Case study for the Intensive Wraparound Service: Amanda, 11 years old at the start of IWS involvement

Case Example Three – Amanda (not real name)

  • 11 year old, female
  • Samoan
  • Time with IWS ( 2 years)

Behaviours when referred for a wraparound programme

  • Running away from home and school, staying out overnight.
  • Bad relationships with people her own age.
  • Beating up/fighting family members at home
  • Not doing as told, refusing to follow instructions.
  • Property damage and violent outbursts of anger when she cannot get her own way
  • Hurting herself e.g. cutting

Background information

  • Beaten up by stepmother as a baby.
  • Difficult relationship with her Dad.
  • Struggled at school, at a lower level than classmates, especially in writing
  • At certain times can be very withdrawn
  • Since early age Mum has been worried about Amanda’s behaviour, as she can be angry and aggressive, she also refuses to do as she is told and bangs her head against things.
  • No friends at school.
  • Good at water polo and other sports.
  • Attends Church.
  • Can speak more than one language.

Wraparound programme

A combination of agencies involved including: the Ministry of Education, Skylight, CAMHS, the Taeaomanino Trust, the School and the family.

  • All agencies were told about Amanda’s strengths and needs.
  • Amanda and her family shared their thoughts and ideas.
  • Amanda was involved in deciding what would be done.

Examples of what the Intervention Plan included:

  • Her parents attended a parenting programme, to help them learn how to parent their daughter.
  • Amanda and her family worked with a mentor to learn to think positively and how to keep motivated.
  • Amanda had a role model who could show her what to do and how to behave.
  • Amanda learnt to get on with other people by joining activities in the community e.g. swimming, rugby, Samoan language class.

Outcomes of the wraparound programme

  • Amanda learnt how to have good relationships with other people.
  • Amanda stopped running away from home and school.
  • Amanda and her mother can talk to each other better and get on.
  • Amanda is now at the right reading and writing level for her age.
  • People in Amanda’s life (home and school) are working hard to help her and understand what she needs.
  • Amanda is not hurting herself as much anymore.
  • Ongoing support still in place 
  • Amanda is now going to a Secondary School.
  • Amanda’s family feel a lot more relaxed and happy.
  • Amanda can now tell people in the right way what she feels and what she wants.

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