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

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

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

4. Learning Collaborative WrapCT.org Mary Jo Meyers-2009 Changing Agency Culture consultmjm@hotmail.com PUTTING VALUES INTO ACTION EXERCISE

5. Learning Collaborative WrapCT.org Mary Jo Meyers-2009 Changing Agency Culture consultmjm@hotmail.com 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

6. Learning Collaborative WrapCT.org Mary Jo Meyers-2009 Changing Agency Culture consultmjm@hotmail.com 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

7. Learning Collaborative WrapCT.org Mary Jo Meyers-2009 Changing Agency Culture consultmjm@hotmail.com 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

8. Learning Collaborative WrapCT.org Mary Jo Meyers-2009 Changing Agency Culture consultmjm@hotmail.com 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

9. Learning Collaborative WrapCT.org Mary Jo Meyers-2009 Changing Agency Culture consultmjm@hotmail.com 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

10. Learning Collaborative WrapCT.org Mary Jo Meyers-2009 Changing Agency Culture consultmjm@hotmail.com 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

11. Learning Collaborative WrapCT.org Mary Jo Meyers-2009 Changing Agency Culture consultmjm@hotmail.com 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

12. Learning Collaborative WrapCT.org Mary Jo Meyers-2009 Changing Agency Culture consultmjm@hotmail.com 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

13. Learning Collaborative WrapCT.org Mary Jo Meyers-2009 Changing Agency Culture consultmjm@hotmail.com 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?

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

15. Learning Collaborative WrapCT.org Mary Jo Meyers-2009 Changing Agency Culture consultmjm@hotmail.com MARY JO MEYERS CONSULTMJM@HOTMAIL.COM CHANGINGAGENCYCULTURE 2009 Evaluating Agency Practice

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

17. Learning Collaborative WrapCT.org Mary Jo Meyers-2009 Changing Agency Culture consultmjm@hotmail.com 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).

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

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

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

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

22. Learning Collaborative WrapCT.org Mary Jo Meyers-2009 Changing Agency Culture consultmjm@hotmail.com MARY JO MEYERS CONSULTMJM@HOTMAIL.COM CHANGINGAGENCYCULTURE 2009 Barriers & Solutions

23. Learning Collaborative WrapCT.org Mary Jo Meyers-2009 Changing Agency Culture consultmjm@hotmail.com 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!

24. Learning Collaborative WrapCT.org Mary Jo Meyers-2009 Changing Agency Culture consultmjm@hotmail.com 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 860-550-6531; tim.marshall@ct.gov Contact for training material: Mary Jo Meyers 414-251-7521; consultmjm@hotmail.com