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| Wraparound: A Guide for Families |
| Wraparound is the term used to describe a process of providing mental health and related services to children who have emotional and behavorial disorders. |
| It is characterized by such concepts as whatever it takes, families as the primary decision-makers for their children, individualized plans, strength-based flexible funding, no reject and unconditional care. |
| In Pennsylvania, under Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment (EPSDT), children who are eligible for Medical Assistance (MA) have access to any treatment considered medically necessary for physical or mental health problems. Wraparound is the term used to describe these expanded services available under EPSDT. |
| (Editor's Note: For information about the step-by-step process to obtain Medical Assistance regardless of parent's income contact PIN, 1-800-688-4226) |
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| How It Works |
| There are certain basic elements which must be present. |
| Eligibility |
| 1. Your child must be enrolled in a local Base Service Unit (BSU). |
| 2. Your child must have MA. |
| 3. The agency providing the services must be an enrolled Provider 50 Type with a mental health license. |
| The Wraparound Meeting |
| 1. There must be a meeting/s to discuss, plan and develop the wraparound plan--the services and supports of your child needs. These meetings cannot take place without the family. The purpose of the meeting is to provide a forum for you to describe exactly what you need to support your child at home. |
| 2. You may invite other people to the meeting, anyone whom you think will be helpful to this process. |
| 3. Before the meeting: |
| -Think of what you and your child need. The supports and services do not have to be what are usually thought of as mental health services. For example, if trying to get your child up and ready for school is a problem you can ask for someone to come to your house to assist you. |
| -It may be helpful to think about your child's needs for school days, both day and evening time, and weekend or vacation time. |
| -Write down everything that you think would be helpful to you or your child. Make a list and bring that list to the meeting. |
| 4. Because wraparound services and planning are new, some counties may not have a range of providers for families to meet with. This may mean a provider could say to you, "You cannot have that service because we do not do it." |
| 5. MA will fund any service which is considered medically necessary. If you are denied a service because it is not currently available, ask how other resources in you county can be pulled in to create the service. Representatives from the County Mental Health Program should be present. Ask this person who can facilitate that service for you. |
| 6. If you are told that something is difficult to do or arrange due to scheduling difficulties, remind people that this is not a reason for your to be denied a medically necessary service. |
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| If you want additional assistance in navigating the wraparound process, call PIN, 215-751-1800 or 1-800-688-4226 |
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