Date of Submission

5-2026

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts in Community Psychology

Department

Psychology

Advisor

Melissa L. Whitson, Ph.D.

Committee Member

Elizabeth H. Connors, Ph.D.

Keywords

Wraparound program, care coordination, Community Schools, Implementation Outcomes

LCSH

School children--Mental health services, Community schools, Student assistance programs

Abstract

In the United States, many youth face challenges accessing mental health services, particularly youth with complex needs requiring multi-system coordination. Schools are increasingly recognized as low-barrier access points for mental health promotion and intervention. When partnered with communities, schools can connect students and families with a range of mental health supports to ensure all needs are met. Community schools offer a promising approach by integrating academics with community-based wellness initiatives. Aligning in its principles is wraparound care coordination, a Tier 3 service designed to address complex mental health needs. While wraparound has become well-supported in community mental health, its implementation in schools is minimal due to fidelity and adaptation challenges. The present case study evaluated initial implementation outcomes of a wraparound program in one PreK-8 public school. The program was delivered in partnership with a local community health center and funded by the USDOE Full Service Community Schools program. Using a sequential explanatory mixed- methods design, Phase I evaluated fidelity quantitatively and Phase II qualitatively explored stakeholder acceptability, feasibility, and appropriateness perceptions that may have influenced fidelity. Integrated findings indicate fidelity scores may be explained in part by Phase II implementation outcomes reported by stakeholders. Stakeholders separately described a negative shift in implementation outcomes following cancellation of the program’s funding. Stakeholders informed implementation strategies identified for program continuation. These case study findings demonstrate an application of the Implementation Outcomes Framework, inform wraparound implementation in schools to address complex youth mental health challenges, and emphasize the need for low-barrier school mental health programs amid sociopolitical shifts.

Download

Off campus users: To download campus access theses or dissertations, log in to proxy server.

Share

COinS