4542. Wraparound with Intensive Services (WISe)

Original Date: October 19, 2017

Revised Date: July 28, 2019

Policy Review: July 31, 2023

Approved by: Ross Hunter, Secretary

Purpose

To identify and refer Medicaid eligible children and youth up to age 21 who have complex behavioral health needs in-home and out-of-home in an open case in DCYF for a Wraparound with Intensive Services (WISe) screen and support access to WISe, when the child or youth qualifies for services.

Scope

This policy applies to child welfare caseworkers.

Laws

Sec. 1905 Social Security Act Definitions

Policy

WISe referral screens are completed by designated mental health providers. When children or youth meet the criteria below, caseworkers:
1. Must refer or verify a referral for a WISe screening is completed when children or youth:
  1. Have complex health needs; and
  2. There is an open case; and children or youth are:
    1. Entering or are being discharged from a Children’s Long Term Inpatient (CLIP) facility.
    2. Being released from crisis intervention services, including involuntary commitments.
    3. Being considered or referred for Behavior Rehabilitation Services (BRS). A WISe screen must be completed 90 days prior to or within 30 days of commencement of BRS services.
    4. Receiving BRS. A WISe screen must be completed every six months; or
    5. Transitioning out of BRS. BRS contracted providers are responsible for initiating the screening referral for mental health services upon exiting BRS services.
2. May refer or verify a referral is made for non-BRS cases, when children or youth:
  1. Have a complex health need; and
  2. There is an open case and children and youth are:
    1. At risk of out-of-home placement;
    2. Experiencing multiple placement disruptions;
    3. Have disrupted from a pre-adoptive or adoptive placement;
    4. Are returning home and need additional behavioral health support services;
    5. Have special education needs or a 504 plan with multiple school suspensions; or
    6. Are involved in multiple systems (i.e. DCYF, Juvenile Rehabilitation, Developmental Disabilities Administration, or behavioral health agencies and providers).
WISe Referral Information
Caseworkers must provide the following information about children or youth to designated mental health providers for the area where they reside when making WISe referrals:
1. Name;
2. Date of birth;
3. Placement and caregiver information;
4. Prescribed psychotropic medications;
5. The need for interpreter services;
6. Services the child or youth are receiving and indicate the services; and
7. If the child or youth is either:
  1. Currently receiving BRS;
  2. Being considered for BRS; or
  3. Exiting BRS.
WISe Referral Verification
Caseworkers must verify when:
1. Children or youth do not qualify for WISe services, verify with their caregiver or designated mental health provider that they were referred for other behavioral health services to address their behavioral health needs.
2. Children or youth do qualify for WISe services:
  1. Join the Child and Family Team (CFT) and participate in conversations with team members regarding the child or youth.
  2. Attend and participate in CFT meetings. CFT meetings can be combined with other shared planning meetings.
    1. For children or youth in BRS, follow the requirements in the BRS policy.
    2. For other children and youth with complex behavioral health needs, at the CFT meetings:
      1. Encourage and support engagement and collaboration with the child or youth and family in the development and ongoing monitoring of the Cross System Care Plan until treatment is completed;
      2. Provide consultation on services and resources available through DCYF;
      3. Obtain and bring the signed release of information form from the child, youth or parents when they are unable to attend the meeting prior to sharing any confidential information with any CFT team members.
      4. Review the CFT Cross System Care Plan, to verify it is in alignment with the child, youth or family’s child welfare case plan, e.g. court orders.
WISe Referral Documentation
Caseworkers must document the following in a FamLink case note:
1. For BRS cases, follow the documentation requirements in the BRS policy.
2. For other cases of children or youth with complex behavioral health needs document:
  1. Conversations with the child or youth, families, and caregivers regarding WISe referral and services.
  2. The date a WISe referral was made and screen results, when made by the caseworker.
  3. Name of the individual who agreed to make the referral, when applicable.
  4. Verification of referral being made by another individual, when not made by the caseworker.