IP-CANS and CFT Fidelity Webinar Series and Learning Labs

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) partnered 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 were invited to 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. 

About the Learning Labs

Hosted by CDSS and UC Davis, the Fidelity Learning Labs offered counties, partners, and technical assistance providers a dedicated space to deepen understanding of IP-CANS and CFT fidelity implementation. These 90-minute sessions reinforced key concepts from the webinar series and related ACLs, provided structured opportunities for participants to submit and explore implementation questions, and featured open Q&A with subject matter experts. 

Archived Past Sessions

1. Aug. 27: IP-CANS Completion & Fidelity Requirements: An Overview
2. Sept. 18, 2025: County Practice and Improvement Plan and IP-CANS and CFT Data Sources
3. Oct. 9, 2025: Development of the CPIP Strategies (Improvement Plan) and Use of the TA Activity Guides
4. Nov. 13, 2025: CFT Meeting Observation Tool and the CFT Meeting Summary and Action Plan
5. Dec. 10, 2025: Supporting Fidelity – Available Resources and Data Sources (Decision Support Model, CANS Certification Reports, Safe Measures, CCR Dashboard, etc.)

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:  Watch the Recorded Oct. 1 Learning Lab | Access Learning Lab Materials

• 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

Watch the Recorded Oct. 9 Webinar | Access Webinar Materials

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

Watch the recorded Nov. 13 webinar | Access webinar materials

• 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.)

Watch the Recorded Dec. 10 Webinar | Download Accompanying PowerPoint

• 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.

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