Delaware Girls Wrap-Around Program
The Delaware Girls Wrap-Around Program, part of the Delaware Girls Initiative, works with girls ages 12-18 involved in the juvenile justice system and their families to help prevent further involvement with the law. Services help strengthen relationships in the family and their community.
Who are the girls?
The girls are 12-18 years of age and are either transitioning out of Grace Cottage or are being diverted from incarceration. Referrals can only be from Family Court or the Delaware Division of Youth Rehabilitative Services. The program is limited to families in Wilmington and Dover.
How does the program work?
A counselor and parent aide meet with the girl and her family to assess their needs and identify a team who will help the family achieve their goals. The team may consist of other family members, neighbors, friends, those in the faith community and/or other providers currently working with the family. The family and their team develop a plan that best meets their individual needs. Intensive services continue approximately four months.
What services are offered?
The Delaware Girls Wraparound Program is a flexible support system that recognizes the unique needs of girls and their families to help them build meaningful bridges to self-sufficiency. The program uses a wrap-around model that is strengths-based and individualized.
Services include:
- Individual and Family Counseling
- Linkages to community resources
- Home-based family support such as help with budgeting, household management and parenting skills
- Activities that focus on the strengths of the individuals and build their social skills
- Assistance with educational and employment placement
What are the program’s goals?
The program builds personal strengths and interpersonal relationships that are necessary for success at work, school and in the community by:
- Preventing juvenile delinquency and recidivism
- Ensuring service planning which includes the family as active partners
- Collaborating with outside resources
- Empowering girls to develop self-esteem
- Supporting families through skill development
Where are services provided?
Services take place in homes, schools and other community locations that are convenient for the family and their support team.
What is the cost?
Services are free for families due to state and federal grants.
