When it comes to supporting post-adoptive families, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. The High-Fidelity Wraparound approach is built on a foundation of individualization—meaning every family support plan is tailored to their unique needs, strengths, and goals.
What Does “Individualized” Mean in Wraparound?
The Individualized principle ensures that each post-adoptive family support plan is:
- Rooted in the family’s strengths
- Aligned with their cultural values and traditions
- Responsive to the specific needs of the youth and family members
When something in the plan isn’t working, it’s not seen as a failure. Instead, it’s a signal that the plan needs to adapt with new information.
Five Principles of High-Fidelity Wraparound That Guide Individualized Planning
While all ten principles of High-Fidelity Wraparound are interconnected, five specifically shape how support is personalized:
1. Family Voice and Choice
Families are seen as the experts in their own lives. Their input is central to developing goals and strategies they believe in—and will follow through on.
2. Natural Supports
Plans prioritize everyday, realistic support systems—like extended family, friends, schools, or faith communities—that families can sustain over time.
3. Strengths-Based Approach
Instead of focusing on deficits, plans amplify what’s already working. Recognizing and building on strengths increases motivation and resilience.
4. Cultural Competence
Effective support honors a family’s cultural background, beliefs, and traditions. Planning that’s culturally relevant builds trust and stronger engagement.
5. Outcome-Based and Responsible
The family defines what success looks like, and the team works together to achieve those specific, measurable outcomes.
Why Personalization Works
Individualization in Wraparound isn’t just good practice—it’s essential. When post-adoptive families are respected, heard, and supported in ways that reflect their real lives, they’re empowered to create meaningful, lasting change. Read about the 10 Principles of High-Fidelity WraparoundSOURCES:
Bruns, E. J., Walker, J. S., & the National Wraparound Initiative Advisory Group. (n.d.). Ten principles of the wraparound process. National Wraparound Initiative, Portland State University. https://nwi.pdx.edu/NWI-book/Chapters/Bruns-2.1-(10-principles-of-wrap).pdf
Partnership for Education in Parenting. (n.d.). Ten principles of wraparound. https://pepcleve.org/news-events/ten-principles-of-wraparound/
Ohio Family and Children First. (n.d.). Wraparound. https://fcf.ohio.gov/system-of-care/high-fidelity-wraparound/wraparound
Virginia Office of Children’s Services. (n.d.). High fidelity wraparound curriculum – Day 1. https://csa.virginia.gov/Content/pdf/Day_1_HFW_Curriculum.pdf
New York State System of Care. (n.d.). High fidelity wraparound overview. https://nyssoc.com/hfw-overview/
