Systematic Review and Meta-analysis: Effectiveness of Wraparound Care Coordination for Children and Adolescents

July 10, 2021 | NWI

Citation: Olson, J. R., Benjamin, P. H., Azman, A., Kellogg, M. A., Pullman, M. D., Suter, J. C., & Bruns, E. (2021). Systematic Review and Meta-analysis: Effectiveness of Wraparound Care Coordination for Children and Adolescents. Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 60, 1353-1366. [Online First.]

Abstract: Wraparound is a common method for coordinating care for children and adolescents with serious emotional disorders (SED), with nearly 100,000 youths served annually in the United States. The current systematic review and meta-analysis estimated effects on youth outcomes (symptoms, functioning, school, juvenile justice, and residential placement) and costs. Results indicate positive effects for Wraparound, especially for maintaining youths with SED in the home and community. However, many studies showed methodological weaknesses, and fidelity measurement was largely absent, suggesting a need for additional research. Nonetheless, the results should aid decisions around resource allocation, referral practices, and system partnerships among child psychiatrists and other behavioral health professionals.