Assessing the Wraparound Process During Family Planning Meetings

Authors

Michael Epstein, University of Nebraska - LincolnFollow
Philip D. Nordness, University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Krista Kutash, University of South Florida
Al Duchnowski, University of South Florida
Sheryl Schrepf, Families, First, and Foremost, Lincoln, Nebraska
Greg J. Brenner, University of Nebraska - Lincoln
J. Ron Nelson, University of Nebraska - LincolnFollow

Document Type

Article

Date of this Version

7-2003

Comments

Published in Journal of Behavioral Health Services & Research 30:3 (July-September 2003), pp. 352-362. Copyright © 2003 National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare; published by Springer Verlag. Used by permission.

Abstract

Research and evaluation of the wraparound process has typically focused on outcomes, service providers, and costs. While many of these studies describe a process that is consistent with the wraparound approach, few studies have reported attempts to monitor or measure the treatment fidelity of the wraparound process. The purpose of this study was to assess the fidelity of the wraparound process in a community-based system of care using the Wraparound Observation Form-Second Version. Results from 112 family planning meetings indicated some strengths and weaknesses within the current system. Families and professionals were frequently involved in the planning and implementation of the wraparound process. However, informal supports and natural family supports were not present in a majority of the meetings. Given the significant number of youth served in wraparound programs, the benefits of using the Wraparound Observation Form-Second Version as an instrument to monitor the fidelity of the wraparound approach should not be ignored.