SB 163
Wraparound services are strength-based mental health services delivered to youth in the community with the goal of avoiding a more restrictive setting. Gaining in popularity in the United States in the 1980s, Wraparound became a formal program in California in 1997 through enactment of SB 163, which allowed counties to develop Wraparound programs using state and county AFDC-FC funding for youth in foster care. Wraparound is funded through the Child Welfare Services Realignment Local Revenue Fund and Adoption Assistance Program (AAP) dollars.
What is it?
SB 163 Wraparound was developed to safely stabilize at-risk adoptive children and their families at home or in homelike settings, keep them healthy, in school and out of trouble while empowering families to care for and nurture their children with the necessary and appropriate supportive services.
The approach is designed to improve outcomes for high-need foster and adoptive youth. As these young people “age out” of the system at age 18, those with family involvement and support are more likely to thrive.
What does it allow Expressions of Hope to do?
The wraparound services developed in SB 163 allow us to build on the strengths of each eligible child and family and be tailored to address their unique and changing needs. Through these funds, we can provide:
Basic services, such as assistance with housing or transportation
Socialization experiences and recreational activities to develop peer relationships and psychosocial skills
Family education (parenting classes, problem solving, and daily living skills)
Educational/vocational support
Mental health services and 24-hr crisis intervention
Parent advocacy support
Development of an ISP