Stakeholder Resources

CDSS Upcoming Stakeholder Meetings

Last updated: April 16, 2025

The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) works closely with stakeholders across the state. Below is a listing of upcoming meetings.

Children and Family Services Division

Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (ICPC) Workgroup
Date: April 22
Time: 2 - 3 p.m.
Details: Workgroup to build consensus around best practices and to develop resources to educate and support ICPC staff.
How to participate: Reach out to contact below.
Contact: ICPC@dss.ca.gov

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Bringing Families Home (BFH) All Grantee Call - Housing and Homelessness Division
Date: April 23
Time: 1 – 2:30 p.m.
Details: All county and Tribal Bringing Families Home grantees to gather and hear new updates, collaborate, and ask question as needed.
How to participate: Online Registration
Contact: Kelsy.mccoy@dss.ca.gov

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Strengths Building Program within the Tiered Rate Structure
Date: April 24
Time: 4 - 5 p.m.
Details: The working groups are intended for CDSS to engage with stakeholders to inform the Strengths Building Program within the Tiered Foster Care Rate Structure. This working group will occur every other Thursday from 4 – 5 p.m. It kicked off on Thursday, March 27, 2025, and will run biweekly through Thursday, May 22, 2025.
How to participate: Online Registration
Contact: resourcecenter@ucdavis.edu

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Peer Hubs
Date: April 24
Time: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Details: The Peer Partner Hubs are a safe space for peer partners (including youth advocates and parent advocates) with lived experience in child and family-serving organizations to network and support one another, share information and learning opportunities, and provide feedback to organizations, counties, and CDSS for system improvement.
How to participate: Online Registration
Contact: Wraparoundquestions@dss.ca.gov

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The Interagency Advisory Committee on Apprenticeships (IACA) Homeless & Foster Youth Subcommittee
Date: April 28
Time: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Details: The IACA Homeless & Foster Youth Subcommittee meets quarterly to discuss the barriers of homeless & foster youth entering apprenticeships and pre-apprenticeships and to make recommendations. This committee also supports the Division of Apprenticeship Standards in fulfilling their plan to increase the number of apprentices in California by 2029 and support California’s Master Plan for Career Education.
How to participate: Online Registration
Contact: ApprenticeshipPathways@dss.ca.gov and Korena.Hazen@dss.ca.gov

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Child and Family Teaming (CFT)/Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths (CANS) Statewide Forum
Date: Third Tuesday of every month.
Time: 9:30 a.m. - noon
Details: The CFT CANS Statewide Forum meeting is an open forum that meets quarterly to convene stakeholders from across the state to share information and engage stakeholders in discussions that support the evolution of policy and practice. The CDSS recommends that each county and contracted agency send a representative to the meetings to hear what is shared and to contribute their wisdom and practice experiences with CFTs and CANS.
How to participate: Online Registration
Contact: CFTCANS@ucdavis.edu and CWScoordination@dss.ca.gov

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Family First Prevention Services (FFPS) Training & Technical Assistance (TA) Subcommittee
Date: Second Wednesday of every month.
Time: 3:30 - 5 p.m.
Details: The Training & TA subcommittee is a standing subcommittee of the FFPS Advisory Committee that meets monthly. The role of the Training/TA subcommittee is to review training guidance and technical support needed for successful implementation of the Comprehensive Prevention Plan as part of FFPS.
How to participate: Reach out to contact below.
Contact: FFPSAPreventionServices@dss.ca.gov

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Family First Prevention Services (FFPS) Title IV-E Advisory Subcommittee
Date: Fourth Wednesday of every month.
Time: 1 - 3 p.m.
Details: The Title IV-E Advisory Subcommittee is a standing subcommittee of the FFPS Advisory Committee that meets the 4th Wednesday of the month. Its role is to provide key information and a collaborative forum to share progress and processes with the FFPS Advisory Committee regarding IV-E Agency implementation of the FFPS program.
How to participate: Reach out to contact below.
Contact: FFPSAPreventionServices@dss.ca.gov

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Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics (NMT) Learning Collaborative Meetings
Date: Third Thursday of every month.
Time: 2 - 4 p.m.
Details: Every month in partnership with the Neurosequential Network, UC Davis Resource Center for Family Focused Practice, and the California Department of Social Services, has a learning collaborative meeting that is facilitated for knowledge sharing amongst counties and regions who are interested in implementing NMT within California.
How to participate: Reach out to contact below.
Contact: resourcecenter@ucdavis.edu

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Wraparound Hubs
Date: TBD
Time: TBD
Details: Regional groups who share information relevant to Wraparound, including Northern California, Central California, Bay Area and two Southern California hubs.
How to participate: Online Registration.
Contact: Family Centered Practice Unit at Wraparoundquestions@dss.ca.gov

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Permanency Policy Bureau
Family Urgent Response System (FURS) Technical Assistance
Date: Second Tuesday of every two months.
Time: 1:30 - 2:30 p.m.
Details: Information to follow.
How to participate: Reach out to contact below.
Contact: FURS@dss.ca.gov

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Integrated Practice & Resource Development Bureau
Wraparound Steering Committee Meetings
Date: Fourth Wednesday of every month.
Time: 1:30 - 3:30 p.m.
Details: The purpose of the California Wraparound Steering Committee is to develop a collaborative California Wraparound community that seeks to build continuity in practice and improve equitable safety, wellbeing and permanency outcomes for children and families through the provision of high-fidelity Wraparound programs.
How to participate: Reach out to contact below.
Contact: Family Centered Practice Unit at Wraparoundquestions@dss.ca.gov

Office of Equity Division

Office of Tribal Affairs
Tribal Advisory Committee (TAC) Meeting
Dates:

• June 13
• December 13

Time: 1 - 4 p.m.
Details: The TAC was instituted in 2018 to provide advice to the Director of CDSS about matters of interest or concern to the Tribes and their constituents. The committee has the power to recommend policies or procedures for CDSS.
How to participate: Reach out to contact below.
Contact: tribalaffairs@dss.ca.gov

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Afghan Welcome Centers
Dates:

• May 5-9 Sacramento
• May 19-23 San Diego
• June 16-19 Oakland

Time: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Details: In partnership with Cherokee Federal, the CDSS will be hosting three Afghan Welcome Centers in Sacramento, San Diego, and Oakland. This event will provide an opportunity for Afghan refugees, Special Immigrant Visa holders, and asylees to talk to staff from refugee resettlement agencies, non-profits, and a variety of service providers.
How to participate: Reach out to contact below.
Contact: abdi.abdillahi@dss.ca.gov and Brian.tam@dss.ca.gov

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State Advisory Council (SAC) Quarterly Meeting
Date: Second Thursday of March, June, September, December
Time: 1:30 – 3 p.m.
Details: The SAC is an advisory body comprised of individuals with a cross-section of experience from all sectors involved in, or affected by, the Refugee Resettlement Program (RRP) in California. It was established by the Department, in accordance with the Refugee Act of 1980, to advise CDSS on refugee issues and ensure community involvement in policy discussions crucial to the development of a comprehensive, responsive, client-centered, and culturally and linguistically sensitive RRP. Visit the SAC webpage for information about previous and upcoming meetings and general resources.
How to participate: Online Registration
Contact: RPBTTAU@dss.ca.gov.

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County of San Mateo Immigrant Forum
Date: Third Tuesday of every month
Time: 10 a.m. - noon
Details: The San Mateo County Immigrant Forum meets virtually every month and provides a space for service providers, county departments, and local organizations serving immigrant communities to convene, connect, and collaborate.
How to participate: Reach out to contact below.
Contact: immigrantservices@smcgov.org.

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East Bay Refugee and Immigrant Forum (EBRIF) Quarterly Meeting
Date: Second Wednesday of January, April, July, October
Time: 10 a.m. - noon
Details: The EBRIF is a coalition of agencies, organizations, advocates and community leaders serving immigrants, refugees, asylees, Special Immigrant Visa holders, and others permanently displaced from their home countries by persecution, violence, or war who now seek refuge in San Francisco East Bay. This meeting space provides an opportunity for agencies and programs to share information and resources.
How to participate: Reach out to contact below.
Contact: coordinator@ebrif.org.

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Sacramento Region Refugee Coalition (SRRC)
Date: Quarterly (January, April, July, October) date TBD
Time: TBA
Details: The SRRC unites a diverse network of providers, local officials, school districts, community members, and others to enhance services and integration for refugee newcomers in Sacramento County and surrounding areas.
How to participate: Reach out to contact below.
Contact: sacrefugeeforum@gmail.com.

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San Diego Refugee Forum
Date: Third Tuesday of every month
Time: 10:30 a.m. - noon
Details: The San Diego Refugee Forum is a professional association of organizations that advocates serving all populations fleeing persecution and seeking refuge in San Diego. Its members include resettlement agencies, ethnic community-based organizations, employment services, government agencies, community-based groups, refugees, advocates, educators, and supporting individuals.
How to participate: Reach out to contact below.
Contact: sdrefugeeforum@gmail.com.

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San Francisco Immigrant Forum
Date: TBA
Time: 2:30 – 4 p.m.
Details: The San Francisco Immigrant Forum, formerly known as SF-CAIRS, is a coalition of inter-agency partnership between the Office of Civic Engagement and Immigrant Affairs, Department of Public Health, California Health & Human Services Agency, and the Mayor’s Office on Housing and Community Development to share immigrant services and resources in San Francisco.
How to participate: Online Registration
Contact: civic.engagement@sfgov.org.

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Stanislaus County Refugee Forum Quarterly Meeting
Date: Third Thursday in March, June, September, December
Time: 3 - 4:30 p.m.
Details: The Stanislaus County Refugee Forum holds a hybrid meeting every quarter and provides a space for service providers, County departments, and local organizations serving immigrant communities to convene, connect, and collaborate.
How to participate: Reach out to the contacts below.
Contact: Vivien Jacob: Vivien.Jacob@rescue.org; Sara Williams: SWilliams@wr.org; Sandra Hiatt: shiatt@bethany.org

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The Refugee and Immigrant Forum of Santa Clara County
Date: Third Wednesday of every month
Time: noon – 1 p.m.
Details: The Refugee and Immigrant Forum of Santa Clara County facilitates the successful integration of refugees and immigrants into local communities through collaboration, resource sharing and fostering community awareness
How to participate: Reach out to the contacts below.
Contact: Sabby Kaur, Chair: sabbykaur@comcast.net

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The Refugee Forum of Los Angeles (RFLA) Bimonthly Meeting
Date: Fourth Wednesday in January, March, May, July, September, November
Time: 10 a.m. – noon
Details: The mission of the RFLA is to promote a multi-disciplinary response to the needs of refugees in Southern California by providing education and learning opportunities for members and to increase public awareness of refugees and their vitality in the communities in which they have found home. Members include agencies and organizations serving immigrants, refugees, asylees, Special Immigrant Visa holders, and others permanently displaced from their home countries by persecution, violence, or war.
How to participate: Reach out to the contacts below.
Contact: Tortorelli, Chair: ctortorelli@iilosangeles.org or refugeeforumla@gmail.com

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The Refugee Forum of Orange County Quarterly Meeting
Date: Third Thursday in February, May, August, November
Time: 9 - 10:30 a.m.
Agenda/Details: The Refugee Forum of Orange County meets on a quarterly basis to share updates, resources, best practices, and to collaborate with other agencies and stakeholders.
How to participate: Reach out to the contacts below.
Contact: Rida Hamida, Vice Chair: refugeeforumoc@gmail.com

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Immigration Service Funding (ISF) SFY 23-26 Reporting Office Hours
Date: July 1 - Year 1 Period 4 (SFY 24-25)
Time: 10 - 11 a.m.
Details: The Immigration Services Bureau holds virtual office hours for Immigration Services Funded Grantees on the first Tuesday of every reporting month. Office hours are intended to provide a space for Grantees to receive clarifications regarding reporting questions and requirements prior to report submission. Topics include reporting updates, reporting best practices, and reportable legal services under ISF.
How to participate: Webinar registration information to follow.
Contact: Immigrationservices@dss.ca.gov.

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Immigration Services Funding (ISF) SFY 25-26 Renewal Process
Date: April 8 (tentative)
Time: 10 - 11:30 a.m.
Details: Immigration Services Bureau will hold an informational webinar for the renewal of State Fiscal Year 2023-26 Immigration Services Funding Grant. The session will provide an overview of the renewal form, renewal submission process, changes to funding, reportable services, and program design. The session is intended for awarded Grantees of the Immigration Services Funded Program.
How to participate: Webinar registration information to follow.
Contact: IHSS Training and Development Unit at Immigrationservices@dss.ca.gov.

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Immigration Services Funding (ISF) SFY 25-26 Year 2 Orientation
Date: June - July (date TBD)
Time: TBD
Details: The Immigration Services Bureau will hold a program orientation for the second grant year of the State Fiscal Year 2023-26 Immigration Services Funding Program for all Grantees. The renewal orientation is intended to provide awarded Grantees best grant management practices and provide details and processes regarding reporting, invoicing, and reportable services.
How to participate: Webinar registration information to follow.
Contact: Immigrationservices@dss.ca.gov.

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Immigration Services Funding Program Administrator Quarterly Meetings
Date: TBD
Time: TBD
Details: This meeting gathers the Immigration Services Funded Program Administrators to meet on business objectives, program implementation, and collaboration.
How to participate: Webinar registration information to follow.
Contact: ProgramadminISB@dss.ca.gov.

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Emergent Response Alumni Grantee Quarterly Convenings
Date: June (Date TBD)
Time: TBD
Details: The Immigration Services Bureau will hold quarterly meetings are intended to foster the exchange of best practices, strengthen community networks, and maintain visibility into potential technical assistance needs for disaster-related direct assistance and/or case management services to immigrant communities. Funded nonprofit grantees are encouraged to attend.
How to participate: Webinar registration information to follow.
Contact: ImmigrantRapidResponse@dss.ca.gov . 

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Immigration Services for Farmworkers Convening
Date: TBD
Time: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Details: This convening will bring all project stakeholders together to discuss project milestones and identify challenges and areas for growth.
How to participate: Reach out to contact below.
Contact: Immigrationservices@dss.ca.gov.

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Higher Education Immigration Legal Services Regional Meetings
Date: Spring (date TBD)
Time: TBD
Details: This convening will bring project stakeholders together to discuss project milestones and identify challenges and areas for growth.
How to participate: Reach out to contact below.
Contact: Immigrationservices@dss.ca.gov.

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Higher Education Immigration Legal Services Regional Meetings
Date: Spring (date TBD)
Time: TBD
Details: This conference is for immigration legal services providers serving higher education institutions. Its aim is to foster relationship building and discuss best practices for serving students.
How to participate: TBD
Contact: Immigrationservices@dss.ca.gov.