Coordinated Services Teams Initiatives
Coordinated Services Teams (CST) Initiatives help provide a complete, personalized system of care. They focus on kids with complex behavioral health needs.
The CST itself is a team of family members, service providers, and others. They work to design and carry out a coordinated services plan for the child. We also call this model of care “wraparound.”
The result of CST Initiatives is a plan of care that meets the needs of the child and family with community-based supports. This lets the child live their best life at home.
To learn more about the wraparound model, view the Foundations of Wisconsin Wraparound Video Series.
Who is eligible
CST Initiatives are for kids who are involved in many systems of care, such as:
- Child welfare.
- Developmental disabilities.
- Juvenile justice.
- Mental health.
- Special education.
- Substance use.
We support CST Initiatives in Wisconsin counties and tribal nations for kids who:
- Have a severe emotional disorder.
- Are at risk of getting placed outside of their home.
- Are in an institution and aren’t getting coordinated, community-based services.
- Are in an institution but could return to community placement or their home if they had the right services.
Learn more about the screening process and how to enroll.
What services are covered
Participants who use a CST Initiative get:
- A group of people that includes family members and service providers. They work together to respond to service needs for the child and their family.
- A structured, personalized team planning process. This is called a wraparound model. Research shows that this approach is more effective for the child and their family.
- A plan of care that better fits the needs of the child and their family. The child and family develop and refine:
- Trust in their ability to complete tasks and reach goals.
- Coping skills.
- Problem solving skills.
Who to contact for help
For questions or concerns about CST Initiatives, contact either:
- Your Tribal nation or county agency.
- Division of Care and Treatment Services—dhswebmaildcts@dhs.wisconsin.gov.
For concerns about patient rights, contact the Client Rights Office. They help protect the rights of people who get services for mental illness or substance use in Wisconsin.
The Wisconsin Wayfinder supports families of children with delays, disabilities, special health care needs, and mental health conditions. Children’s resource guides assist families, caregivers, professionals, and organizations in finding a wide array of supports and services available through the Children’s Resource Network.