Who is involved in Wraparound teams?
In Wraparound, the youth and family build their own team by identifying individuals they trust and feel supported by. These may include:

• Natural supports: People who will remain in the family’s life long after Wraparound ends—such as relatives, friends, mentors, or neighbors.
• System partners: Representatives from Child Welfare, Juvenile Probation, Developmental Disabilities, schools, and other community agencies.
• Formal supports: Professionals such as counselors, CBRS workers, or other service providers.

Within the Idaho Wraparound Intensive Services (WInS) Wraparound model, each individual identified by the family completes a Wraparound orientation with the Wraparound coordinator. This orientation is essential, it helps team members understand how Wraparound works, what their role entails, and the importance of active participation. After the orientation, each person has the choice to join or decline participation on the team.
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What if the youth or family is unsure about inviting someone?
It is completely normal for youth or families to feel hesitant about inviting certain people, either natural or formal supports, to their team. Hesitation may arise because:

• The family feels uncomfortable sharing information.
• The relationship may not be as strong or trusting as they would like.
• Families may fear a power imbalance, especially with legal system partners such as probation or Child Welfare.

Wraparound coordinators are trained to explore these concerns, help families weigh the pros and cons, and reinforce that the family and youth are always in the driver’s seat. During orientation, all team members learn that no role carries power over the family within the Wraparound process.
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Team-based and collaborative planning
Once the team is established, the Team-Based principle comes to life. The team works together to create a shared Team Mission Statement, outlining their collective hopes and goals for the youth and family. This mission is revisited frequently to ensure alignment and progress.

In Wraparound, there is no hierarchy, the youth and family make the final decisions about what is right for them.

The Collaboration principle strengthens this process. Each team member brings their own expertise, strengths, and perspectives. Together, the team:

• Shares ideas and strategies to help the youth and family build skills and meet their needs
• Takes on action steps to support the implementation of these strategies
• Works jointly toward outcomes that reflect the family’s voice, choice, and priorities

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Feedback loop with Wraparound team members
A strong Wraparound process includes regular feedback from team members. At each meeting, the team reviews progress toward goals and evaluates how identified needs are being addressed. During the transition phase, team members also receive a feedback survey to share their experiences.

Some comments we’ve received from system partners include:

• “I like this extra layer of accountability with students. [Wraparound team meetings] are helpful to have planned meetings with all parents, officers, school personnel, etc.” — School Principal
• “Thank you so much for your help and for sending this information. I really appreciate your support and am looking forward to working with you in the future.” — Probation Officer
• “I am grateful to have a Wraparound team who believed in me and helped me get this far in life.” — Youth

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Our “why”
Why do the Team-Based and Collaborative principles matter? Here are a few key reasons:

1. Coordinated care: Families often feel overwhelmed by varying expectations from different systems. Wraparound aligns all professionals’ goals into one cohesive plan.
2. Expanded support network: Youth and families facing mental health or other challenges can feel isolated. A team-based approach strengthens their network with both natural and professional supports while empowering families with tools they can use daily.
3. Sustainable, positive outcomes: Wraparound aims to build resilience, hope, and long-term success. By working collaboratively, Idaho’s mental health community can support families more effectively and help the Wraparound program continue to grow.

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Interested in learning more?
If you would like to better understand how Wraparound works, we invite you to join a Wraparound 101 course.
Visit the Calendar tab for upcoming dates:
Idaho WInS (Wraparound) Competency Center | Idaho Department of Health and Welfare