As the rates of children and young adults with complex emotional and behavioral issues continued to rise, there was an ever increasing demand for new and adaptive treatment solutions; this is how wraparound services came to be.

Wraparound services are individualized treatment plans designed to meet the unique needs of the client built upon their strengths.

But what does all of this mean?
Wraparound services consist of a group of professionals collaborating and working together to provide an adequate level of support for the client. Wraparound services touch on several different aspects of the client's life; from psychotherapy, to educational support, job skills training, medication management, life skills training, case management, and nutrition and exercise. Each treatment plan is built upon the client's individual strengths, and goals are designed specific to the level and functionality of the client.

Common Services
Psychotherapy- Psychotherapy services help individuals to process their thoughts, work towards personal goals, and gain the necessary skills and tools needed to become successful in independent living. Psychotherapy is provided by a licensed professional such as LPC, LCPC, LMSW, LCSW, LFMT, LMHC, or Clinical Psychologist.

Educational Support- Education support consists of education coaches, school psychologists, and special education teachers all working together collaboratively to help the individual get the specific assistance needed to become successful in an educational setting. Tools and skills taught include organizing, prioritizing, time management, individual mentoring, study skills, and accountability.

Jobs Skills Training
Job skills training includes a professional who helps the individual learn the necessary skills to obtain and maintain employment. Such skills include resume building, mock interviews, hygiene etiquette, social skills, and customer service skill building.

Medication Management
Medication management can include a psychiatrist and registered nurse assuring that the individual is receiving the proper medication, and assist them with daily distribution.
Life Skills Training- Life skill training is incorporated to help the individual learn how to successfully live independently. Skills taught can include cleaning, organization, cooking, grocery shopping, budgeting, transportation, nutrition and fitness, and time management.

Case Management
Case management includes an individual that is working with all parties included in the wraparound services, ensuring that proper and adequate support is being met.

Structure
Wraparound services enable a client to live independently, while receiving support in various spectrums to enhance their overall success and quality of life. The team of professionals works closely with the client and the family, to help identify strengths and common goals of treatment outcomes. Treatment plans are then aimed to meet the goals of the individual, and enhance client efficacy along the way.

Wraparound services are often built on a scaffolding model. What this means is that the initial treatment plan includes a higher level of support from the team of professionals. As the client works through his/her plan, and is meeting the agreed upon goals, the level of support decreases. So, as the client begins to learn the necessary skills and tools to live independently and is gaining confidence in his/her abilities, the team of professionals slowly pull back support as the client takes more responsibility and control of their lives.

About the Author:
Kaela Haycraft is the admissions director for Northwest College Support, a company that specializes in Aftercare wraparound support services for young adults. Kaela has provided wraparound support services to clients and their families for over five years, and has worked her way up from managing an aftercare program to her current position as Admissions Director. For more information, contact Kaela at 877-485-2776, admissions@collegesupportnw.com, or visit www.collegesupportnw.com.