Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) is essential for effective Wraparound implementation, ensuring accountability at the practice, program, and system levels. Through ongoing evaluation, Wraparound programs can assess the quality and consistency of their services, identify gaps, guide resource allocation, measure outcomes and achieve better results for youth and families.
The resources on this page are designed to help your organization foster a culture of learning and continuous improvement through meaningful evaluation and CQI practices. Whether you're beginning to develop a CQI plan or looking to refine your existing efforts, these tools can guide your team in using data to enhance fidelity, maintain sustainability, and strengthen outcomes for youth and families.
CA Wraparound Program Evaluation and CQI Pilot
The Wraparound Evaluation and Research Team (WERT) at the University of Washington is collaborating with the California Department of Social Services (CDSS), the UC Davis Resource Center for Family-Focused Practice (RCFFP), and key stakeholders—including representatives from county child welfare, behavioral health, probation, and community provider organizations—to develop a comprehensive, statewide evaluation and Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) plan for Wraparound.
As part of this effort, various county and community-based providers are currently participating in the California Wraparound Program Evaluation and CQI Pilot. Each pilot site is actively involved in data collection, data analysis, and monthly workgroup meetings with WERT, CDSS, and RCFFP. These collaborative activities aim to identify best practices, address implementation challenges, and generate recommendations to inform and guide future statewide Wraparound evaluation and CQI initiatives.
For more information on the plan and goals of the pilot, download a copy of the California Wraparound Evaluation and CQI Plan.
The Wraparound Fidelity Assessment System (WFAS)
WERT has developed multiple instruments that can be used individually or in combination with one another to assess the quality and fidelity of a Wraparound process, called the Wraparound Fidelity Assessment System (WFAS). Included in the WFAS are the Wraparound Fidelity Index, Short Form (WFI-EZ), the Team Observation Measure, version 2.0 (TOM 2.0), and the Document Assessment Review Tool (DART), which are currently being explored for use in California under the CA Wraparound Program Evaluation and CQI Pilot. These tools are proprietary and must be accessed through licensure. For more information, visit WERT’s WFAS website (https://www.wrapresearch.org/wfas).
Are you already using the WFI-EZ and unsure of what to attend to in your data? The WERT team has established WFI-EZ benchmarks (nwi.pdx.edu/pdf/WFI-EZ-Wraparound-Fidelity-Index-Benchmarks.pdf) that can be used to assess the degree to which your Wraparound program meets basic standards.
Latest Wraparound Research from the NWI
For resources on the latest Wraparound research publications and articles check out the NWI’s Latest Wraparound Research (https://nwi.pdx.edu/latest-wraparound-research/) page.
Not sure where to start? Check out the Wraparound Research Summary (https://nwi.pdx.edu/pdf/wraparound-research-summary-10-2024.pdf) by Eric Bruns (October, 2024) for a quick review of the research on Wraparound’s effectiveness. Additionally, check out A Comprehensive Review of Wraparound Care Coordination Research, 1986–2014 (https://nwi.pdx.edu/pdf/Wraparound-Lit-Review-Manuscript-Self-Archive.pdf) by Coldiron, Bruns, and Quick (2017) which reviews findings from 206 Wraparound-related, peer-reviewed publications.
High-Fidelity Wraparound in the Title IV-E Prevention Services Clearinghouse
In 2022, Wraparound was included as a “promising practice” in the Title IV-E Prevention Services Clearinghouse (https://preventionservices.acf.hhs.gov/programs/830/show).
Wondering how that rating was determined and what that rating means? Read the NWI’s article on Wraparound’s Inclusion in the Prevention Services Clearinghouse (https://nwi.pdx.edu/pdf/FFPSA-wraparound-inclusion-in-prevention-clearinghouse-02-2022.pdf).
Wondering if there is anything Wraparound initiatives can do to expand the evidence base for Wraparound’s effectiveness to make it eligible for a higher rating? Check out Guidance for Family First Prevention Services Act Evaluation Plans for High Fidelity Wraparound (https://nwi.pdx.edu/pdf/Guidance-FFPSA-High-Fidelity-Wraparound-Updated-02-2022.pdf) to hear thoughts on the matter from NWI, NWIC, and WERT.