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What are Wraparound Services?

Wraparound Services are mental and behavioral health benefits provided in the home, school or community. These benefits are available to anyone on Pennsylvania State Medical Assistance which is administered by the state's Department of Public Welfare's Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. Wraparound is common shorthand for Behavioral Health Rehabilitative Services (BHRS).

When do Wraparound Services Start?

Wraparound Services usually start when a child has been recommended for services by a treating physician, psychiatrist or psychologist. To be eligible for services, a child must have received a diagnosis. The next step is a meeting to determine what services your child is eligible for and to map out the kind of support he or she needs.

Most children on the spectrum with a current diagnosis are eligible for Wraparound Services. These services include developing a treatment plan, putting together a program to help your child with emotional and behavioral problems and teaching parents and guardians about positive ways to handle those same problems.

Some Key Terms:

BHRS: Behavioral Health Rehabilitative Services - the abbreviation for the full name for "wraparound" servces. Most school districts and treating providers typically use the term Wraparound Services instead.

MA: Medical Assistance - Administered by the State of Pennsylvania's Department of Public Welfare, medical assistance provides healthcare coverage for low-income state residents. Families above the income limits may get benefits for children on the autism spectrum through CHIP.

CHIP: Pennsylvania's Children's Health Insurance Program. CHIP covers all children who are not eligible for or not enrolled in MA.

MCO: Managed Care Organization - When enrolling for MA, also make sure to enroll in a HealthChoices MCO. There are several plans available within HealthChoices, the plans provide access to a network of providers. All fees for the services from these providers for your child on the spectrum should be covered by MA or CHIP.

BSC: Behavioral Specialist Consultant - The BSC works with you and your child to develop a treatment plan and keeps in touch with the TSS and/or MT to make any changes required to the plan. While the BSC may meet with your child to get to know him or her, the BSC does not typically work directly with your child.

TSS: Therapeutic Staff Support - The TSS typically provides direct services to your child and is the primary support for your child, helping with emotional and behavioral problems and guides your child towards more appropriate behavior. Some children may not need TSS services and will only have a BSC and an MT.

MT:  Mobile Therapist - The MT typically provides therapy to your child in a home setting, talking through problems and emotional issues. Some children may not need MT services and will only have a BSC and a TSS.

Additional Resources:

• COMPASS - Apply for State Benefits including Medical Assistance and CHIP using COMPASS
• DPW - The Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare
• DPW County Assistance - List of County Assistance Contact Information - includes the Greater Philadelphia area and surrounding counties.
• DPW Wraparound Services - Explanation of Wraparound Services from the Department of Public Welfare
• DPW Bureau of Autism Services - Website at DPW for the Bureau of Autism Services
• HealthChoices - Consumer's Guide to the HealthChoices Plans (2008) (PDF file - PDF viewer required)
• Community Behavioral Health  - Website for Philadelphia's Behavioral Health Services managed care organization.
• PHLP - The Pennsylvania Law Project's 'Understanding Wraparound Services' Publication - includes contact information for managed care organizations in the Greater Philadelphia area and surrounding counties. (PDF file - PDF viewer required)