3 Rivers Wraparound Learning Center

Program Description

The 3 Rivers Wraparound Learning Center provides introductory and advanced skill- based, role-specific training in the Wraparound process and practices for agency administrators, managers, front-line facilitators, staff in associated roles and interested members of the community. The 3 Rivers Wraparound Learning Center leverages the community relationship that the 3 Rivers Wraparound Program, operated under Lutheran Community Services, has forged throughout their 15 years of operation and their reputation as a premier wraparound program in Washington State. Our training sessions are also part of the onboarding plan and continuing education for all staff at Lutheran Community Services. The 3 Rivers Wraparound Learning Center bases training on the philosophy that kids do well when they can. If youth are struggling, there is either an underlying unmet need causing big behavior or missing skills that keep the youth from finding success. This shift in thinking is the premise for the strength-based work with families that our program has operated under for the past 15 years. We equip our trainees with the skills to work with youth and families under these premises in order to empower the family and to find and create plans that best work for them.

Creativity

In 2013, as a result of the TR Lawsuit Settlement in the state of Washington, the Wraparound with Intensive Services (WISe) program was mandated to roll out in every county throughout the state by 2018. Lutheran Community Services in partnership with Ohana Coaching recognized a gap in our state with the implementation of the WISe program in agencies with little to no experience using the wraparound model. We created the 3 Rivers Wraparound Learning Center in 2016 to provide wraparound specific training opportunities and assist in filling that training gap. Training offerings are uniquely tailored to meet the different learning styles of participants. All training involves trainee participation and hands-on learning activities to enhance knowledge and understanding of the topic at hand. Learners will leave training with the necessary documents and practice to put their training to use with the youth and families they serve.

Leadership

The 3 Rivers Wraparound Learning Center leverages their 15 years of wraparound experience within Lutheran Community Services, using the strengths and the challenges we have faced to train other agencies. Training facilitators are experienced staff with many years working in wraparound. They have spoken locally and statewide on various topics, including being chosen to present at a national Children’s Behavioral Health conference to present on recruiting, hiring and training a competent workforce. The trainings we offer at the Learning Center are diverse enough that many agencies can gain something from them. They are also specific enough to provide staff with practical tools and skills that can be used in their work on a daily basis. Participants can access a dropbox with the forms and resources discussed at the training. These products are all customizable and participants are encouraged to adapt them to the unique needs of their agency and programs.

Sustainability

Our agency has maintained a commitment to this project. The need for working effectively with youth and families with intensive behavioral and emotional challenges will not disappear, therefore the need for high-quality training will be sustainable. With the WISe program continuing to roll out, Washington State University in connection with Department of Behavioral Health and Rehabilitation (DBHR) recognize our experience and are working to partner with us to provide training for WISe agencies across the state. This would allow us to offer quarterly wraparound training and create more time to offer other various trainings for families/community members. We have also partnered with our local Juvenile Justice system to design and deliver training opportunities specific to their needs and staff skill set. We also want all child-serving agencies to work with youth and families in a strengths-based manner, recognizing the resiliency of families and empowering them to reach their own success.

Replicability

Many agencies and programs are doing great work all across the country. We have a lot to share with each other and a lot to learn from one another. Creating a Learning Center where programs and agencies can teach and give others practical tools and resources for doing this work is always needed. We partner with our local Juvenile Justice Center to provide training around skill-based interventions and the philosophy of need and behavior. This partnership has the potential to be replicated with school districts, mental health agencies, Children’s Administration and other child-serving agencies. As the 3 Rivers Wraparound Learning Center expands, additional trainings can be tailored or developed to the needs of the agency/organization and yet still hold the core principles of wraparound.

Results/Outcomes

The 3 Rivers Wraparound Learning Center has been used as training ground for all staff at Lutheran Community Services Northwest (LCSNW). A very specific onboarding program has been developed in response to a 300% staff growth in a 4 year period. The training provided through the 3 Rivers Wraparound Learning Center has ensured that new LCS staff are trained in the wraparound model and supervisors follow their training with a coaching framework to further develop skill. The implementation of the onboarding has led to a confident, competent workforce with little turnover. Staff surveys indicate new hires feel they are well-trained and equipped for their job, feel supported by peers and supervisors, enjoy the culture of the agency, and are confident working with youth and families. We have trained staff from nine outside organizations and provided on-boarding for 50 of our own staff through the 3 Rivers Wraparound Learning Center