The CANS is a multiple purpose information integration tool that is designed to be the output of a collaborative assessment process. Completion of the CANS requires effective engagement using a teaming approach. The CANS must be informed by members of the Child and Family Team (CFT), including the youth and family. The CANS must be discussed, used and shared within the CFT process to support case planning and care coordination.
The CANS was developed from a communication perspective in order to facilitate the linkage between the assessment process and the design of individualized service plans. Use of the CANS by county child welfare, juvenile probation and behavioral health departments helps to identify a range of needs and strengths of the child and caregivers; support care coordination and collaborative decision-making; and monitor outcomes of individuals, providers, and systems.
Selecting the Appropriate Training for Your Role
There are several CANS courses offered, and each class has a different target audience. Please review the following chart to ensure you are selecting the appropriate course. Supervisors are the only individuals who will attend more than one of the CANS courses; they must take either Module A or B, depending on their role, as a prerequisite to Module C.
| Course | Intended Audience |
|---|---|
| Module A: The CANS: Overview and Case Planning | One-day workshop appropriate for individuals who will be informing or discussing the CANS. |
| Module B: The CANS: Overview, Case Planning and Preparation for Certification | Two-day workshop required for social workers or others who will be completing the CANS, child welfare supervisors who oversee case planning, and CFT facilitators. |
| Module C: The CANS and Supervision | One-day workshop required for child welfare supervisors who will be supporting staff who use the CANS in case planning. Supervisors who will not oversee case planning may take Module A, while supervisors who oversee the use of CANS in case planning must take Module B. |
| Module D: The CANS: Review and Planning | One-day workshop for individuals who attended “Using the CANS in the California Integrated Core Practice Model” (former one-day CANS overview course offered from October 2018-November 2019) as a refresher of core concepts and additional instruction on use of CANS in case planning. |
How to Enroll
To enroll, select the title of the course you are interested in, review the course details, then click the "Enroll Now" button. You’ll be redirected to the California Child Welfare Training System (CACWT), where you will be required to log in to your account and follow the prompts to complete your registration. If you do not have a CACWT account, please contact your county training coordinator to request a profile be created for you.
Questions? If you need help enrolling or have any questions, contact us at (530) 757-8725 or academy@ucdavis.edu.
Continuing Education Units (CEUs)
Participants enrolled in Northern Academy courses are eligible to receive credit from UC Davis Continuing and Professional Education through Continuing Education Units (CEUs). To learn more about CEUs, please visit our Credit Services webpage.