WISe Basics & Purpose
Providing community-based mental health supports to youth and families under Medicaid
What is the core service purpose of WISe?
This role ensures the youth and family’s voice drives all planning. This team member leads safety planning and crisis coordination communication.
Who is the Care Coordinator?
“When someone hides the last slice of pie and you calmly ask ‘Can I have the plate passed here, please?’ instead of roasting them.”
What’s a polite but assertive way to request how you want something handled during holiday meals?
Using “I feel ___ when ___ because ___” statements instead of blaming — to express needs without attacking.
What is an I statement?
What technique helps give feedback or express feelings without triggering defensiveness?
This animal would make the worst therapist because it can only say one word and steals your snacks.
What is a seagull?
Youth age 20 or younger, with complex behavioral health needs and Apple Health eligibility.
Who qualifies for WISe services?
This WISe team member helps families prepare for CFT meetings to make sure their voice is heard. This person assists families in navigating school, housing, and community resources.
Who is the Family Peer Partner?
You’re doing Secret Santa, and the gift is… not great (a box set of season 9 of "The Office"). This is the skill you use to express appreciation while still being honest.
What is using a “truth” feedback sandwich?
Actively listening, asking clarifying questions, then reflecting back what you heard before responding.
What method helps ensure effective communication especially in a tense situation?
This animal would be the worst co-worker because it takes constant naps and screams when startled.
What is a goat?
Services in home and community settings, flexible scheduling, and 24/7 crisis access.
What distinguishes WISe from more traditional clinic-based mental health services?
The goal to keep youth safe in their own homes and communities, reduce unnecessary hospitalizations or out-of-home placements.
What is one of the primary objectives of WISe?
When planning the ugly sweater party, this communication strategy keeps group texts from devolving into chaos.
What is clarifying expectations?
Clear, specific, direct communication rather than vague hints or hints hoping others will “read between the lines.”
What kind of communication helps avoid misunderstandings and ensures clarity of needs and expectations?
This is the only correct response when someone says, “We should try a team-building trust fall.”
What is “No.”?
Use of a team-based approach including family, natural supports, professionals, and peer support when appropriate.
What is the structure of a WISe care team?
This team member helps youth build self-advocacy skills. This WISe member supports youth participation and voice in team meetings.
Who is the Youth Peer Partner?
Someone makes a joke at the holiday party that doesn’t land. This skill lets you address it without public shaming.
What is private, timely feedback?
Confident, calm body language — eye contact, steady voice, good posture — to reinforce spoken messages.
What is nonverbal communication?
What nonverbal habits support assertive communication?
Zach couldn't think of anything to put here so just say something.
What is "something?"
A screening tool called Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths (CANS).
What assessment does WISe use to screen and assess youth for eligibility and needs?
Shared documentation and cross-system communication across providers to ensure coordinated care.
What does WISe require of agencies to support integrated care coordination?
When your family overloads the group chat with 87 GIFs, this skill helps guide the conversation back to clarity.
What is redirecting with a purpose statement?
Recognizing your own worth, reminding yourself your thoughts, needs and feelings are valid before speaking up.
What is a healthy mindset?
What mindset helps people overcome fear of speaking up and communicate assertively?
This is the exact moment you realize a text message was read incorrectly: they respond with this single letter.
What is “k”?