CWS-CARES External Systems Portal
This portal is a centralized hub for organizations to access all links and supporting materials related to CWS-CARES and external systems.
Registration is required to access some External Systems files. To register, create an account on the CWDS website using your County or State work email address. If you encounter any issues with registration, please contact the CWDS Customer Relations Team at CWS_CustRel@otsi.ca.gov.
External Systems Overview
The CWS-CARES External Systems team helps counties assess their external systems to ensure continued operations at Go-Live and determine which systems are duplicative and develop a long-term decommissioning plan.
External Systems has 4 workstreams:
- Scope Assessments: Identify and classify external systems by CWS-CARES impact.
- Continuing Operations: Develop strategies for continuing operations of external systems.
- Data Conversion: Map and migrate data from select external systems to CWS-CARES.
- Decommissioning Planning: Plan for disposition of duplicative external systems in compliance with CCWIS regulations.
New Resources
External System Data Conversion Mapping Validation Tips – July 2026: This guide has step-by-step instructions and screenshots for finding Placement records in CWS-CARES validation environments, along with previously shared RFA guidance, resources, and support.
Binti to CWS-CARES V1 Data Conversion Fact Sheet: This fact sheet outlines the hierarchical logic used during CWS-CARES external systems data conversion to identify matches, the prioritization of legacy data sources, and the specific handling rules for various data types during the conversion process.
Binti Crosswalk: This crosswalk provides a side-by-side comparison of CWS-CARES and Binti functionalities, helping counties plan for decommissioning.
Primer - Data Mapping Validation: This primer provides guidance for counties on validating that data from external systems has been accurately converted into CWS-CARES according to the approved data mapping, matching, and conversion rules, while distinguishing conversion validation from source data quality review.
Reports and Dashboards for RFA Applications and Resource Family Homes: This document lists out the Reports & Dashboard that will be available for workers for RFA Applications and RFA Approved Homes.
Monthly Meeting Series
The CWS-CARES Project holds a monthly meeting series to strengthen coordination and support for upcoming activities. This meeting takes place on the 2nd Thursday of each month. To request an invite, please contact CWDS-ExternalStakeholder@otsi.ca.gov.