Helping at-risk youth succeed with Wraparound means offering teens like Cassidy the support and guidance they need to overcome obstacles and build a better future.
At just 15 years old, Cassidy was at a crossroads. Struggling to process the untimely death of her father, she had fallen in with the wrong crowd, making choices that led her into trouble with school and law enforcement. Already on probation for drug charges, she was skipping classes, ignoring curfews and resisting authority. It seemed juvenile hall was all but inevitable.
Cassidy’s relationship with her mother, Olivia, was strained, marked by tension and constant conflict. Overwhelmed as a single parent and unsure how to reach Cassidy, Olivia feared constantly for her daughter’s future. Cassidy was already thinking that success meant something far from a diploma or stability; she believed the only way to make a living was by selling drugs, a mindset reinforced by the people in her social circle.
Concerned for her future, Cassidy’s probation officer referred her to Casa Pacifica’s Wraparound program, which provides personalized, intensive support, to help keep children at risk of out-of-home placements like group homes or juvenile hall safe and supported in their own homes and communities. Wraparound surrounds youth and families with a dedicated Child and Family Team, a network of professionals and trusted supporters who work together to meet the family’s unique needs. Guided by the motto “whatever it takes,” Wraparound focuses on a youth’s strengths to build trust and create change.
At first, Cassidy resisted help. She skipped meetings, dismissed the need for education and continued dabbling with drugs. But her Wraparound team never gave up and continued to schedule meetings, determined to support her.
“Wraparound is an unconditional commitment to a family’s success,” shares Stacy Menhennitt, Wraparound Program Manager, Casa Pacifica. “Every child and family we serve is unique. If our approach isn’t working, we adapt. We listen, adjust and work until we find the right support system for each child and family.”
When Cassidy did show up for sessions, her Wraparound team worked to gently challenge her belief that college was out of reach or unnecessary. With support, Cassidy began to see that gaining an education was not only possible but could open up new opportunities beyond the life she had been living. Wraparound staff worked to boost Cassidy’s confidence by emphasizing her unique talents and providing the encouragement she needed to see that her future could still be written. The team also focused on building trust and a strong connection. They planned community outings, developed interventions to boost her confidence and safety, and worked to bring more joy into her life by emphasizing her strengths.
Gradually, with the help of her mother and her Wraparound team Cassidy began showing improvements. She started attending school again, showing up regularly to her scheduled Wraparound meetings and gaining more self-confidence.
Two years after entering Wraparound, Cassidy graduated from the program. At her graduation ceremony, Cassidy and her care team reflected on her progress and how far she had come. Cassidy expressed gratitude for the support she received from her team and her mother. No longer on probation, she is now working towards earning her high school diploma and is looking forward to applying to college.
“For a long time, I didn’t think my future mattered. I thought I had it figured out, but I was just lost and hurting,” Cassidy shared. “My Wraparound team was always there. They listened and showed up and helped me understand I have choices. I have hope now for my future and I didn’t think I would every feel that.”
Since her graduation from Wraparound Cassidy’s mother has continued to share updates on Cassidy with her Wraparound team, grateful for the program that transformed both their lives.
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About Casa Pacifica
Headquartered in Camarillo, California, Casa Pacifica is the largest non-profit provider of children’s and adolescent mental health services in Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties. It’s nationally accredited programs and services include residential treatment, therapeutic behavioral services, wraparound services, mobile crisis response, transitional youth services, school-based mental health services and foster care services along with a fully certified, diploma-granting Non-Public School for grades K-12. Casa Pacifica specializes in treating children and youth who struggle with complex mental health challenges including anxiety, depression and emotional dysregulation. Nearly 52,500 children have been admitted to one of its programs since its founding in 1994.
To learn more or to get involved, email info@casapacifica.org or call 805-366-4040.