Wrap Around is a unique program of the Children's Advocacy Center that serves children who are at risk of out-of-home placement in Ottawa County.  Youth are referred to Wrap Around from caseworkers at the Department of Human Services, Juvenile Court, and Community Mental Health.

Every child in Wrap Around has his or her own Wrap Around team which consists of those individuals who know the child best.  Wrap Around teams always include the parents/guardians, referring caseworker and Wrap Around Coordinator, but may also include other individuals who have a significant impact on the child's life, such as teachers, social workers, relatives, and mentors. 

The delivery of Wrap Around services includes the design of an individualized service plan that addresses all facets of a child's and family's life.  This plan is created by the Wrap Around team and reflects both the strengths and needs of the child and family.  Regular Wrap Around meetings are held at which time team members monitor the child and family's progress and brainstorm creative solutions to problems.

Wrap Around Mentoring

Wrap Around utilizes caring, responsible adults in the community to serve as youth mentors for children in the program.  Wrap Around mentors develop positive relationships with their mentees by conducting weekly, one-on-one visits throughout the course of a year.  Mentors are invited to attend Wrap Around meetings and must be willing to communicate with all members of the child’s Wrap Around team.      

Wrap Around matches are encouraged to participate in a variety of community activities such as bowling, visiting museums, going out to eat, or trying new hobbies.  Mentors are compensated for their time and reimbursed for activity expenses and mileage.  Training for this position is provided yet prior experience with children is required. 

For more information about Wrap Around Mentoring, please contact Tesha Post, Wrap Around Coordinator, at (616) 393-6123 or at tpost@cac-ottawa.org.