Wraparound Blog Posts

Wraparound Connections Newsletter July 2026

Wraparound Connections
The Planning Phase Issue: July 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.

 

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.
California Wraparound

From the Director

  • by Nancy Hafer, M.S., Director, Resource Center for Family-Focused Practice
 

Collectively, our nation is in a period of profound change. The word “uncertainty” is everywhere—used by scholars, media personalities, politicians, colleagues and friends alike. It has become shorthand for something deeper: a widespread sense of disorientation, transition and not quite knowing what comes next.

Illustration for Wraparound

Wraparound: A Blessing in Disguise

  • by Lynne Jones, LCSW
Jesus and Cassie, along with their toddler Xavier, were proud to share their Wraparound journey with Lynne Jones, field consultant at the Resource Center for Family-Focused Practice. We are excited to uplift their story of resilience, courage, faith and hope.
Cheryl Tredwell

Honoring Cheryl Treadwell

  • by Cheryl’s grateful colleagues at the Resource Center for Family-Focused Practice and the California Department of Social Services
Cheryl’s wisdom, warmth and unyielding spirit will be deeply missed in the halls of social services, but her legacy is woven into the very fabric of child welfare. Though she now embarks on a well-earned retirement filled with hiking, family time and community service, her voice, her passion and her fight for equity will continue to inspire us all.
Kim Stokem

What About Baby?

  • by Kim Stokem, LMFT, Countywide Wraparound Trainer and Fidelity Coach, Contra Costa Behavioral Health; UC Davis Instructor; 0-5 Years Champion
In the Summer 2024 issue of Wraparound Connections, Jarred “Jay” Vermillion’s article, Aligning for Action: California's Wraparound Initiative Taking Flight to New Heights!, explored the history and future of California’s Wraparound Initiative. As a Wraparound Champion for the 0-5 population, I was especially struck by two statements in the piece that deeply resonated with my work.
Person writing in notebook

Lost Without Translation

  • by Tamara Trejos, Wraparound Program Specialist, UC Davis Human Services
"Your ABA will be provided by an RBT under a BCBA per the IPP and IEP BIP." UMMMM, WHAAAATTT???
Maria Casa

My Journey to Becoming a Parent Partner

  • by Maria Casas, Parent Partner and Certified Peer Support Specialist
Becoming a parent partner at Aspiranet Intensive Home-Based Services (IHBS) Wraparound in Visalia was not just my career choice, it was a part of my personal mission, rooted in my experiences navigating the often complex and overwhelming world of mental health care.
California Wraparound

Strengthening Wraparound Through Collaboration: CDSS and the Resource Center for Family-Focused Practice

  • by Danielle Gabri, MA, Staff Services Manager I, Family-Centered Practice Unit, System of Care Branch, Children and Family Services Division, California Department of Social Services
Our partnership exemplifies what is possible when agencies work together toward a shared goal. CDSS is proud to collaborate with RCFFP in providing the guidance, training and resources needed to ensure that Wraparound remains a strong, effective, and family-driven model of care in California.
Tabatha Rodgers

Growing Out of Trauma

  • by Tabitha Rodgers, Transition Aftercare Services & Substance Abuse Coordinator
Growing up in the foster care system for six years before returning to my mother, I remember being scared, sad and angry. As a 7-year-old little girl yearning for love and comfort, I found myself surrounded by strangers, bouncing between foster homes and the Mary Graham Children's Shelter in French Camp, CA.
California Wraparound

From the Director

  • by Nancy Hafer, M.S., Director, Resource Center for Family-Focused Practice
While it’s often been said that the only certainty is uncertainty, Wraparound remains relentlessly determined to be there for children and families when they need it, and as early as they need it, so that their lives are strengthened and improved by services rather than overwhelmed by such uncertainty. This is what Wraparound can be, and needs to be, to keep our most vulnerable and marginalized children, families and communities safe.
Kimberly with her older sister, Savannah, and mom, Eveline.

Kimberly and Eveline: A Ventura County Wraparound Family Success Story

  • by Beau Godtel, MA, BCBA, Senior Administrative Specialist Ventura County Human Services Agency, Child and Family Services
After months of being away from her family, Kimberly was returned to her mother’s care alongside her other siblings. The Wraparound team worked diligently to build connection and trust with Kimberly and Eveline as the family began to navigate their new life together. The flexibility of Wraparound and access to flex funds allowed us to creatively support the family in their goals, and to celebrate accomplishments.
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