The parents of 6-year-old Mateo* were struggling to raise three children with limited healthcare access. In addition, the threat of housing insecurity in a Spanish-only home made communicating with service providers difficult.

When Mateo, the youngest of the three, began exhibiting challenging behavior at school and home, a concerned neighbor brought the family to the attention of Child and Family Services.

Rather than pursuing a punitive route, Child and Family Services instead saw the need for culturally responsive care and strength-based support and referred the family to a team in Seneca’s Wraparound Program.

A bilingual care coordinator ensured that all meetings and provided documents were in Spanish and that the family’s values and priorities guided the planning. When Mateo’s father expressed his fears of judgment and misunderstanding, a Parent Partner who had faced similar concerns was able to make him feel seen and respected.

Together, the family and Wraparound team created a plan that addressed their most pressing needs:

• Behavioral support for Mateo.
• Stable housing support for the family.
• Enrichment programs for the other two children.

Monthly meetings were held to review progress, adjust support, and ensure the family continued to feel heard and empowered. Open, positive communication between the Wraparound team and the family reinforced a shared sense of purpose. And, because of the program, the family not only accessed critical resources but also found a support system rooted in trust.

* Not his real name.