Page 29 - Department Overview 2020

JUVENILE SERVICES DIVISION

WRAPAROUND

Youth at risk of entering foster care may be referred to the Wraparound Program

operated by Casa Pacifica. The program is open to youth served by various
agencies including Probation, Child Welfare, and Behavioral Wellness. Probation
uses the program to intervene with and provide services to youth and families

experiencing difficulties or dysfunction in the home. The objective is to offer
intense home-based services and support to stabilize a family and prevent a
youth from continuing delinquent behavior or entering foster care. The program
offers a combination of parent peer support, counseling, and programming

delivered in a strength-based approach.

PLACEMENT

In some cases, youth on probation may be placed into a foster care program
because of serious behavior or mental health issues, and/or serious safety issues
in their home. Foster care can include placement with a relative or non-relative,

an independent living arrangement, or in a short-term residential therapeutic
program (STRTP). The focus of foster care, particularly STRTP, is to limit a youth’s
exposure to foster care and provide a high level of therapy and services in a
relatively short period of time to stabilize a youth so he or she may return home
or transition to a lower level of care. Wraparound may be used to support a youth

and resource (foster) family for a youth in relative care or to ensure a successful
transition from congregate care to the home. Youth placed in foster care must
meet specified criteria for care.

Santa Barbara County Probation Department Overview 2020 27