PDN article, Jan. 12. 2013
I Famagu’on-ta, Child Adolescent Services Division of the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse, is a system of care organization that works with families of children struggling with mental health challenges. I Famagu’on-ta or “I Fam.”, as it is called for short, is a volunteer mental health program for young people from ages 5 to 18 years of age. It requires a strong partnership between the social worker also known as the Wrap Coordinator and the youth and family for success to be achieved.
If the minor and his family are court ordered to be involved with “I Fam.”, it then becomes critical that the family and youth work very closely in partnership with the Wrap Coordinator so that the youth can progressively obtain the help and guidance that he needs and be successful in accomplishing the requirements of the court order.
Involvement with I Famagu’onta may take months to several years depending on the progress of the minor and his family. This includes consistency in keeping appointments; attendance and reporting at court hearings, home visits, school visits, medication clinic, counseling, and ongoing wraparound meetings with other agencies such as child welfare, Dept. of youth affairs, the school system, judicial system and other stakeholders, all working together as a team to help support and meet the needs of the youth and his family.
When the child/youth becomes enrolled in the I Famagu’on-ta program, his needs and challenges are identified and a Wrap Plan is then developed with the family to address the needs with all the Wrap Team members having a role in supporting the minor and his family. Success is measured by the achievements the minor has made overtime. The key to that success is the active participation and engagement of the parents and their natural supports throughout the process.
A strong Wrap Team where everyone, family and agencies, are genuinely pulling and working together, supporting each other and sharing resources work wonders to the successful outcome of the youth.
Many of our successful youth have gone through the wraparound graduation which occurs at least twice a year. This is a special celebratory occasion where the youth and his Wrap Team are recognized for their achievements. Wraparound graduation becomes a transition from agency coordination to self-family empowerment and natural support advocacy.
If you know a young person who is struggling with mental health challenges, act now. Do not wait. Early identification and intervention can make a big difference in a child’s life.
I Famagu’on-ta Office is located at the J&G Complex building in Hagatna. Call our office at 477-5338/5349 for referral and information about our weekly family and youth orientation sessions to learn more about our services. Visit us also at www.icareguam.org., caring for every child’s mental health.
Annie F.B.Unpingco, LCSW, Administrator,I Famagu’on-ta
Child Adolescent Services Division, Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse
