment of Social Services (CDSS) hosted the California Statewide Wraparound Advisory Committee (CWAC) in Sacramento. There were 45 people in attendance from various agencies and counties, including the California Department of Education, youth and parent partners and members from county probation, child welfare and mental health. The purpose of this committee is to ensure that Wraparound policies and practices strengthen the health, safety, stability and well-being of children, youth and families.

At the November meeting, the CWAC adopted its charter with an agreed-upon mission and vision. The committee also continued to look at four main topic areas of realignment, extended foster care (AB 12), Wraparound outcome data, and education (formerly AB 3632). These four workgroups have been meeting outside of the larger committee since the first convening in February 2012.Theycontinue to work on issues that affect Wraparound in the community and identify ways to support programs statewide. Brenda Usher presented information about the

use of implementation science and how this might be a tool that the workgroups can use to implement any practice or program changes that come from the groups.

Cheryl Treadwell provided an update on the Katie A. settlement agreement, which stipulates that children with mental health needs in the child welfare system get access to timely, effective services. As part of the agreement, CDSS will provide a Core Practice Model manual that addresses the collaboration and integration of services between child welfare and mental health. Most of the values and principles within this manual mirror that of Wraparound. In addition to this document, another manual was released

for comment by the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) around billing for two new services, Intensive Care Coordination (ICC) and Intensive Home-Based Services

(IHBS). The court agreement states that CDSS and DHCS will take steps to enable counties to deliver ICC and IHBS

to children and families in foster care, effectiveJanuary1,2013.

The CWAC members will continue to discuss the impact of the Katie A. settlement agreement on the California Wraparound program. More information will be forthcoming. The next CWAC meetingisscheduledforApril9,2013.Thank you to all those who support this committee and continue to strengthen

Wraparound in California.

Getting Established: The California Wraparound Advisory Committee

November 13, 2012

“Wraparound supports high-need children and youth to

be with those who know and love them.”

5

Continuum of Care Reform:

The New Fiscal WorkgroupThe California Department of Social Services (CDSS) has convened a large group of stakeholders that includes counties, leaders of the youth and provider communities, the County Welfare Directors’ Association, the National Center for Youth Law and other stakeholders to take on the challenge of reforming California’s foster care system. This endeavor is known as the Continuum of Care Reform (CCR). The CCR is a top priority of CDSS, and many individuals are engaged in the efforts of improving the system that serves our most vulnerable population. Three workgroups have been convened to address the program, fiscal and data aspects of the system.

The Program Workgroup has been looking at a variety of established practices such as Wraparound for ideas that could support the reform efforts. Members of the Integrated Services Unit (ISU) at CDSS presented information on California’s Wraparound program to inform all of the stakeholders of the values and principles of Wraparound. Many of the stakeholders found the

philosophy of Wraparound to be in line with other efforts of reform such as residentially based services and the California Partners for Permanency. These efforts are all strength-based, individualized and family-centered practices that are informing the changes within the foster care system.

The Fiscal Workgroup’s duty is to identify the action steps for implementing a systematic foster care funding approach that coordinates and effectively uses funding streams, including but not limited to child welfare, mental health, alcohol and drug, juvenile justice and special education. Again, a member from ISU presented on the fiscal components of Wraparound and the benefits of flexible funding to support necessary services that adhere to the philosophy of Wraparound. It is the hope that the CCR Fiscal Workgroup can identify and implement similar improvements.

The CCR Program and Fiscal Workgroups are looking through the lens of the Wraparound philosophy, principles and values for reform of the foster care system. Residential group

care has proven to be costly, lacks statewide standard practices, and has not provided the outcomes necessary for these vulnerable children. It is our hope that the basic values and principles of Wraparound will continue to be embedded in the reform efforts seen statewide.

6

Northern California Hub Meeting NotesThe Northern Hub met in Davis on November1,2012,andwasfacilitatedby co-chairs Nicole Nelson and Leticia Galyean of the Seneca Center.

There were several updates from Caroline Caton from CDSS, including the California Wraparound Advisory Committee (CWAC) report from the four workgroups on AB12, Realignment, Educational Services, and Outcome Measures/Wraparound Fidelity. The charter is due to be passed at the November CWAC meeting. The CWAC currently focuses on resource sharing, is a repository or clearinghouse of information, and reviews practice models and strengths.

Caroline also reviewed implementation timelines for Katie A., realignment information, SSI and tracking outcomes for Wraparound.

There was a large group discussion about realignment impacts or potential

impacts on Wraparound providers. Some counties are planning a fiscal structure. Many are waiting to see how others are handling Wraparound under realignment and appreciated the input from others. There will be a questionnaire coming out from the advisory committee on how programs/counties are spending Wraparound money and how they braid monies for Wraparound. All the hubs will get the questionnaire and will report back via the advisory members. Caroline handed out several letters including the planningallocationforthe2012-2013fiscal year and the group home rate letter.

Several tips for providers came out of the discussion including:

•Comparingthecostofservicestowhatthe cost would be if youth were in group home placements

•Developingawaytotrackandreportinformation on outcomes, including feedback from families as there will likely be questions from Boards of Supervisors regarding costs vs. benefits

•Establishingpriorities,includingwhereWraparound fits with other county programs

•Havingaplaninwritingonhowyouintend to use excess Wraparound funds

•Havingfamiliesbepreparedtotalkwith key administrative people regarding benefits

Afternoon discussions included Outcome and Evaluation tools used by providers, what’s collected and how they are reported, other funding sources and how they are used, including EPSDT, MHSA and SSI. Some counties have recently received authorization from private insurance for some Wraparound services.

Lynne Jones gave an update of trainings scheduled by UC Davis Extension and how to sign up.

The last part of the meeting was devoted to a discussion of possible training topics the hub members would like. Suggestions included braided funding, trauma-informed care, staff training and

roles of Wraparound team members, peer coaching, review and outcome report comparison between counties, documentation for Medi-Cal, and review of the documentation manual as well as the core practice model for Katie A. Please check the website at www.dss.ca.gov for the latest letters issued by CDSS.The next meeting will be February 7, 2013,atthesamelocationinDavis:EMQ FamiliesFirst.

Central California Hub Meeting SummaryThe Central Hub met in Monterey on October22,2012,andwashostedby Monterey County and the Action Council.

The meeting began with an excellent training by Monterey County on how it is dealing with fiscal challenges, including how its Wraparound program is currently structured as well as how it was structured in the past. The training addressed many aspects such as how the county is set up to deal with realignment issues related to Wraparound. The presentation also highlighted the structure of the county’s program and how it benefits families by having only one contract provider that acts as care coordinator. Coordinators have the ability to access all the resources needed by the families through the provider network via the Action Council. This structure allows flexibility in meeting individual family needs and, since all of the services are provided in the community and not just the Wraparound team, services can continue beyond Wraparound. The Action Council acts as the administrative services agent to find the needed resources, develop a contractual agreement and provide oversight to ensure services are delivered and communication is occurring. If you are interested in more details, please contact Jason Hall: Jason@actioncouncil.org.

Co-chair Jason Hall facilitated the afternoon portion of the hub that began with introductions and provider updates.

California Wraparound Hub Reports

7

Information from hub members included comments on staffing and referrals status; SELPAs and development of their version of Wraparound called REZ-WRAP; needs for training about Wraparound in the community; new programs like Intensive Family Services; and service and area expansion. San Luis Obispo County discussed how they are using realignment to increase slots and assist transition-age youth attending college through a financial assistance program.

Marcus, a parent partner attending the hub meeting shared his story and how he assists other parents who are new to Wraparound. Very inspiring!

Jim Dickinson from CDSS provided updates and handouts on several topics including: Katie A. and Realignment and a frequently asked questions summary. Details and links to more information can be found at www.childsworld.ca.gov. You can email CDSSAB118@dss.ca.gov for comments or questions you have about realignment.

Jim also discussed psychotropic medication use among foster youth. This is a growing concern that will be addressed by CDSS and DHCS in a joint committee that hopes to establish a QI project and develop guidelines. Jim also reported on the California Wraparound Advisory Committee (CWAC) which meets again in November. The members will develop a plan to disseminate information to providers. It will be a forum to review all of the Wraparound related ACLs, CFLs and ACINs.

Lynne Jones from the Resource Center for Family-Focused Practice provided information on regional Trainings for Trainers scheduled by UC Davis Extension.

Finally, Jason announced that Peter Gonzalez, program supervisor from EMQ FamiliesFirst in Fresno County, will be taking his place leading the Central Hub. Pete joins Julie Brueggeman as co-chairbeginningJanuary2013.Seetheupcoming hub meeting information for

their contact information.

Thanks to Jason for all his leadership over these past years.

The next meeting will be hosted by Mariposa County in Mariposa on January15,2013.

Southern California Hub Meeting SummaryThe Southern Hub met at St. Anne’s in LosAngelesonNovember19,2012.Marissa Espinoza began the meeting with roundtable sharing from counties.

Key updates included increases in numbers of families served by providers including self-referrals, new programs starting are already successful, LA County providers were recognized by DCFS for their quality work in connection with the county’s PQCR, expanding groups for parents and youth continue, stronger connections are reported with mental health providers, and use of private insurance coverage for some Wraparound services is finding success.

There were report outs from members of the California Wraparound Advisory Committees (CWAC) and the new committee charter was distributed. The Outcomes/Data subcommittee reviewed data collection tools and fidelity to Wraparound. The Outcome committee focuses on safety, permanence and well-being. Providers shared what they measure and report. The Education subcommittee will release a survey statewide on how providers are managing connections with schools/SELPAs. Emphasis is on the IDEA provisions and IEPs. Wraparound should never be listed as a service on an IEP. Providers discussed MOUs and agreements they have developed. Nearly all “related services” are mental health based. It was noted that there has been an increase in youth becoming court dependents that might normally have been served by AB 3632. It was also mentioned that the Group Home Alliance reported an increase in out-of-state placements. The After 18 subcommittee reported on the limits of AB 12 for non-

minor dependents. Wraparound would best target youth who are exiting care/transitioning from group homes. Some providers are experimenting with youth who have increased risks like those who are developmentally delayed or may have a child. The Realignment subcommittee will be sending out a survey to counties in order to develop a toolkit for counties/providers to use to support Wraparound.

Connie Hamilton from CDSS gave an update from the state, including status of Katie A. and the Title IV-E waiver. A draft proposal for the waiver will be coming out in December.

UC Davis Extension updates included training and webinar information and how to find new updates on the website. There was also a brainstorm of training topics the hub would like to schedule for future meetings. Members are to identify possible trainers.

The meeting was followed by an outstanding training from Michelle Guymon and Haina Cardenas from the Los Angeles County Probation Department’s Placement Services Bureau. The topic was Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking. The training provided a historical perspective, alarming statistics, information and a current look at what’s being done to educate the community and assist these young girls. The trainers challenged the way we think and talk about young people who are caught in this world. We heard from survivors, how they got there and what made a difference for them. The goal of this project is to bring awareness to the community, our leaders and our service providers to begin to see what’s really happening and provide support for a way out. The project managers feel Wraparound providers are one of several key groups that could have a positive impact on girls and their families who are vulnerable to this lifestyle. This was a powerful training that impacted everyone in the room.

The next meeting will be hosted by Fred Finch in San Diego County on February 25,2013.

Announcements

Upcoming Hub MeetingsNorthern California Hub MeetingThursday, February 7, 2013, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Location:EMQFamiliesFirst,21005thStreet,Davis,CA95616

Co-chairs: Leticia Galyean Leticia_galyean@senecacenter.org and

Nicole Nelson Nicole_Nelson@senecacenter.org with Seneca Center

Contact: Sarah Gerhart sgerhart@kinshipcenter.org

Central California Hub MeetingTuesday, January 15, 2013, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Hosted by: Mariposa County

Location: TBA Mariposa, CA

Co-chairs: Peter Gonzalez, program supervisor, EMQ FamiliesFirst in Fresno County(559)446-3097andJulieBrueggeman,regionaldirector,FamilyPreservation Services (661) 754-2277

Contacts: pgonzalez@familiesfirstinc.org and jbrueggeman@fpcscorp.com

Southern California Hub MeetingMonday, February 25, 2013, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Location: United Way of San Diego County, 4699 Murphy Canyon Rd., San Diego,CA92123Phone(858)492-2000

Co-chairs: Marissa Espinoza, program manager, Casa Pacifica-Ventura County (805)388-7753,andLuzParra,parentpartnerandadvocate,VistaDelMar(310)466-9810

Contacts: mespinoza@casapacifica.org and Luzparra@vistadelmar.org

CENTER FOR HUMAN SERVICES

123 168

For more information

Resource Center for Family-Focused PracticeCenter for Human Services UC Davis Extension University of California 1632 Da Vinci Court, Davis, CA 95618 Phone(530)752-9726Fax(530)754-5104Email resourcecenter@ucde.ucdavis.edu

www.humanservices.ucdavis.edu/resource

Visit the Resource Center website for highlights and workshop handouts from the 2012 Wraparound Institute:

www.humanservices.ucdavis.edu/wraparound2012