Blog

Visit our Human Services Blog regularly for information about current issues, research and happenings in the field of human services. All content is generated by UC Davis Continuing and Professional Education staff, instructors or colleagues.

We also produce several digital publications—each with a specific focus on an area of human services practice:

Four men in suits smiling as they take a group selfie together. In the background, there are lush, verdant trees and green grass.

More than a Stipend

  • by Tyler Morgenstern, UC Davis Human Services
Alumni story: How the Title IV-E Education Program empowers students to build lasting careers, connections and communities in child welfare—transforming futures while shaping California’s social work landscape.
A collage of photos illustrating the celebrated 20 year history of the National Tribal TANF Institute

UC Davis Human Services Celebrates 20 Years of the National Tribal TANF Institute

  • by Jason M Borucki
UC Davis Human Services hosted the 20th annual National Tribal TANF Institute July 15–17, 2025, at the Pechanga Resort in Temecula, California. More than 180 participants—including over 50 Tribal leaders from 43 Tribal agencies across 15 states—gathered to honor two decades of tradition and innovation in Tribal TANF. The three-day event featured 40+ courses, keynote addresses, cultural exchange and intergenerational learning, celebrating the strength and resilience of Native communities.
A circle of smiling people looking down at the camera, making heart shapes out of their hands.

From Lived Experience to Lasting Change: Inside the 2025 California Safety Organized Practice Conference

  • by Jason M Borucki
UC Davis Human Services’ Northern Academy hosted the California Safety Organized Practice Conference May 28–29, 2025, drawing 200+ child welfare professionals to reconnect with SOP’s relationship-centered core. Under the theme “Connecting to the Heart of SOP,” attendees heard powerful keynotes from Lisa Maaca Bartlette and Irving Chavez, previewed the new “Robert’s Story” video series, and joined a dozen-plus workshops focused on trauma-informed, strengths-based practice. The event amplified lived experience, sparked fresh collaboration across roles, and reaffirmed a shared commitment to family-led solutions.
A group of coworkers gather around a table in a conference room, reviewing charts and graphs, suggesting that they are working together on a project. There is a whiteboard behind them covered with diagrams and post-it notes.

Driving Innovation Through Collaboration

  • by Joycelyn Wormley (D.S.W.), Child Welfare Specialist, Title IV-E Education Program

One of the great strengths of the California Title IV-E Education program is its remarkable reach. With IV-E-supported Associates of Arts (A.A.), Bachelor of Social Work (B.A.S.W.) and Master of Social Work (M.S.W.) programs on offer at twenty colleges and universities across California, it’s a program that touches down in every kind of community and creates opportunities for every kind of student. 

From the Director: A Future Fueled by Hope

  • by Nancy Hafer, M.S., Director, Resource Center for Family-Focused Practice
Change brings challenges, but also hope. In her opening message, RCFFP director Nancy Hafer shares why the launch of High Fidelity Wraparound certification is more than new requirements—it’s a chance to strengthen consistency and ensure every family experiences the promise of High Fidelity Wraparound: A well-trained team consisting of parent partners, youth partners, facilitators and natural supports; Wraparound with voice, choice, healing and love.
Person writing in notebook

Acronym Corner: The Aftercare ACL 25-47 / BHIN 25-027 is Here!

  • by Tamara Trejos, MA, LMFT, Wraparound Program Specialist for the Resource Center for Family-Focused Practice
The new ACL/BHIN clarifies that any Wraparound provider contracted for Aftercare services must now be aligned with the newly revised Wraparound Standards and must demonstrate that alignment through the formal certification process. In this article, we'll decode some related acronyms, explore updated expectations and offer resources for additional support.
Michael Jayden

From Darkness to a Symbol of Hope

  • by Michael Jayden, Youth Ambassador, Child and Family Policy Unit of California Youth Engagement Program and LINC/Nextup
From foster care to college advocate, Michael Jayden’s journey is one of resilience, determination and hope. Discover how programs like LINC/Nextup and YEP helped him transform hardship into leadership—and how he’s now inspiring other foster youth to chase their dreams.
Illustration for Wraparound

"We're moving forward in a healthy way."

  • by Lynne Jones, Field Consultant, Resource Center for Family-Focused Practice
RCFFP field consultant Lynne Jones recently sat down with Crystal, who was eager to share her story on how Wraparound provided her entire family with hope, support, resources, understanding, encouragement and tools to improve their lives.
Chevonna Gaylor

Instructor Spotlight: Chevonna Gaylor

  • by the Resource Center for Family-Focused Practice
A powerhouse of knowledge, compassion and unyielding dedication to community healing with more than two decades of experience in mental health, trauma-informed care and Wraparound services, Chevonna Gaylor brings an unstoppable drive to her work, always guided by the belief that healing and growth should be accessible to all.
Robert Martinez

We Found Our Way

  • by Robert Martinez, Parent Partner, Contra Costa County
Once caught in a cycle of addiction, arrests and family separation, Robert has transformed his life through determination, sobriety and access to services. After losing custody of his children and battling methamphetamine use, he committed to recovery through inpatient treatment, parenting classes and court-ordered services. Now, with 15 years of sobriety, a strong marriage and two thriving teenage sons, Robert shares his story.
A pair of hands supporting a pair of another, emphasizing support and understanding.

UC Davis Receives $600,000 Grant to Launch Statewide Domestic Abuse Training for County Staff

DAVIS, Calif. — UC Davis Continuing and Professional Education – Human Services has been awarded a $600,000 grant from Blue Shield of California Foundation to develop and deliver a comprehensive state-wide training initiative for county workers who support survivors of domestic abuse. The two-year needs assessment and curriculum development project is the first Blue Shield Foundation grant received by UC Davis in more than 15 years.

Tiffany Montanez and Norah Sheeren, Sarah Duncan Award Winners

Honoring Excellence in Child Welfare: 2025 Sarah Duncan Award Recipients Announced

  • by Jason M Borucki

Presented each spring by the Northern Academy at UC Davis Human Services, the Sarah Duncan Champion for Children and Families Award honors Northern California’s outstanding social workers who reflect Duncan’s passion, skill and tireless commitment to improving outcomes for children and families. Now in its fourth year, the award continues to celebrate those making a lasting impact in the field.