New CFT and CANS Training and Resources To Support Implementation and Fidelity
The Northern Academy at UC Davis Human Services has launched new training, resources and learning opportunities to support Child and Family Team (CFT) and Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths (CANS) implementation across California.
The offerings include an updated facilitation training, new learning collaboratives, self-paced e-learning, a statewide obsvervation tool virtual training, individualized technical assistance and resources focused on new fidelity requirements.
We encourage our partners involved in CFT and CANS implementation to explore these opportunities and share them with colleagues, supervisors, CFT facilitators, CANS completers and other community partners.
Updated Four-Day CFT facilitation Training
The newly updated Child and Family Team Meetings Facilitation Training is now available, with the first training starting Sept. 15, 2026.
Now offered over four days, the training features updated content, vignettes, practice activities and additional opportunities to apply the knowledge and skills needed to facilitate meaningful, collaborative and family-centered CFT meetings.
New CFT and CANS Learning Collaborative
Offered regularly throughout the year, the CFT and CANS Learning Collaborative provides a space for professionals across California to connect with peers, examine shared implementation challenges and exchange promising practices toward strengthening CFT and CANS quality and fidelity.
Browse Upcoming Dates, Times and Topics.
New Self-Paced IP-CANS and CFT Fidelity Course
A new self-paced e-learning course, IP-CANS: CANS and CFT Fidelity, provides accessible, on-demand instruction on California’s new fidelity requirements.
The course introduces participants to key fidelity tools, including:
- The CFT Meeting Observation Tool
- The CFT Meeting Survey
- The County Practice and Improvement Plan (CPIP)
The course is available for completion credit through the California Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths Workforce Training (CACWT) catalog.
To enroll and receive credit:
- Visit the CACWT catalog.
- Search for IP-CANS: CANS and CFT Fidelity.
- Follow the registration prompts.
Those who do not need completion credit may access the e-learning course directly.
Statewide CFT Meeting Observation Tool Training
Beginning Dec. 1, 2026 the Northern Academy will offer a new statewide virtual training developed in partnership with the California Department of Social Services.
The half-day, four-hour training prepares participants to use the CFT Meeting Observation Tool. It was developed, piloted and launched to support consistent use of the tool across California.
Free Fidelity Technical Assistance
Counties and partner agencies can receive free, individualized technical assistance to strengthen CFT and CANS fidelity.
Support can be tailored to local needs and may include:
- Consultation and problem-solving
- Resource development
- Implementation support
- Continuous quality improvement assistance
Here is what some recent TA recipients said about the help they received!
The walkthrough of the process and the clarification of what was being asked for in the plan were very helpful. The facilitation guided us through the process and made it feel much more manageable.
The TA's knowledge and experience with the CPIP development was extremely evident throughout the process. They were able to clearly line up objectives and provide clarity on ambiguous questions. They were able to keep the group on tasks and draw input from county partners that had information needed. Overall, it was a great collaborative experience and from my perspective the group really enjoyed the processes and discussions.
I would definitely do another TA request for assistance in the future.
Quarterly Statewide CFT and CANS Forum
The Statewide CFT and CANS Forum meets quarterly, providing participants with opportunities to:
- Hear statewide updates
- Learn from partners
- Share resources
- Discuss emerging CFT and CANS implementation issues
Those unable to attend live can still receive detailed meeting notes by joining the forum mailing list.
Request an invitation or save the Statewide Forum meetings to your calendar.
Fidelity Webinar and Learning Lab Recordings
The California Department of Social Services partnered with the Northern Academy to present a five-part webinar series on the new IP-CANS and CFT fidelity requirements. The series was followed by Learning Labs where participants could ask questions, connect with peers and discuss the development of local implementation plans.
All recordings and materials are now available online, offering practical guidance, implementation strategies and examples to support CFT and CANS quality and fidelity.
- Access the fidelity series materials and recordings.
- Learn more about fidelity requirements and resources from CDSS.
Explore Additional CFT and CANS Resources
Visit the Northern Academy’s CFT and CANS Resource Hub for additional training, tools and implementation resources.
To receive updates about future learning opportunities, join the Northern Academy mailing list.