The Wraparound Evaluation and Research Team conducts rigorous research in the service of advancing knowledge of Wraparound, care management, and evidence-based practices in child, youth, and family behavioral health.
UW WERT also is committed to conducting and supporting utilization-focused evaluation that collect, analyzes, and mobilizes data and information to meet key information needs of users such as Wraparound initiatives, provider agencies, and other stakeholders.
Research to Advance the Field of Wraparound and Systems of Care
WERT frequently receives federal research funding to advance our knowledge of Wraparound, care coordination, and youth and family services. Current examples include:
- A National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant to complete development and evaluate the usability and effectiveness of a text-based mobile Routine Outcomes Monitoring (mROM) system specific to Wraparound care coordination. Initial user experiences testing with parents, caregivers, and youth are encouraging. A randomized trial of the impact of the “SMARTWrap” (Short Message Assisted Responsive Treatment for Wraparound) system is planned, followed by broad availability of the system as a function embedded within the WrapStat system.
- An Institute of Education Sciences (IES)-funded study to develop and preliminarily test a school-based adaptation of the FOCUS care coordination model at “Tier 3” of the multi-tiered system of supports (MTSS) for students with intensive needs.
- An NIMH-funded study of the effectiveness of a Parent Peer Support model developed and supported by the Family-Run Executive Leadership Association (FREDLA) to promote access and retention of children in mental health services.
- An evaluation of the impact of the work of the National Technical Assistance Network, now hosted by the Innovations Institute at UConn. Results of this rigorous evaluation were published in Evaluation and Program Planning.
Utilization-Focused Evaluation Services
WERT also works collaboratively with stakeholders to design and execute evaluations to meet the information needs of local and state Wraparound initiatives. Often these evaluations focus on collecting and analyzing Wraparound implementation, fidelity, and outcomes data. Examples of current and recent projects include:
- A statewide evaluation and CQI pilot for Wraparound provider organizations serving youth and families involved in the California Department of Social Services.
- A randomized control trial comparing outcomes achieved by a pilot Wraparound program and "treatment as usual" for foster care youth who are also involved in the juvenile justice system. This project used a block randomized sample of 65 "dually-involved" youth for two years, using administrative, fidelity, and implementation data. Designed to inform local program planning and resource allocation, the evaluation showed positive effects and resulted in a peer-reviewed publication.
- Evaluation of training effectiveness, Wraparound implementation and fidelity, and child/family outcomes for multiple states receiving training and TA from the National Wraparound Implementation Center (NWIC).
Research Conducted Using UW WERT Fidelity, Outcomes, and Implementation Data
UW WERT uses data collected by NWIC and our national community of users of the suite of WFAS measures to advance the research base on Wraparound and Systems of Care. Recent examples include:
- A meta-analysis of Wraparound effects from published controlled research studies.
- A study of system level predictors of Wraparound fidelity and quality.
- Results of a rigorous process to define standards for intensive in-home services for youth and families.
For more information about opportunities to partner with WERT on evaluation, please contact us at wrapeval@uw.edu.