Blog

Exciting news: UC Davis has been selected by DHCS to launch the Center of Excellence for High Fidelity Wraparound (COE HFW) under BH-CONNECT. Together, we’re strengthening behavioral health care for youth and families across California.

From foster youth to policy advocate, Kristina Tanner’s journey shows what’s possible when lived experience meets opportunity. Now Youth Special Projects Coordinator at the Youth Law Center, she shares how Wraparound support and youth partner Jessica Owens helped her heal and find her voice—one she now uses to drive policy change and expand hope and opportunity for youth in care.

In this personal reflection by Jessica Owens, a former youth partner, she shares how a connection built fifteen years ago with a young person named Kristina Tanner blossomed into a story of healing, growth and systemic change.

When seven-year-old Willow lost her last foster placement, her best friend Breanna said, “I want her to be my sister forever.” That wish began a journey of healing and love. With Wraparound support, the girls and their parents learned to grow together.

From rock bottom to restoration, one mother’s journey through child protective services became the foundation for her purpose. In this powerful personal story, she shares how faith, recovery and relentless love helped her reclaim her life, reunite with her son and become a parent partner.

The California Department of Social Services is embracing transformation with the Wraparound Integrated Practices and Services Unit (WIPS). This article explores how WIPS is guiding the shift toward High Fidelity Wraparound.

Change can feel exciting—or spooky—depending on your view. This piece explores how models like the Transtheoretical Model and growth mindset theory can help reframe resistance and guide Wraparound teams and families to navigate change with empathy, curiosity and confidence.

Our Wraparound community is mourning the loss and celebrating the life of beloved instructor Rocio Leon, whose warmth, authenticity and strength touched countless lives.Read reflections from colleagues and friends who were forever changed by her presence.

Explore quick, engaging activities and time-tested strategies to help Wraparound teams build empathy, spark reflection and strengthen collaboration.

UC Davis Human Services has been selected by the California Department of Health Care Services to serve as the Center of Excellence for High Fidelity Wraparound Services, a major milestone in the state’s efforts to strengthen behavioral health care for children and youth.

UC Davis CPE partners with counties to evaluate and improve the systems that support millions of vulnerable children, adults and families throughout California.

The 2025 West Coast Child Welfare Trainers Conference brought together more than 140 attendees from throughout the nation for three days of learning, connection and inspiration. Hosted by the Northern Academy at UC Davis Human Services, the event featured dynamic keynotes, in-depth seminars and community-building activities that highlighted the power of collaboration and the shared pursuit of excellence in training those who impact the safety and well-being of children, families and communities.

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.

Alison Book leads Human Services—CPE’s largest portfolio—delivering training, workforce development and educational support services to human services professionals and organizations across California through state, county, university and community-based partnerships.

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.