West Virginia Wraparound program reduces youth mental health placements

During Mental Health Awareness Month, the West Virginia Department of Human Services (DoHS) highlights the effectiveness of the WV Wraparound program, which provides essential home- and community-based services for children with serious emotional and behavioral health challenges. Designed specifically for children facing serious mental illness and emotional disorders, the WV Wraparound initiative aims to keep these youth out of institutional care while ensuring they receive necessary support at home and within their communities.

Data shows promising outcomes for children enrolled in the WV Wraparound program. In 2023, children receiving services through the Children with Serious Emotional Disorder Waiver (CSED Waiver) for at least three months had a reduced risk of needing residential mental health treatment. Only 13% of these children required such placements, compared to 20% of all children who met the clinical eligibility criteria for the same waiver during the same timeframe. This suggests that ongoing participation in Wraparound services may lower the need for more intensive care.

“This data confirms our observations that WV Wraparound is enabling children to stay with their families while accessing vital behavioral health support,” said Crystal Martin, the DoHS Statewide Coordinator for WV Wraparound. “By minimizing the need for residential placements, we not only assist families but also foster long-term positive outcomes for the youth of West Virginia.”

The WV Wraparound program integrates services from the DoHS Bureau for Behavioral Health, Bureau for Social Services, and Bureau for Medical Services. It employs the High Fidelity Wraparound model, an evidence-based approach tailored to meet the specific needs of children and their families.

Families, youth, and advocates such as school counselors or pediatricians can access WV Wraparound by reaching out to the Children’s Crisis and Referral Line (CCRL) at 844-HELP4WV. This line provides 24/7 support via calls, texts, and chats, connecting families to the Children’s Pathway for behavioral and mental health services. This system assesses the clinical needs of children and links them to appropriate resources.

If a child under 21 does not qualify for WV Wraparound, the family will be directed to other behavioral health services, including therapy, medication management, Assertive Community Treatment, and positive behavior support. The program emphasizes aligning services with the child’s needs and the family’s goals.

Christina Mullins, the DoHS Deputy Secretary of Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders, stated, “WV Wraparound is an essential preventive measure for fostering healthier families and communities. By investing in early, community-based care, we support not only individual children but the entire mental health system for West Virginia’s youth.”

This accessible support system ensures that families receive assistance at every stage of the process. For more information about WV Wraparound or to begin the application process, visit the Kids Thrive Collaborative website. The CSED Waiver application, which also serves as the application for WV Wraparound services, is available in the “How Do I” section.