Smiling mother and daughter hugging outdoors on a sunny afternoon.

DART: Using Data to Strengthen High Fidelity Wraparound

  • by Lydia Cartwright, Training and Fidelity Coach, UC Davis Human Services Resource Center for Family-Focused Practice

Somewhere, someone is struggling:

  • Struggling to hold their family together
  • Struggling to navigate the labels others have placed on them
  • Struggling to get through multiple systems, each with its own set of rules
  • Struggling with confusion or hopelessness, or simply trying to feel normal and feel good

High Fidelity Wraparound weaves a safety net for families taking a leap of faith. That net adjusts to each family’s individual needs, offering as much support as they need for as long as they need, until they’re ready to climb out. Every leap will look different, but every family deserves a safety net that truly supports them.

Strengthening Safety Nets for All Families

So, how do we make sure those safety nets are strong across California? That’s where data comes in.

As part of California’s High Fidelity Wraparound efforts, our state has adopted DART: the Document Assessment and Review Tool. Created by the University of Washington’s Wraparound Evaluation and Research Team (WERT), DART will help us use data to guide change, uphold fidelity and support our families.

The tool reviews case documentation across the four phases of High Fidelity Wraparound: Engagement, Planning, Implementation and Transition. Drawing on materials such as Plans of Care, family stories and progress notes, DART measures:

  • Effective teamwork
  • Planning guided by family strengths, voice and choice
  • Identification of underlying needs
  • Development of natural and community supports that remain available after formal services end
  • Measurable outcomes and regular adjustments to the plan

What DART Is and Isn’t

Like its name says, DART is a tool. It helps us understand what’s working, where more support is needed and how we can improve. The goal is consistent, community-based, high-quality Wraparound services for our young people and their families.

DART isn’t about proving someone is doing something wrong. Its findings help us identify questions to explore and areas where coaching could help. We at the Resource Center for Family-Focused Practice and its High Fidelity Wraparound Behavioral Health Center of Excellence are here to work through those questions side-by-side with you, so you and your families can keep moving forward.

Using Data to Make a Difference—Together

DART will help us all:

  • Identify strengths and recurring gaps
  • Recognize, share and celebrate successful practices
  • Prioritize training, coaching and technical assistance
  • Inform policy changes
  • Track progress over time
  • Develop action plans based on documented needs
  • Strengthen provider ownership of improvement efforts

From insights to action, and from services to success, we’re working together to strengthen the safety nets our children, youth and families depend on.

Remember, we’re here for you. If you have questions or need more information, reach out. We’re ready to help!
 

Primary Category

Wraparound