Wraparound Blog Posts

Newsletter titled "Wraparound Connections," featuring a smiling family photo and text about Wraparound resources.

Wraparound Connections
The Engagement Phase Issue: April 2026

This newsletter is available in digital format as a PDF as well as posted on our Wraparound blog. You can also join our email list to receive newsletter issues as they are released.

 

California Wraparound

Connection Is at the Core of Wraparound

  • by Nancy Hafer, Director, UC Davis Resource Center for Family-Focused Practice
This issue of Wraparound Connections focuses on the engagement phase, where the work begins with youth and families.
Colorful baking ingredients and utensils arranged on a blue surface.

The Recipe for Successful Portal Submissions

  • by California Department of Social Services (CDSS)
Just as Wraparound thrives through connection, so does this process. If you have questions or need guidance, the UC Davis Resource Center for Family-Focused Practice (RCFFP) is ready to help.
Kristina Tanner and Jessica Owens

The Power of One Healthy Connection

  • by Kristina Tanner, Youth Special Projects Coordinator
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.
Stepping stones in water circumnavigating a ripple upon the surface

The Ripple Effect

  • by Jessica Owens, System of Care Specialist and Supervisor, Resource Center for Family-Focused Practice at UC Davis Human Services
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.
Left to right: Breanna, age 10; mom, Marisol; dad, Rudy; and Willow, age 10

Wraparound is Like "One big hug!"

  • by Lynne M Jones, LCSW, Field Consultant, Resource Center for Family-Focused Practice at UC Davis Human Services
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.
Illustration for Wraparound

From Case Plans to Comeback

  • by Jasmine Nelson, Behavioral Health Peer Support Specialist CARE Court Team Department of Health Services, Sacramento
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.
A girl jumping for joy in falling leaves

Embracing Change: California’s High Fidelity Wraparound Model, Name Changes and Beyond

  • by the California Department of Social Services Wraparound Integrated Practices and Services Unit (formerly known as the Family Centered Practice Unit)
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.
Three pumpkins in a field

The Psychology of Change

  • by Tamara Trejos LMFT, Wraparound Specialist with UC Davis Resource Center for Family-Focused Practice
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.
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