As California continues to prepare for implementation of the Tiered Rate Structure, new practice fidelity requirements are being implemented for counties and providers for Integrated Practice Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths (IP-CANS) and Child and Family Team (CFT) practices. To support you in understanding and implementing these requirements, the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) is partnering with the UC Davis Northern Academy to offer a 5-part webinar series followed by Learning Labs to ask questions and connect with others who are navigating these changes and developing local plans.
About the Webinar Series
The Fidelity Webinar Series supports a system of care audience—including child welfare, probation, behavioral health, education, Tribes, contracted providers, technical assistance providers, trainers, and persons with lived experience—in understanding California’s new fidelity requirements for the IP-CANS and CFTs. Participants will explore why and how these standards were developed and receive guidance to enhance their teaming and assessment practices to ensure consistent, coordinated, and empowering IP-CANS and CFT experiences. Each webinar will be recorded and will include PPTs, handouts, fidelity tools, and other relevant resources. 1-2 weeks following each webinar, there will be a Learning Lab hosted to briefly recap what was shared and to answer questions received ahead of time or during the Lab session.
About the Learning Labs
Hosted by CDSS and UC Davis, the Fidelity Learning Labs offer counties, partners, and technical assistance providers a dedicated space to deepen understanding of IP-CANS and CFT fidelity implementation. These 90-minute sessions reinforce key concepts from the webinar series and related ACLs, provide structured opportunities for participants to submit and explore implementation questions, and feature open Q&A with subject matter experts. Each session also includes brief highlights from prior content and spotlights early insights from counties already using the fidelity tools in practice. There will be recurring notes taken with questions and answers posted publicly following each session.
Please see below for webinar and learning lab dates, times and topics:
Sessions
IP-CANS Completion & Fidelity Requirements: An Overview
Watch the Recorded Aug. 27 Webinar | Access Webinar Materials
- Session Details
- This session provides a foundational overview of ACL 25-10 & ACL 25-54, highlighting the purpose and importance of new IP-CANS fidelity requirements. Participants will explore the tools developed to support fidelity—including informational brochures and the CFT Meeting Survey—to promote consistent, high-quality teaming and assessment practices across systems of care.
County Practice and Improvement Plan and IP-CANS and CFT Data Sources
Watch the Recorded Sept. 18 Webinar | Access Webinar Materials
Follow-Up Learning Lab: Wednesday, Oct. 1, 11:30am-1pm - Register
- Session Details
- This session offers an overview of the County Practice and Improvement Plan (CPIP), including strategies for completing it in collaboration with system of care partners. Participants will learn how to leverage IP-CANS and CFT data sources to inform planning, track progress and strengthen county-level practice improvements aligned with fidelity requirements.
Development of the CPIP Strategies (Improvement Plan) and Use of the TA Activity Guides
Webinar: Thursday, Oct. 9, 9-11am - Register
Follow-Up Learning Lab: Wed, Oct 15, 11:30am-1pm - Register
- Session Details:
- This session focuses on how counties can use the CPIP to develop targeted improvement plans by identifying priority areas and selecting effective strategies. Participants will also explore how to apply Technical Assistance (TA) Activity Guides to support implementation, enhance practice and advance fidelity across IP-CANS and CFT efforts.
CFT Meeting Observation Tool and the CFT Meeting Summary and Action Plan
Webinar: Thursday, Nov. 13, 10am -12pm - Register
Follow-Up Learning Lab: Tuesday, Nov. 18, 11:30am-1pm - Register
- Session Details:
- This session provides a high-level overview of the CFT Meeting Observation Tool and the CFT Meeting Summary and Action Plan, outlining their role in supporting fidelity and quality improvement. While detailed training on tool use and rating instructions will be developed separately, this session introduces their purpose, structure, and how these tools contribute to consistent and effective IP-CANS and CFT processes.
Supporting Fidelity – Available Resources and Data Sources (Decision Support Model, CANS Certification Reports, Safe Measures, CCR Dashboard, etc.)
Webinar: Wednesday, Dec. 10, 9-11am - Register
Follow-Up Learning Lab: Wednesday, Dec. 17, 11am-1pm - Register
- Session Details:
- Concluding the webinar series, this session highlights key tools and data sources available to support fidelity in IP-CANS and CFT practices. Participants will explore the Decision Support Model, CANS Certification Reports, Safe Measures, the CCR Dashboard,and other resources that provide insight into implementation progress, support continuous quality improvement and promote aligned, data-informed practice across systems of care.
