Exciting news: UC Davis has been selected by DHCS to launch the Center of Excellence for High Fidelity Wraparound (COE HFW) under BH-CONNECT.
Together, we’re strengthening behavioral health care for youth and families across California.
From foster youth to policy advocate, Kristina Tanner’s journey shows what’s possible when lived experience meets opportunity and support. In this reflection, Kristina—now Youth Special Projects Coordinator at the Youth Law Center—shares how Wraparound services and the steadfast guidance of youth partner Jessica Owens helped her heal, grow and find her voice. Today, she uses that voice to drive statewide policy change, champion Strength-Building Dollars and ensure every young person in care has access to the same hope, belonging and opportunity that transformed her life.
In this personal reflection by Jessica Owens, a former youth partner, she shares how a connection built fifteen years ago with a young person named Kristina Tanner blossomed into a story of healing, growth and systemic change. Today, Kristina’s leadership and lived experience are shaping child welfare policy and inspiring others to believe in the ripple effect of one supportive relationship.
When seven-year-old Willow lost her last foster placement, her best friend Breanna spoke up with a simple wish—“I want her to be my sister forever.” That wish sparked the beginning of a new family and a powerful journey of healing, love and resilience. With support from Wraparound services, the girls and their parents, Marisol and Rudy, learned to navigate challenges, build trust and grow together. Today, Willow and Breanna are not just best friends—they’re sisters forever.
From rock bottom to restoration, one mother’s journey through child protective services became the foundation for her purpose. In this powerful personal story, she shares how faith, recovery and relentless love helped her reclaim her life, reunite with her son and become a parent partner—walking beside families facing the same fears she once knew too well. Today, she continues that work through Sacramento’s CARE Court program, proving that healing is possible and hope is real.
by the California Department of Social Services Wraparound Integrated Practices and Services Unit (formerly known as the Family Centered Practice Unit)
This season, the California Department of Social Services is embracing transformation with a new name for the Family Centered Practice team: the Wraparound Integrated Practices and Services Unit (WIPS). More than a rebrand, WIPS reflects a deep commitment to supporting counties, providers and families with evidence-based Wraparound practices.
This article explores how WIPS is guiding the shift toward High Fidelity Wraparound, offering encouragement, clarity and a few myth-busting insights to help sweep away confusion and illuminate the path forward.
Change can feel exciting—or downright spooky—depending on your point of view. This piece explores the psychology behind how we experience change through models like the Transtheoretical Model of Behavior Change and Carol Dweck’s mindset theory. Learn how to reframe “resistance,” embrace growth mindsets and use practical tools to help Wraparound teams and families move through change with empathy, curiosity and confidence.
While this publication’s theme centers on change and growth, we also pause to honor a profound and heartbreaking loss within our community. Our beloved Wraparound instructor, Rocio Leon, recently passed away after her courageous battle with cancer. More than a trainer, Rocio was a force of nature whose warmth, authenticity and lived experience brought healing and transformation to everyone she encountered. She had a rare gift for blending deep expertise with genuine humanity, meeting people exactly where they were and helping them see what was possible.
Change can be uncomfortable—but it’s also where real growth happens. These quick, engaging team activities and strategies help Wraparound professionals build empathy, spark reflection and strengthen collaboration while supporting families through transition. From fun icebreakers that reveal how hard habits are to break, to strength-based reframing challenges and motivational interviewing techniques, these tools invite teams to explore change with curiosity and compassion. Use them to bring fresh energy and insight to your meetings—and to help families embrace growth with confidence and hope.
