The wraparound process is an approach within a system of care to individualize services and supports for a youth and their family bringing together the key agencies and people in a youth and families life to achieve the goals and outcomes determined by the young person and their family.
Care Coordinator, and Case Manager Youth and young adults with complex mental health needs may benefit from the services of a care coordinator. Case managers and service or care coordinators may be one of any number of mental health professionals who organize appropriate services and supports for children and young adults with mental health challenges and their families. Generally, they coordinate mental health, social work, education, health, vocational, transportation, advocacy, respite care, and recreational services, as needed. A youth may have a plan of care (also called a service plan, treatment plan, or wraparound plan) that is specially designed for the individual youth and their family, based on individual strengths and needs. The plan is often developed collaboratively by the case manager or service coordinator with the youth and family. Case managers have an ongoing relationship with other individuals involved in providing care for the youth. A first aider may want to find out from the youth or their family whether they are involved in mental or behavioral health services and if the youth has a care plan and a service coordinator or care manager.
Informal or Natural Helpers and Social Supports Many young people seek out social support during times of crisis and distress. Social supports and natural helpers may be neighbors, friends, extended family, coworkers, or other people to whom an individual may turn for support, such as family partners, youth workers, respite workers, and some clergy. A strong social support network can provide emotional support, feelings of security, and an increased sense of belonging and self-worth, as well as tangible supports, such as money, transportation, or housekeeping. Informal or natural helpers help to address cultural and language barriers, the shortage of trained mental health professionals, and lack of access to transportation. Informal supports or natural helpers are a key component of a system of care and wraparound approach to serving children, youth, young adults, and their families. Helping young people and their families recognize and build their own social supports is an important role of the first aider.
Self-Help Strategies There is evidence that self-help strategies, complementary treatments, and lifestyle changes (e.g., exercise, meditation, yoga) can help adults with some mental illnesses but, in general, there has not been much research on which self-help strategies are effective in assisting youth and young adults. Some youth and young adults may benefit from self help strategies of different kinds. Even if strategies do not treat the mental disorder, they may help youth feel better and boost self-esteem. These practices may include more culturally relevant practices and can help young people to pursue overall health and well-being. Self-help strategies young people may be encouraged to try are those that » Interest them. For example, youth and young adults who enjoy media and art may want to try expressing their feelings through their art and may feel that this has some benefits for them. » Encourage a sense of achievement or satisfaction. For example, young people may learn a new piece of music or complete a challenging task. » Are social. For example, youth and young adults may join a club or make sure to see friends regularly.
Are likely to be safe.
For example, exercise and massage have positive effects on physical and mental health and few risks. However, youth and young adults with eating disorders or physical illnesses (including obesity) or who have not exercised for a long time should get a doctor's advice before starting an exercise program or massage therapy. Natural therapies (e.g., aromatherapy, Ayurveda) that have been shown to be safe for adults may not be suitable for youth or young adults because of ongoing physical and brain development.