Exploring the Theory and Paradigm Base for Wraparound

Until recently, family-centered policy and practice used expert models which defined families of children with serious emotional disturbance as dysfunctional A collaborative model, called wraparound, is emerging which engages these families as decision making participants, using naturally occurring strengths to wrap individualized supports around the child and family. However, because wraparound has been defined only through value-based principles, the fidelity of the model is threatened by a developmental paradox. Those who have received training and whose careers have been shaped in more traditional expert models of deficit remediation can interpret these value-based principles as an emergent form of case management methodology. Critical and constructivist paradigms, and ecological systems theory, form a basis for negotiating this paradox to maintain fidelity of wraparound process. Anchored in this base, and derived from wraparound's value-based principles, a single construct with an operative focus is suggested to ensure the integrity of this collaborative model.