Adapting Community-Based Wraparound for Use as an Intensive Intervention in Schools

Abstract

Multi-Tiered System of Supports and Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports frameworks focus on providing effective Tier 1 (universal), Tier 2 (selected), and Tier 3 (individualized) strategies to meet all students’ behavioral and emotional needs. However, there are few Tier 3 models that provide support spanning home, community, and school for students with serious emotional and behavioral challenges (SEBC). This U.S. study used expert and local input to (a) develop practice guidelines and implementation supports for a school-based Wraparound care planning and coordination model and (b) evaluate school feasibility and readiness to implement systems, practices, and data. Using mixed methods followed by a Nominal Group Process to generate recommendations, national experts, school leaders, and school staff reviewed, rated relevance, and revised school and district materials related to school-based Wraparound. Results found existing materials developed for community Wraparound programs required significant adaptation for school context and feasibility. Specific recommendations are being used to design a Wraparound in Schools model for feasibility and efficacy testing in schools. Findings hold promise for aiding schools to implement effective Tier 3 supports for students with SEBC, and for bridging the gap from theory to practice on use of Wraparound as an intensive Tier 3 strategy.