Wrap-around services: an analysis of community-based mental health services for children.

Abstract

Wrap-around services-individualized, community-based mental health services for children in their homes and schools-for children with severe emotional and behavioral disorders. To conduct an analysis of the social policy antecedents that culminated in wrap-around services in one state and consider the development of one state's implementation and relevant value issues. Policy and historical literature; the first author's experience as a director of a large wrap-around program. While the advent of wrap-around services and the expansion of Medicaid represent significant steps forward in the treatment of children with mental health problems, outcome studies of these services are sorely needed.