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

The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) is committed to ensuring that children, youth and families receive the highest quality of care through High-Fidelity Wraparound. We put this into practice through our ongoing partnership with the Resource Center for Family-Focused Practice (RCFFP) at UC Davis, where collaboration, technical assistance and coaching come together to enhance Wraparound practice statewide.

High-Fidelity Wraparound is more than a service—it’s a philosophy rooted in family voice and choice, strength-based planning and cross-system coordination. Effective implementation requires continuous learning, reflection and adaptation. Recognizing the ongoing needs of counties and providers, CDSS has prioritized technical assistance and coaching to ensure that Wraparound programs remain aligned with best practices while also meeting the unique needs of the youth and families they serve.

A Partnership Built on Shared Purpose

The partnership between CDSS and RCFFP is grounded in a shared vision: equipping Wraparound teams with the knowledge, tools and support necessary to achieve meaningful outcomes. Through joint technical assistance efforts, we provide county agencies and service providers with direct coaching, training and problem-solving strategies tailored to the challenges they face. Whether it’s refining the integration of peer partners, strengthening engagement with families or navigating complex system dynamics, our collaborative approach ensures that Wraparound remains responsive, innovative and impactful.

A significant success of this partnership has been the ability to facilitate peer learning across counties. Through structured communities of practice, regional training sessions and individualized coaching, we’ve seen providers and county leaders exchange strategies, refine policies and develop solutions that are both practical and sustainable. The ability to foster real-time collaboration among system partners is one of the hallmarks of our joint approach, ensuring that every county—regardless of size or resources—has access to expert guidance and shared learning.

Technical Assistance in Action

Over the past year, our collaboration has supported counties in strengthening High-Fidelity Wraparound implementation through:

• Targeted Coaching & Consultation: Our joint team has provided individualized support to counties seeking to enhance their Wraparound practice, helping to address implementation barriers and strengthen the integration of peer partners and natural supports.
• Training & Workforce Development: CDSS and RCFFP have delivered training for Wraparound staff, including supervisors and peer partners, to align with emerging research and state expectations. These trainings emphasize real-world application, ensuring staff have actionable strategies to improve family engagement and service coordination.
• Communities of Practice: Recognizing the power of peer learning, we’ve facilitated opportunities for Wraparound providers to connect, share experiences and develop solutions collaboratively, leading to increased consistency and effectiveness across counties.
• Policy & Practice Alignment: By working closely with counties, we’ve supported the implementation of Wraparound policies that reinforce the principles of family voice and choice and cross-system collaboration, ensuring that technical assistance is not only informative but also transformative.

Looking Ahead

As we move forward, CDSS remains dedicated to strengthening this partnership with RCFFP to expand technical assistance efforts and respond to the evolving needs of Wraparound teams statewide. We recognize that successful Wraparound implementation is not just about compliance—it’s about culture change, capacity-building and ongoing learning. By continuing to provide hands-on coaching, facilitating peer connections and ensuring alignment with best practices, we are collectively shaping a system that truly works for youth and families.

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.