​WRAPAROUND SERVICES FOR YOUR ADHD CHILD:
WHAT IS IT AND HOW CAN IT HELP?

The May 2002 edition of the Brown University
Child and Adolescent Behavior Letter includes
an article about wraparound services for kids.
Wraparound services are designed to meet the
total needs of each individualclient. It
usually involves a planning process that
creates an individualized set of servies
and supports for a child and the family.

The Brown letter cites a Burns and Goldman
(1999) article that lists the 10 essential
elements of wraparound services.

1. Services must be community-based.

2. Services must be individualized, strength
based and designed to meet the needs of
childrento promote success, safety and
permanence in home, school and community.

3. The process must be culturally competent.

4. Families must be full and active
participants in every aspect of the process.

5. The approach must be team-drive, involving
the child, family, natural supports, agencies
and the community servies working together to
develop, implement and evaluate the
individualized plan.

6. The teams must have adequate, flexible
approaches and flexible funding.

7. Individualized plans must include formal
and informal services.

8. An unconditional commitment to serve
children and families is essential.

9. The process should be interagency,
community-based and collaborative.

10. Outcomes must be determined and
measured for the child/family, the program
and the system.

In McHenry County, I had the opportunity to
participate in the design, implementation
and evaluation of a wraparound program for an
ADHD child. This program incorporated all of
the above elements. The local mental health
board provided a case coordinator. The
school system, big brother program, respite
care, myself and other community based
agenices participated.

What resulted was a comprehensive program for
this child and accounted for his daily activites
with goals and objectives for every aspect of
his life. The parents even were able to access
respite care so they could go out together on
a Saturday evening to help strengthen the
marriage.

The Brown article offers an example from
Milwaukee which also incorporates all ten elements.
This is a model that holds promise and could
be helpful in managing the more difficult children.