Children, youth, and families may receive services from several state and local agencies. When these agencies work together, they can better meet each person’s needs.
Two years ago, five California departments released the updated Integrated Core Practice Model for Children, Youth and Families and its accompanying Integrated Training Guide. Together, the model and guide show agencies how to work together to better support children, youth, and families. and families.
This work was completed in partnership with the California Department of Social Services, the Department of Health Care Services, the California Department of Education, and the Department of Rehabilitation.
Community members took part in updating these resources, including youth with experience in foster care, parents, caregivers, tribes, regional centers, and service providers.
What is the Integrated Core Practice Model?
The Integrated Core Practice Model (ICPM) guides how agencies work together to support children, youth and families. It focuses on:
- Building strong relationships with families
- Respecting each family’s culture
- Making sure children, youth and families can receive services when they need them
The model also gives staff and leaders shared ways to work together. This can make it easier for families to receive support from different agencies without having to navigate each system on their own.
What is the Integrated Training Guide?
The Integrated Training Guide shows agencies how to put the model into practice. It guides staff from different agencies on how to train and work together, including:
- Understanding each other’s roles
- Using the same terms
- Finding better ways to coordinate services
The goal is to make it easier for agencies to work as one team when supporting children, youth, and families.
How does this connect to the Children and Youth System of Care?
California created the Children and Youth System of Care in 2018 through Assembly Bill 2083.
The law requires local agencies, including regional centers, child welfare, behavioral health, education and probation, to work together to support children and youth.
Each county must have a written agreement explaining how these agencies will work together. This is called a memorandum of understanding (MOU).
The agreement must include plans for staff recruitment, training, and coaching.
The Integrated Core Practice Model and Training Guide give agencies tools to put these agreements into action. Together, they support better communication and teamwork so children, youth and families can receive services that meet their needs.
Learn more
- Visit the Integrated Core Practice Model webpage to view the model and related resources.
- Visit the Department of Developmental Services System of Care Resource Hub for additional resources and guidance for children and youth in foster care or probation.