What is it?
Change Matrix (CM) partners with the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) to enhance the state’s behavioral health system by strengthening the delivery and evaluation of technical assistance (TA). Our work has focused on developing a sustainable TA framework that builds the capacity of DHS’s Bureau of Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery (BPTR) and supports counties, providers, and community partners in delivering effective, equitable services.
In our partnership with the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS), Change Matrix applies a collaborative consultation approach that emphasizes shared learning, co-creation, and capacity building. Rather than providing prescriptive solutions, we work alongside DHS leadership and staff to explore system challenges, identify strengths, and develop sustainable strategies tailored to their unique context.
Key elements of our approach include:
- Co-creation: We engage DHS staff and partners throughout the process to design technical assistance (TA) frameworks, tools, and evaluation strategies that are practical and aligned with their goals.
- Capacity building: Our focus is not only on delivering solutions but on equipping DHS and BPTR teams with the knowledge, skills, and tools to continue strengthening TA practices long after our engagement ends.
- Iterative feedback: We establish feedback loops—through focus groups, interviews, and working sessions—that ensure continuous input from those who deliver and receive TA.
Our work with Wisconsin DHS aims to not only improve internal TA processes but also to ensure that TA provided to local systems leads to better outcomes for individuals and families receiving behavioral health services. By embedding culturally responsive and equitable practices into Wisconsin’s TA approach, we help advance a more inclusive and effective behavioral health system statewide.
What Change Matrix does
CM applies a collaborative consultation approach in its partnership with the Wisconsin DHS, emphasizing shared learning, co-creation, and capacity building. Rather than providing prescriptive solutions, CM works alongside DHS leadership and staff to explore system challenges, identify strengths, and develop sustainable strategies tailored to Wisconsin’s unique context.
Key elements of CM’s approach and activities include:
- Developing a Sustainable TA Framework: Leading the effort to create a robust framework for TA delivery and evaluation within DHS.
- Collaborative Consultation: Engaging DHS staff and partners throughout the process to design TA frameworks, tools, and evaluation strategies that are practical and aligned with their goals.
- Capacity Building: Equipping DHS and BPTR teams with the knowledge, skills, and tools to continue strengthening TA practices independently, ensuring long-term sustainability.
- Iterative Feedback Mechanisms: Establishing feedback loops—through focus groups, interviews, and working sessions—to ensure continuous input from those who deliver and receive TA.
Supporting Effective Service Delivery: Helping DHS and its partners improve internal TA processes to ensure that TA provided to local systems leads to better outcomes for individuals and families receiving behavioral health services.
Why we love this work
This partnership with the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) directly supports Change Matrix’s mission to strengthen systems and communities to improve lives.
Our work in Wisconsin aligns with our mission by:
- Building System Capacity: We are strengthening the capacity of a state-level system (DHS) to provide effective and equitable technical assistance, which in turn enhances the capabilities of local counties, providers, and community partners.
- Promoting Holistic Consideration and Embracing: By embedding culturally responsive and respectful practices into Wisconsin’s TA approach, we help advance a more embracing and effective behavioral health system statewide, ensuring that services better meet the needs of diverse populations.
- Fostering Sustainable Change: Our focus on co-creation and capacity building ensures that the improvements are sustainable and that DHS is equipped to continue advancing its TA practices long after our direct engagement.
Improving Outcomes: Ultimately, by enhancing the TA provided to local systems, this work aims to improve the quality and effectiveness of behavioral health services, leading to better outcomes for individuals and families across Wisconsin.
