High Fidelity Wraparound (HFW) is an evidence-based service model for providing care coordination/case management services. HFW is a core service in the transformation of Hennepin County’s children’s mental health system and aligns with system of care values and principles. The HFW service model utilizes techniques and approaches that engage and empower the youth and family to build on their strengths and incorporates natural and informal supports, as well as traditional supports and clinical services, to meet the needs of the youth and family in the least restrictive environment. The outcomes for HFW have demonstrated its effectiveness in promoting improvements in the youths’ and families’ functioning while supporting the youth in remaining in their home and community, thus, avoiding out of home placement.

Hennepin County Behavioral Health piloted HFW with grant funds received from the Minnesota Department of Human Services System of Care Grant. As part of the original agreement in receiving the Children’s Mental Health System of Care Grant, Hennepin County had a requirement to use a practice, training and technical assistance from the National Wraparound Implementation Center (NWIC) to support the work of implementing our High-Fidelity Wraparound Services.  As the grant cycle is ending and the Minnesota Department of Human Services is ending their contract with NWIC, Hennepin County wishes to build on the pilot program and expand HFW utilizing a different technical assistance and training entity, Vroon, LLC. The language change allows Hennepin County to use any High-Fidelity Wraparound technical assistance and training entity to support our work to implement a Wraparound program and receive grant funds.

This board action request aligns with Hennepin County disparity reduction efforts by supporting improved access to culturally sensitive mental health services and increasing community well-being.