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Grounded Theory and Backward Mapping: Exploring the Implementation Context for Wraparound

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Abstract

Within children’s mental health, there is an increasing demand for wider implementation of wraparound and other interventions that can provide comprehensive, individualized, family-driven care. Unfortunately, implementation has proven difficult because these approaches do not necessarily flourish within traditionally organized agencies and systems. This has highlighted the need for information about how mental health agencies and systems must evolve if they are to provide a hospitable implementation environment for these interventions. A first step in developing this information is through research that advances conceptual and theoretical understanding of the impact of contextual factors on implementation. At the same time, there is an immediate need for practical information to guide decision making and policy development in settings where implementation is being undertaken. This article describes a study of wraparound implementation that used a combination of qualitative strategies to meet both of these needs simultaneously. It is argued that these strategies are particularly well suited to the study of emerging practices that reflect—and help drive—transformation in mental health systems.

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Acknowledgments

This research was conducted with funding from the National Institute of Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR), United States Department of Education, and the Center for Mental Health Services Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (NIDRR grant number H133B990025). The content does not necessarily represent the views or policies of the funding agencies. The authors wish to thank the research participants for the insights offered during the interviews and feedback sessions described in this article.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Research and Training Center on Family Support and Children’s Mental Health, Regional Research Institute, Portland State University, P.O. Box 751, Portland, OR, 97207, USA

    Janet S. Walker PhD & Nancy Koroloff PhD

Authors
  1. Janet S. Walker PhD
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  2. Nancy Koroloff PhD
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Correspondence to Janet S. Walker PhD.

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Walker, J.S., Koroloff, N. Grounded Theory and Backward Mapping: Exploring the Implementation Context for Wraparound. J Behav Health Serv Res 34, 443–458 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11414-007-9054-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11414-007-9054-6

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