Relations between program and system variables and fidelity to the wraparound process for children and families

Past research and experience have indicated that characteristics of organizations and service systems influence the quality of mental health services delivery. The study aimed to illuminate such associations by examining the relationship between a set of program- and system-level variables and fidelity to the wraparound model for children and families.

A measure of fidelity to the wraparound process for children and families (the Wraparound Fidelity Index) was administered to families receiving services in eight mental health agencies across the United States. Program administrators at each agency also completed by telephone a standardized interview for assessing program and system conditions hypothesized to influence quality of implementation (Program Administrator version of the Wraparound Fidelity Index). Regression analyses were used to assess the relationship between program and system variables and fidelity.

Results of interviews with program administrators revealed substantial variation across programs in the number and type of program and system supports for wraparound implementation. Regression analyses found a significant association between the number of organizational and system supports and Wraparound Fidelity Index scores.

Results support the hypothesized relationship between program and system conditions and the quality of service delivery. Results also highlight the importance of engineering the system and organizational context (maintaining low caseload sizes, establishing interagency partnerships, and implementing accountability mechanisms) in order to provide a solid foundation for high-quality wraparound to children and families.