Learning Collaborative WrapCT.org Mary Jo Meyers-2009 Changing Agency Culture WrapCT PRESENTS: CHANGING AGENCY CULTURE: BEST PRACTICE

Learning Collaborative WrapCT.org Mary Jo Meyers-2009 Changing Agency Culture FIRST BIG IDEA Just because you have some values doesn’t mean you are of value to families Pat Miles

Learning Collaborative WrapCT.org Mary Jo Meyers-2009 Changing Agency Culture Community Based Strengths Technology Cluster Unconditional Care Normalization Cultural Competency Collaboration Needs Driven Refinancing Family Centered System Integration WRAPAROUND: A CLUSTER OF TECHNOLOGIES

Learning Collaborative WrapCT.org Mary Jo Meyers-2009 Changing Agency Culture PUTTING VALUES INTO ACTION EXERCISE

Learning Collaborative WrapCT.org Mary Jo Meyers-2009 Changing Agency Culture BUILDING ON STRENGTHS Maintaining strengths-based conversation and documentation Knowing how to reframe in a meaningful way Encouraging creative resource development Promoting a strength-based culture of service delivery

Learning Collaborative WrapCT.org Mary Jo Meyers-2009 Changing Agency Culture NEEDS DRIVEN Identifying needs of your local communities Listening for needs rather than problems or deficits Developing and implementing plans that are needs driven rather than service driven Avoid prescribing solutions that are deficit driven

Learning Collaborative WrapCT.org Mary Jo Meyers-2009 Changing Agency Culture FAMILY CENTERED Agencies are welcoming to families Staff uses family friendly language Respect for privacy – information is shared on a need to know basis Meetings are not held without children and families present Brochures & documents are reviewed by family members before distribution

Learning Collaborative WrapCT.org Mary Jo Meyers-2009 Changing Agency Culture COMMUNITY BASED RESPONSIVENESS Money flows to support what families really need Agencies are imbedded into the communities where families live, i.e. are accessible Operating hours of business and meetings are responsive to families schedules

Learning Collaborative WrapCT.org Mary Jo Meyers-2009 Changing Agency Culture CARE FOR CHILDREN IN CONTEXT OF FAMILIES Commitment to family cohesion in a safe environment Natural/informal supports are embraced in a real way Prevention of institutional placement Permanency for children is paramount

Learning Collaborative WrapCT.org Mary Jo Meyers-2009 Changing Agency Culture NEVER GIVE UP UNCONDITIONAL CARE Systems and agencies are not permitted to kick kids and families out Blame the plan not the family Hold everyone accountable for follow-through Remain outcome driven

Learning Collaborative WrapCT.org Mary Jo Meyers-2009 Changing Agency Culture NORMALIZATION Family norms/family culture are recognized as important for success Awareness and education around the stigma of mental health Promoting youth and family events not just “support” groups Avoid duplication or overutilization of formal services

Learning Collaborative WrapCT.org Mary Jo Meyers-2009 Changing Agency Culture CULTURAL COMPETENCY Agency diversity, hiring practices, policies and training Open dialogue regarding differences is embraced All committees, training, events have family membership and participation All planning is individualized to account for each family’s culture

Learning Collaborative WrapCT.org Mary Jo Meyers-2009 Changing Agency Culture COLLABORATION SYSTEM INTEGRATION Are the right parties at the table? Is everyone participating? Is everyone held accountable for their part? Is one plan established to account for all systems? Are resources being shared? Are agencies working together to meet the needs of a common community?

Learning Collaborative WrapCT.org Mary Jo Meyers-2009 Changing Agency Culture REFINANCING Use of Multiple Resources Creative and Responsible Use of Flex Funds Think Sustainability

Learning Collaborative WrapCT.org Mary Jo Meyers-2009 Changing Agency Culture MARY JO MEYERS CHANGINGAGENCYCULTURE 2009 Evaluating Agency Practice

Learning Collaborative WrapCT.org Mary Jo Meyers-2009 Changing Agency Culture SECOND BIG IDEA Holding meetings to discuss plans for youth and families without them present is like building a bridge to nowhere MJ Meyers

Learning Collaborative WrapCT.org Mary Jo Meyers-2009 Changing Agency Culture WHAT IS A CHILD AND FAMILY TEAM The child and family identify a group of people who will work with them and help prepare the plan of care. Composed of informal and formal members who will continue to support the family after leaving the program. The Child and Family Team should meet as frequently as needed (at least once a month).

Learning Collaborative WrapCT.org Mary Jo Meyers-2009 Changing Agency Culture BEST PRACTICE BENCH MARKS 50/50 – Balanced Team within 3 months 20/80 – Formal/Informal 6 months and beyond

Learning Collaborative WrapCT.org Mary Jo Meyers-2009 Changing Agency Culture THIRD BIG IDEA Just because you have it, it doesn’t mean children and families need it MJ Meyers

Learning Collaborative WrapCT.org Mary Jo Meyers-2009 Changing Agency Culture CATEGORICAL APPROACH Assess Problems Look at Services that are Available… Plug Services into the Family

Learning Collaborative WrapCT.org Mary Jo Meyers-2009 Changing Agency Culture EXAMPLES OF A CATEGORICAL APPROACH Services reflect what’s available and has been tried rather than what’s really needed

Learning Collaborative WrapCT.org Mary Jo Meyers-2009 Changing Agency Culture MARY JO MEYERS CHANGINGAGENCYCULTURE 2009 Barriers & Solutions

Learning Collaborative WrapCT.org Mary Jo Meyers-2009 Changing Agency Culture LESSONS LEARNED Don’t do it unless it holds meaning for families Keep the excitement going Keep your eye on the ball; vigilance is a must Establish meaningful QA/QI procedures Lead by example Celebrate your successes Never give up – families deserve your best!

Learning Collaborative WrapCT.org Mary Jo Meyers-2009 Changing Agency Culture WrapCT LEARNING COLLABORATIVE Our vision as a statewide learning collaborative is that all children, youth, and families are able and capable of achieving optimal levels of functioning at home, in the community, at school and/or work. WrapCT Steering Team Jan Bendall, Rushford; Ray Bieber, Child & Family Guidance; Tim Bowles, SEMHSOC; Jill Coffin, U CF S; Dorothy Contrastano, FAVOR; Tim Cunningham, Wellpath; Paloma Dee, NAMI, CT; Nicole DeRobertis, MFCGC; Hal Gibber, FAVOR; Victor Gonzalez, Wheeler Clinic-Hrtfd; Gabrielle Hall, Clifford Beers; Mary Held, Waterbury FFP; Katy Keegan, West Haven – Bridges; Virginia Lopez, Child & Family Guidance; Tim Marshall, DCF; Tabor Napiello, Wheeler Clinic-Plainville; Kristen Penta, Bridgeport Schools; Mark Plourd, Wheeler Clinic-Hrtfd, Cheryl Tedesco, Child & Family Guidance; Paige Trevethan, Bridges; National Consultants: Verneesha Banks, Wraparound Milwaukee; Mark Horwitz, Westfield State Univ.; Mary Jo Meyers, Wraparound Milwaukee Contact information for WrapCT: Tim Marshall ; Contact for training material: Mary Jo Meyers ;