Understanding the Wraparound Program at Tillamook Family Counseling Center
The Wraparound Program at Tillamook Family Counseling Center (TFCC) is a structured coordination effort that connects families with service providers to support children with complex needs. Rather than being a direct service, it facilitates collaboration among parents, teachers, juvenile justice representatives, and other professionals to create a unified support system. As Jane Sandquist, the Children’s Mental Health/Wraparound Care Coordinator, emphasizes, “Wraparound is not a service—it’s a process!” The goal is to ensure these entities are aligned with a comprehensive planning process, working toward common objectives, and effectively communicating with one another. Core Principles of Wraparound The program is guided by ten critical principles that ensure a holistic, person-centered approach. “We always go back to these principles to make sure we are honoring them,” Jane explains.
The principles include:
1. Family Voice and Choice: Families are empowered to make decisions about their own support.
2. Team-Based: A collaborative approach that involves multiple perspectives.
3. Natural Supports: Incorporating unpaid supporters who genuinely care about the child.
4. Community-Based: Prioritizing keeping children within their community and avoiding residential treatment when possible.
5. Culturally Responsive: Respecting and supporting the unique cultural background of each family.
6. Individualized: Recognizing that each child’s situation is unique.
7. Strength-Based: Focusing on strengths rather than solely on challenges.
8. Persistent: Committed to not giving up.
9. Outcome-Focused: Using systematic tracking and assessment to measure progress.
Eligibility and Access
The program has specific requirements for participation.
Families must:
● Be enrolled in Oregon Health Plan (OHP)
● Be involved with multiple services
● Sign a participation agreement
● The child must have had a behavioral health assessment (BHA) within the last 60 days (this can be completed at TFCC upon referral to the Wraparound Program)
Referrals can come from anyone, including school counselors, teachers, juvenile justice representatives, or other service providers. Anyone who believes a child could benefit from Wraparound support can contact Tillamook Family Counseling Center to make a referral.
Impacting Lives in the Community
The Wraparound Program has transformed lives in Tillamook County by providing children and families with the support they need to thrive. Jane shares one memorable success story: “One remarkable case involved a seven-year-old who had lived in multiple foster homes. In residential treatment, being alone or playing independently was not possible. The first step was securing a stable foster home. With support from a reading specialist, progress from a pre-K to a third-grade reading level happened in just six weeks. Initially limited to an hour of school per day, this child is now thriving—adopted, kayaking, skiing, and preparing for college.” The program’s success is rooted in strong community partnerships, particularly with Juvenile Justice and local schools. “Melissa from Juvenile Justice is incredible—she works so closely with us,” Jane says. Schools also play a vital role, with special education teachers, counselors, and principals actively participating in Wraparound planning meetings. “Our teams are amazing—people show up and follow through. Parents choose who’s on the team, whether it’s a teacher, a neighbor, or a grandparent. Anyone involved in the child’s life can be included.” By bringing together the right people and resources, Wraparound creates lasting change, ensuring children receive the care, stability, and opportunities they need to succeed.
Key Challenges and Considerations
A challenge in Wraparound is securing natural supports—individuals who care for the child outside of paid professionals. TFCC’s Family Partner, Shannon Fullen, helps parents stay engaged. The program also aims to add a Youth Partner, a mentor with lived experience, but finding candidates for this part-time role remains difficult.
About Jane Sandquist
Jane brings a wealth of experience to her role, having worked as a school psychologist, assistant dean, and head of school. After retiring to run a bed and breakfast, she realized she wanted to stay involved with children and applied for a part-time position at TFCC. “Retirement was not enough,” she recalls. Eleven years later, she’s still dedicated to supporting families. For Jane, the most rewarding part of her work is seeing children and parents make lasting changes. “It’s amazing to watch kids turn their lives around, and even more powerful when parents recognize their own role in the process.”
Getting Help
For parents and caregivers seeking support, Jane advises them not to hesitate to reach out. “If they have no services at all and don’t know where to start, call TFCC. If the issue is at school, reach out to the school staff and follow the pathways available. Don’t be shy about getting help—there are people here ready to talk and support you.” The Wraparound Program at TFCC is a vital resource for families navigating complex systems, ensuring children receive the coordinated care they need to thrive. For more information or to make a referral, contact TFCC directly at (503) 842-8201 or visit their website at www.tfcc.org.
