There is growing research indicating that practices need to be implemented with model-adherence (fidelity) in order to replicate outcomes reported in the literature. The California Institute for Mental Health (CiMH) Community Development Team (CDT) model is designed to support implementation of sustainable model-adherent programs. The Community Development Team Model is a multiphase and multifaceted dissemination process that involves clinical training and supervision provided by practice developers or national consultants, and administrative supports provided by CiMH Associates, in the context of a peer-to-peer learning environment.
CiMH has convened a Wraparound CDT with eight agencies from five counties (Butte County Youth for Change, Contra Costa County Wraparound Team and Families Forward, Los Angeles County Aviva and The Help Group, Placer County RAFT, and Sacramento County EMQ and Stanford Home). This project is supported with funding from the California Department of Mental Health through the Mental Health Services Act (MHSA), and is part of a larger initiative by CiMH to promote the adoption of evidence-based practices.
The Wraparound CDT is a 2-year project that began in March 2007. The Team has participated in extensive clinical training and on-site coaching, and rigorous monitoring of fidelity and outcomes. The Team operates in partnership with the Wraparound Evaluation and Research Team (WERT) at the University of Washington for assistance with the fidelity monitoring and outcome evaluation component and with Vroon VanDenBerg LLP (VVDB) for the clinical training and coaching component of the project.
Vroon VanDenBerg LLP uses a Wraparound Implementation and Credentialing System (WICS) which is an integrated set of training and coaching materials, and a Wraparound Credentialing process designed as adjuncts to the National Wraparound Initiative (NWI) Phases and Activities of High Fidelity Wraparound. VVDB has developed this effort as a way of accelerating the implementation of High Fidelity Wraparound across the nation and in Europe.
WERT uses the Wraparound Fidelity Assessment System (WFAS) which is a multi-method approach to assessing the quality of individualized care planning and management for children and youth with complex needs and their families. WFAS instruments include standardized interviews with multiple stakeholders, a team observation measure, a document review form, and an instrument to assess the level of community/system support for wraparound. The instruments that comprise the WFAS can be used individually or, to provide a more comprehensive assessment, in combination with one another. The WFAS provides a method for conducting fidelity measurement of the wraparound process, as specified by the National Wraparound Initiative. The Team is also using the Youth Outcome Questionnaire and the Youth Outcome Questionnaire-Self Report, validated instruments to measure the occurrence of behavior change from both the parent and the youth perspectives.