Families with individuals who are intellectually or developmentally disabled or handicapped are selected by the Department of Health and Human Services in each state of the U.S. for participation in a personalized Family Support Plan. This family-centered plan is coordinated by a caseworker or case manager, but it is designed by the family to allow ownership, meaningful involvement, and successful outcomes for the family. The family-centered team is selected by the family to meet for the purpose of identifying specific family strengths and needs, and to help the family decide options for support services. Once the plan is formulated, it is guided by the family. It is only revised if needed, and must be reviewed and updated annually by the family and the family's selected team. The plan is considered successfully implemented when the family achieves agreed-upon goals and obtains a better quality of life.
Eligibility
Targeted participants often already have ongoing services from one or more programs provided under the umbrella of the State Department of Health and Human Services. Selection is based on referrals by agencies already working with high-risk or handicapped persons and their families. Participation is allowed through assessments. The Legislature in each state establishes the family support planning process for the particular state. The State Department of Children and Family Services has the responsibility to oversee the processing of family support planning services. The terms "Wraparound Services" or "Coordinated Services" are also used to describe a family that has opted into the family support planning process.
Assignment
Your family, if selected for support family planning, will be assigned a case worker or a case manager. These individuals are all employed by the Department of Health and Human Services in the Office of Children and Family Services. Case workers are regular employees with Human Services and work in child protection, children's services and adoption. Case managers are contracted with the same office and provide a case management function with children and families.
Team Engagement
Your family will create its own family-centered team. The role of decision-making to care for your own family members is part of the family support planning process. Your team can include formal and informal supports for your family. Therapists, clergy, school personnel, medical professionals, a guardian, a neighbor, aunts and uncles, grandparents or any individual important in your family's life is acceptable as team members. The requirement for a team member is someone with an vested interest in achieving agreed-upon goals for your family that will improve your quality of life. Set a time for the team to meet to create the family-centered plan.
Plan Development
Your family-centered plan should address problems of your various family members. Specific roles for each person in the family will create meaningful involvement. At your family team meeting, begin by writing down the family needs and concerns. Write down the desired outcomes or goals. Identify your resources, family strengths, and what services and supports are needed to achieve your goals and desired outcomes. Remember to include outcomes that involve your family interacting with the community, home-based services and support, family health, school, work and family living. This plan is only the initial family plan and can be updated or modified if needed. Any modification requires the team to be present. Invite the team to meet periodically if changes need to be made. The team should review and update the plan at least once a year.
Plan Implementation
Implementing the family support plan is the responsibility of all team members, but the family has the bulk of the work. Outcomes projected in the plan are achieved by family participation and perseverance. Limited funds are available through the Department of Children and Family Services, the Department of Health and the Department of Education to offer technical assistance to your family for the implementation of your family support plan. Service providers or support services will coordinate with the case worker for payment on the hours spent with your family.
Achieved Outcomes
Achieved outcomes bring meaning to family members' lives. The ultimate goal is for your family members to successfully thrive within the context of family living. Each achieved outcome or goal should be dated. This will be reported to your family team at the next family support planning meeting. Achieved outcomes encourage family team members to continue working with the plan. Successful completion of the family support planning process enhances family life and personal well being.
Transition
The final step in the family support planning process is a transition to a long-term view for your family's safety, education, vocation, supportive community ties, health concerns, financial stability or anything specific to your personal and family goals. Your team will encourage you to maintain an active role in community life and a sense of belonging to your community and family. The transition encompasses all relationships that enrich your family life. A revised family support plan will be established at the time of transition taking into account family concerns, priorities and resources.
References
- "Journal of Child and Family Studies" journal; Adherence to Wraparound Principles and Association With Outcomes; E.J. Bruns, J.C. Suter, M.M. Force, & J.D. Burchard; 2005 vol 14, pg 521-534
- "Community Treatment for Youth: Evidence-based Interventions for Severe Emotional and Behavioral Disorders"; J.D. Burchard, E.J. Burns, S.N. Burchard; 2002
- "The Strengths Perspective in Social Work Practice"; D. Saleebey; 2001 (2nd ed.)
