What is Wraparound?

FamilyWise is growing our Wraparound program to make its services available to more families across Minnesota. People use the term “wraparound” in different ways, so this month we want to take a closer look at Wraparound – what it is and how it helps families.  

What is Wraparound? 

When we talk about Wraparound (“Wrap” for short), we are talking about High-Fidelity Wraparound, a nationally recognized model that helps youth with significant behavioral, emotional, and mental health issues. To “wrap” young people and their families in support and resources, the program: 

• Allows youth to remain in their communities rather than being placed in a correctional or residential treatment facility.
• Establishes a team of formal and informal supports. 
• Develops a plan to meet each youth’s goals and to build long-term support from the community that continues long after Wrap ends. 
• Works on that plan step-by-step with successes that build the confidence of the family to achieve their goals. 
• Supports the whole family in receiving the resources that they need. 

The Wraparound process ends when the whole family feels more stable and believes they can continue to work towards their goals on their own. Families typically enroll in Wrap for 9 months to 1 year. 

What makes Wraparound unique? 

Instead of focusing on what a family lacks, Wraparound helps families identify what they have. This strengths-based approach puts the focus on an individual or family’s capacity, skills, and potential. Wraparound centers individuals’ and families’ voice and choice in creating solutions. Engaging the wisdom of families leads to solutions that are sustainable beyond program involvement. 

“What is unique about Wraparound is that it’s not just about quick fixes; it’s about building lasting change and resilience,” says FamilyWise Wraparound Facilitator Abubakr Ashiro. “Families become active partners, which really helps them feel empowered and in control of their own journey. It values the voices of the family, creating a sense of ownership in the process, which can lead to more sustainable outcomes.”

How does Wraparound change the lives of young people and their families? 

Wraparound strengthens the ability of youth and their families to identify and call on natural supports (such as coaches, neighbors, clergy) to stabilize crises, assess their own needs, and make sound decisions.  

“Many families enter the program feeling overwhelmed and uncertain, but as they begin to work with their team and see progress, they develop a sense of control over their situation,” says Senior Wraparound Facilitator Alton Brown. “Young people often show increased resilience, better emotional regulation, and improved relationships with their families and peers. For families, I’ve seen stronger communication, improved coping strategies, and a renewed sense of hope for the future. Wraparound truly helps families rebuild a foundation of stability and support.”