Dear Collaborative: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

​Question 1:
I read in the TCOM Newsflash that San Francisco rolled out One CANS per Youth. Is that something that we’re going to be doing in Alameda? 

​Yes! In time. Alameda County is currently working toward a One CANS per Youth model, although it has been delayed due to technical challenges. One CANS per Youth means that one provider is responsible for holding authorship of the CANS, incorporating youth/family/team feedback (including feedback from providers across programs), and sharing w/ relevant parties. The goal is for all providers to operate off the one shared CANS for coordinated care and continuity. Alameda County Behavioral Health will alert Alameda providers once technical challenges have been resolved, and a clear workflow has been established. In the meantime, continue to complete individual CANS collaboratively. 

Question 2:
Do I need an ROI to share CANS info w/ other providers? 

​Great question. In general, a Release of Information is not required to share CANS ratings w/ the following providers on the team, as applicable: Juvenile Probation, Child Welfare, other mental health providers. That said, if the CANS indicates current or historical substance use needs, an ROI specifically addressing substance use is required. To release the CANS prior to receiving an ROI, the substance use rating for client and/or caregiver (and related extension module if applicable) should be redacted. 

Question 3:
I’ve been hearing about a version of the CANS called the CA IP-CANS. What is it and do I need to use it? 

The CA Department of Social Services (CDSS) adopted the CA Integrated Practice (IP) CANS as the functional assessment tool to be completed collaboratively through the Child & Family Team (CFT) processes to guide case planning. Beginning July 1, 2025, all placing agencies* are required to ensure the collaborative completion of the IP-CANS for all children, youth, and nonminor dependents. The IP-CANS includes the CA core 50 items, a module on Potentially Traumatic/Adverse Childhood Experiences (yes/no), and a module for Early Childhood (birth-five). The Alameda CANS (birth-24) includes the CA IP-CANS items (plus a few more). 
 
For ACBHD providers and partners, there is no change. Please continue to use the Alameda CANS (birth-24) version.
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• IP-CANS Manual/ Reference Guide
• The IP-CANS Rating Sheet- English | Spanish (pdf)
• CDSS IP-CANS Resources | ​CANS and ​Tiered Rate Structure

​*Placing agency: According to Welfare and Institutions Code (WIC) Section 16560 (b)(4), placing agency means a county child welfare agency, a county probation department, or an Indian tribe that has entered into an agreement pursuant to WIC Section 10553.1.