The WCSOC initiative places parents/care givers and service providers in heightened roles as collaborators. It is assumed that parents know their children best; that their perspectives as full-time care givers are valid; and that they know what it takes to provide their child a successful home placement. These assumptions require a service system shift from asking parents to choose from a menu of existing services to honestly asking parents what supports and interventions they want and need to provide their child a normalized growing-up experience.
Wisconsin's Collaborative Systems of Care go by many names: the Coordinated Services Team Initiative (CST), Wraparound, the Integrated Services Projects (ISP), and "Children Come First" are all approaches to respond to individuals and families with multiple, often serious needs in the least-restrictive setting possible. They are not specific programs or services, rather, a process based on family and community values that is unconditional in its commitment to creatively address needs. Creative services are developed by a client-centered team that support normalized, community-based options.
Each team develops an individualized plan, which incorporates strengths of the participant and team to address needs. Participants are equal partners and have ultimate ownership of the plan.
Find out more about WCSOC.
Click on the link below to find contact information for a WCSOC initiative in your area.
The Full Life Ahead Foundation
NAMI is a nonprofit, grassroots, self-help, support and advocacy organization of consumers, families, and friends of people with severe mental illnesses.
National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI)
Full Life Ahead is a non-profit organization providing assistance, support, and training with the transition planning of moving an individual with a disability from high school into adult life
The Wisconsin Council on Children and Families (WCCF)
WCCF is a state child advocacy agency whose web site includes links to advocacy resources from around the country.
WI FACETS
Wisconsin Family Assistance Center for Education, Training & Support, Inc. (WI FACETS) is a nonprofit organization serving Wisconsin children and adults with disabilities, their families and those who support them. A great resource for parents!
Wisconsin Family Ties (WFT)
WFT is a statwide non-profit organization run by families for families that include children and adolescents who have emotional, behavioral, and mental health disorders. WFT offers resource and support to families in the areas of: support groups; sharing of information on laws, school issues, behavioral & emotional disorders, and other resources; and by sponsoring workshops and conferences for parents and professionals in the area of emotional, behavioral, and mental health disorders and the effect they have on children & families.
Parent Guide to Accessing Mental Health Services for Your Child through HealthCheck
Describes the HealthCheck Program and services available through HealthCheck.
Rights & Responsibilities for Parent-Provider Partnerships
Outlines the rights and responsibilities of parents, children and service providers on teams.
Assistance Program Eligibility Guide
An eligibility guide which includes basic information on nutrition programs, health insurance, energy assistance, child care, disabilities, economic support & job assistance, and tax credits available in every county.
Child Portfolio
Here you'll find a sample table of contents for a "Child Portfolio". Originally developed by a parent of a child with special needs, the purpose of the child portfolio is to organize and make available important information you think others need to know about your child. Take a look...you may want to create one for your child!
Do It Yourself Case Management & Advocacy
This guide is a product of the Wisconsin Mental Health Transition Advisory Council. It provides a wealth of resources to help adolescents with mental health issues get services from the adult system and options for what to do while they wait. The guide includes information on housing, education, social security, mental health treatment, and employment.
Transition Resources
This guide is a product of the Wisconsin Mental Health Transition Advisory Council. It provides a wealth of resources to help with a youth's transition to adulthood including: agencies & organizations, private consultants & advocates, helpful websites, book suggestions, and contact information for the Cooperative Education Service Agencies (CESAs) across the State.
Link to a new Department of Health and Family Services website available for anyone receiving services for mental health illness, a developmental disability, or substance abuse in Wisconsin. Includes information on: confidentiality; guardianship; informed consent; patient rights; publications and more.