Enzo Dovlo, Zania Johnson, Amya Smith  

In North Carolina, children and families experiencing serious mental and behavioral health challenges often struggle to find support that truly addresses their individual needs. The NC High Fidelity Wraparound (HFW) was created to change that. It offers care that is family driven, strength based and rooted in collaboration. It all started when Judge George F. Bason saw a young boy with mental health challenges locked up with adult prisoners because no other options were available. Outraged, he held a press conference, calling on lawyers to sue the state for failing these children. His effort sparked a legal fight for better care.  

In 1979, lawyers filed the Willie M. lawsuit on behalf of children with serious emotional and mental health struggles who were not getting proper treatment. Right before the trial in 1980, the state settled, agreeing that these kids had a right to care. This led to the creation of the System of Care (SOC), which is a coordinated network of community-based services that supports families involved with mental health, education, and social services in the least restrictive environment possible. Over the years, SOC expanded with funding and new initiatives. In the 1990s and 2000s, advocacy groups and state agencies worked together to improve services. Programs like the High-Fidelity Wraparound Pilot in 2015 helped kids transition from psychiatric facilities to homes and communities. By 2019, UNC Greensboro became the official training center for High Fidelity Wraparound. Thanks to these efforts, North Carolina has continued working to provide better mental health care for children and families in need. All HFW teams are monitored by the NC High Fidelity Wraparound Training Program, also established in 2019. Since its inception, the program has expanded significantly, growing from being available in fewer than 15 counties to now serving 88 of North Carolina’s 100 counties. 

Today, NC High Fidelity Wraparound continues this legacy. Its vision is for the High Fidelity Wraparound model to be implemented across North Carolina so that youth and families feel supported and empowered to overcome challenges, develop resilience, and have access to family driven, strength-based care coordination. Despite its wide reach, this organization still faces problems with utilization. Many families across the state who could benefit from HFW support do not know it exists. That is why the program is working to increase its awareness and public access. HFW has launched a Quarterly Newsletter to promote teamwork and share progress updates. Each edition highlights key accomplishments, recent accreditations, and testimonials from young people and families who have benefited from the program. In addition to recognizing newly credentialed professionals, the newsletter celebrates outstanding team performances. For example, teams who have achieved the largest increase in WFI-EZ survey participation, along with notable increases in fidelity and satisfaction scores, have been acknowledged for their achievements.   

To ensure the effective and sustainable implementation of the HFW model, the program also offers specialized training sessions. These include the HFW Overview Training, Foundations for HFW Team Members Training, and the Role-Specific Training, are all designed to equip professionals with the skills needed to support families successfully 

NC High Fidelity Wraparound is not just a resource, it is a team approach that provides the missing piece North Carolina families and children need to navigate mental, behavioral and systematic challenges. This team brings together professionals, families, and community support to create personalized plans that reflect each family’s needs and goals. By focusing on building strong partnerships and emphasizing long-term solutions, NC High Fidelty Wraparound and its Training Program helps foster strength and lasting stability. Through this approach, youth and families are not only supported but are equipped to succeed.