CARES SPOCs, Implementation Coordinators, OCM Coordinators, County Leadership, Tribe Leadership, Probation Leadership, and State Leadership:
We proudly announce the grand opening of the CWS-CARES Pop-Up Shop!
You may shop now at the CWS-CARES Pop-Up Shop.
The shop will be open until the end of day on Friday, September 26, 2025.
If you have questions, please refer to our previous communication from August 14, 2025.
Have an idea for future items? Tell us here: CWS-CARES Pop-up Shop: Merch Ideas.
Action Required
No action required.
CWS-CARES
CWS-CARES Weekly Digest – New Communication Format
CARES SPOCs, Implementation Coordinators, OCM Coordinators, County Leadership, Tribe Leadership, Probation Leadership, and State Leadership:
Welcome to our first issue of the CWS-CARES Weekly Digest – your updates in a single, easy-to-read email, distributed every Monday.
The second annual CWS-CARES Communications Effectiveness Survey showed that while project emails are your main source of information, the sheer volume makes it hard to prioritize. In response, we are streamlining our informational content into a single weekly email. You will still get individual emails for items that require action, but this update will summarize key information to save you time and keep you up to date.
For more information, please see the CWS-CARES Weekly Digest Overview.
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CARES Compass – Executive Summary – September 2025
We are pleased to present the September issue of the CARES Compass, the two-page executive summary with upcoming project communications and brief informational highlights, available here: The CARES Compass - September 2025.
Highlights include:
The CWS-CARES Pop-Up Shop is Now Open
The online CWS-CARES Pop-Up Shop is now open and ready for business! From Monday, September 8, 2005, to Friday, September 22, 2025, you can shop our exclusive collection of CWS-CARES branded items online. This limited-time shop is open to everyone, including 58 California counties, partners, public agencies, and CWDS Project staff.
For more details regarding shipping fees, invoice requests, and future Pop-Up Shops, please reference the following link: Featured Items and FAQs.
Happy Shopping!
_______
CWDS Website Update: New External Systems Portal
The External Systems Portal is your one-stop shop for all the latest external systems information, including monthly meeting recordings, materials, and other helpful resources.To access the portal, simply navigate to the CWDS Portals, select the External Systems Portal, and log in with your organization email address.
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New CWS-CARES Microsoft Teams Channel Guide
In response to your feedback, we have created the CWS-CARES MS Teams Channel Guide. The matrix provides an overview of all CWS-CARES Microsoft Teams Channels for Organizations, including each channel’s purpose, audience, and point of contact. Note: Each channel is intended for a specific audience. If you believe you should be included in a Teams channel, please contact the listed point of contact.
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Monthly CWS-CARES Progress and Engagement Summary
The August CWS-CARES Progress and Engagement Summary is now available on the CWDS Webpage here: CWS-CARES Progress and Engagement Updates. This monthly update provides a clear, concise, and consistent overview of the collaborative efforts and achievements of CWS-CARES and its stakeholders.
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CWS-CARES Data Dictionary v0.05 Announcement & Office Hours
We are excited to announce that v0.05 of the CWS-CARES Data Dictionary (DD) was made available on the Microsoft Teams Channel: CARES Data Dictionary under Files on September 2, 2025. The Intro tab of the CWS-CARES Data Dictionary highlights all updates in the new version, making it easy to see what is new or changed.
We also held a CWS-CARES Office Hours (Data Dictionary and SQLDBM) Discussion on September 2, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM. This was a drop-in session designed to provide hands-on training, live demonstrations, and answers to your questions about the Data Dictionary and SQLDBM. The meeting recording, demo, and key takeaways are available on the CWS-CARES Data Dictionary Teams Channel here: CWS-CARES Data Dictionary and SqlDBM Office Hours.
Please contact CWDSDataManagement@otsi.ca.gov if you have any questions.
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CWS-CARES Sandbox Environment Launch
The CWS-CARES Team is providing a Sandbox Environment for Organizations to support CWS-CARES V1 end-user readiness and offer early, hands-on experience with the system. Access will be granted in cohorts. The first cohort, which included 559 users from 28 counties and CDSS, received access on July 23, 2025. Additional cohorts will gain access between September 2025 and April 2026.
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Share Your Feedback and Subscribe
We would love to hear from you! Share your feedback on this the CWS-CARES Weekly Digest here: CWS‑CARES Weekly Digest Feedback Form. Subscribe to future issues here: CWS‑CARES Weekly Digest Subscription Form.
Action Required
No action required.
We request that all CARES Single Point of Contacts (SPOCs) and Implementation Coordinators coordinate and distribute the CARES Weekly Digest to all staff impacted by CWS-CARES, at their discretion.
Welcome to our first issue of the CWS-CARES Weekly Digest – your updates in a single, easy-to-read email, distributed every Monday.
The second annual CWS-CARES Communications Effectiveness Survey showed that while project emails are your main source of information, the sheer volume makes it hard to prioritize. In response, we are streamlining our informational content into a single weekly email. You will still get individual emails for items that require action, but this update will summarize key information to save you time and keep you up to date.
For more information, please see the CWS-CARES Weekly Digest Overview.
_______
CARES Compass – Executive Summary – September 2025
We are pleased to present the September issue of the CARES Compass, the two-page executive summary with upcoming project communications and brief informational highlights, available here: The CARES Compass - September 2025.
Highlights include:
- October Stakeholder Briefing Registration
- Announcing the CWS-CARES Weekly Digest
- The CWS-CARES Pop-Up Shop
- The New External Systems Portal
- Upcoming Communications
The CWS-CARES Pop-Up Shop is Now Open
The online CWS-CARES Pop-Up Shop is now open and ready for business! From Monday, September 8, 2005, to Friday, September 22, 2025, you can shop our exclusive collection of CWS-CARES branded items online. This limited-time shop is open to everyone, including 58 California counties, partners, public agencies, and CWDS Project staff.
For more details regarding shipping fees, invoice requests, and future Pop-Up Shops, please reference the following link: Featured Items and FAQs.
Happy Shopping!
_______
CWDS Website Update: New External Systems Portal
The External Systems Portal is your one-stop shop for all the latest external systems information, including monthly meeting recordings, materials, and other helpful resources.To access the portal, simply navigate to the CWDS Portals, select the External Systems Portal, and log in with your organization email address.
_______
New CWS-CARES Microsoft Teams Channel Guide
In response to your feedback, we have created the CWS-CARES MS Teams Channel Guide. The matrix provides an overview of all CWS-CARES Microsoft Teams Channels for Organizations, including each channel’s purpose, audience, and point of contact. Note: Each channel is intended for a specific audience. If you believe you should be included in a Teams channel, please contact the listed point of contact.
_______
Monthly CWS-CARES Progress and Engagement Summary
The August CWS-CARES Progress and Engagement Summary is now available on the CWDS Webpage here: CWS-CARES Progress and Engagement Updates. This monthly update provides a clear, concise, and consistent overview of the collaborative efforts and achievements of CWS-CARES and its stakeholders.
_______
CWS-CARES Data Dictionary v0.05 Announcement & Office Hours
We are excited to announce that v0.05 of the CWS-CARES Data Dictionary (DD) was made available on the Microsoft Teams Channel: CARES Data Dictionary under Files on September 2, 2025. The Intro tab of the CWS-CARES Data Dictionary highlights all updates in the new version, making it easy to see what is new or changed.
We also held a CWS-CARES Office Hours (Data Dictionary and SQLDBM) Discussion on September 2, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM. This was a drop-in session designed to provide hands-on training, live demonstrations, and answers to your questions about the Data Dictionary and SQLDBM. The meeting recording, demo, and key takeaways are available on the CWS-CARES Data Dictionary Teams Channel here: CWS-CARES Data Dictionary and SqlDBM Office Hours.
Please contact CWDSDataManagement@otsi.ca.gov if you have any questions.
_______
CWS-CARES Sandbox Environment Launch
The CWS-CARES Team is providing a Sandbox Environment for Organizations to support CWS-CARES V1 end-user readiness and offer early, hands-on experience with the system. Access will be granted in cohorts. The first cohort, which included 559 users from 28 counties and CDSS, received access on July 23, 2025. Additional cohorts will gain access between September 2025 and April 2026.
_______
Share Your Feedback and Subscribe
We would love to hear from you! Share your feedback on this the CWS-CARES Weekly Digest here: CWS‑CARES Weekly Digest Feedback Form. Subscribe to future issues here: CWS‑CARES Weekly Digest Subscription Form.
Action Required
No action required.
We request that all CARES Single Point of Contacts (SPOCs) and Implementation Coordinators coordinate and distribute the CARES Weekly Digest to all staff impacted by CWS-CARES, at their discretion.
New CWS-CARES Data Dictionary v0.05 and Office Hours Reminder
External Systems Points of Contact, CARES SPOCs, County Leadership, CARES Implementation Coordinators, and OCM Coordinators:
This update covers the new CWS-CARES Data Dictionary version and a reminder for CWS-CARES Office Hours (Data Dictionary and SQLDBM) Discussion.
New Version Available on September 2, 2025: CWS-CARES Data Dictionary V0.05
Join us for the CWS-CARES Office Hours on September 2, 2025, from 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM. This is a drop-in session designed to provide hands-on training, live demonstrations, and answers to your questions about the Data Dictionary and SQLDBM.
Action Required
Please contact CWDSDataManagement@otsi.ca.gov if you have any questions.
Thank you for your support as we work to successfully implement and maintain the CWS‑CARES Data Dictionary.
This update covers the new CWS-CARES Data Dictionary version and a reminder for CWS-CARES Office Hours (Data Dictionary and SQLDBM) Discussion.
New Version Available on September 2, 2025: CWS-CARES Data Dictionary V0.05
- CWS-CARES Data Dictionary V0.05 will be available on the Microsoft Teams Channel: CWS-CARES Data Dictionary under Files on Tuesday, September 2, 2025.
- The Intro tab of the CWS-CARES Data Dictionary highlights all updates in the new version, making it easy to see what is new or changed.
Join us for the CWS-CARES Office Hours on September 2, 2025, from 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM. This is a drop-in session designed to provide hands-on training, live demonstrations, and answers to your questions about the Data Dictionary and SQLDBM.
Action Required
Please contact CWDSDataManagement@otsi.ca.gov if you have any questions.
Thank you for your support as we work to successfully implement and maintain the CWS‑CARES Data Dictionary.
CWDS ServiceNow Customer Service Management (CSM) Portal Showing Sandbox V1 Tickets to County Admins - UPDATE
All CWDS ServiceNow CSM Portal County Admins and SPOCs:
August 26, 2025 UPDATE: Please disregard the information conveyed in the communication below. The communication was sent out prematurely. At this time the CWDS project is not taking steps to make Sandbox ServiceNow tickets available to County Admins in the CWDS ServiceNow CSM Portal. In the future, should this change be implemented, the project will send a communication to all impacted parties.
_______________________________________________________
Starting on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, the CWDS Sandbox Support Team that supports the CWS-CARES Sandbox environment will begin using the “Organization” Field in ServiceNow tickets. This additional field will link the ticket to one of the Organizations (Counties, Tribes, and CDSS) in California.
As a result, these tickets will become visible to County Admins according to their respective Organization’s view in the CWDS ServiceNow CSM Portal. The County Admin will not be able to view the CWS-CARES Sandbox environment tickets from other Organizations.
The CWDS Sandbox Support Team is working directly with Sandbox Super Users in the Organizations, so the County Admins should not interact or make changes to the tickets with the Application field category ‘CARES V1’ and Environment field selection ‘Sandbox’.
Action Required
This announcement is for your awareness and there is no action needed at this time.
If you need more information, please contact the CARES Service Desk via the CWDS ServiceNow CSM Portal. If this is unavailable, please use the alternate contact information at 855-292-3444 or email CWDS Service Desk.
August 26, 2025 UPDATE: Please disregard the information conveyed in the communication below. The communication was sent out prematurely. At this time the CWDS project is not taking steps to make Sandbox ServiceNow tickets available to County Admins in the CWDS ServiceNow CSM Portal. In the future, should this change be implemented, the project will send a communication to all impacted parties.
_______________________________________________________
Starting on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, the CWDS Sandbox Support Team that supports the CWS-CARES Sandbox environment will begin using the “Organization” Field in ServiceNow tickets. This additional field will link the ticket to one of the Organizations (Counties, Tribes, and CDSS) in California.
As a result, these tickets will become visible to County Admins according to their respective Organization’s view in the CWDS ServiceNow CSM Portal. The County Admin will not be able to view the CWS-CARES Sandbox environment tickets from other Organizations.
The CWDS Sandbox Support Team is working directly with Sandbox Super Users in the Organizations, so the County Admins should not interact or make changes to the tickets with the Application field category ‘CARES V1’ and Environment field selection ‘Sandbox’.
Action Required
This announcement is for your awareness and there is no action needed at this time.
If you need more information, please contact the CARES Service Desk via the CWDS ServiceNow CSM Portal. If this is unavailable, please use the alternate contact information at 855-292-3444 or email CWDS Service Desk.
The CWS-CARES Pop-Up Shop: Featured Items & FAQs | Open Sept. 8 - 26, 2025
CARES SPOCs, Implementation Coordinators, OCM Coordinators, County Leadership, Tribe Leadership, Probation Leadership, and State Leadership:
The CWS-CARES Pop-Up Shop is opening in early September! This limited-time online store is open from Monday, September 8, 2025, to Friday, September 26, 2025.
The shop offers a unique selection of CWS-CARES branded merchandise, produced by Staples Promotional Products. The shop is open to everyone, including all California counties and tribes, associated organizations, public agencies, and individuals.
We have a sneak peek of the featured items and frequently asked questions (FAQs). The collection includes a sticker, lanyard, tote bag, webcam cover, a pen/highlighter combo, and Post-Its. With prices ranging from less than $1 to $3 per item, they are ideal for bulk purchases.
We will send another reminder in early September so you do not miss the shopping window. On the store's opening day on September 8, 2025, you will receive an email with a live link to the store. In the meantime, you can use the attachment to shop and plan your purchases.
Do you have any suggestions for us? Please use this form for your recommendations.
Action Required
No action required.
The CWS-CARES Pop-Up Shop is opening in early September! This limited-time online store is open from Monday, September 8, 2025, to Friday, September 26, 2025.
The shop offers a unique selection of CWS-CARES branded merchandise, produced by Staples Promotional Products. The shop is open to everyone, including all California counties and tribes, associated organizations, public agencies, and individuals.
We have a sneak peek of the featured items and frequently asked questions (FAQs). The collection includes a sticker, lanyard, tote bag, webcam cover, a pen/highlighter combo, and Post-Its. With prices ranging from less than $1 to $3 per item, they are ideal for bulk purchases.
We will send another reminder in early September so you do not miss the shopping window. On the store's opening day on September 8, 2025, you will receive an email with a live link to the store. In the meantime, you can use the attachment to shop and plan your purchases.
Do you have any suggestions for us? Please use this form for your recommendations.
Action Required
No action required.
Available CWS-CARES Environments for User Access
CARES SPOCs, Implementation Coordinators, OCM Coordinators, County Leadership, Tribe Leadership, Probation Leadership, and State Leadership:
We are pleased to share a new resource that will help you understand the various CWS-CARES application environments that are currently available to users.
In order to build, test, and safely launch changes to CWS-CARES, we use different environments. These environments are essentially different versions of the application that allow us to develop, test, train, and eventually deploy new features with confidence. Each one serves a different purpose in the development lifecycle, or a different audience. Some of these environments will help users gain early, hands-on exposure to and familiarity with CWS-CARES, provide a safe space to practice, and will directly support your CWS-CARES go-live readiness activities without impacting real data.
We have made several of these environments available to county users, including V1Readiness (Sandbox), V1DCVAL (for Data Conversion Validation activities), and CARES102 County Development (for Forms, Reports, and Data Extract activities). The PDF document, titled ‘CWS-CARES Environments’ includes more details about each one, including:
We appreciate your continued commitment to staying informed.
Action Required
No action required. If you have any questions, need clarification, or have any accessibility issues, please do not hesitate to contact Customer Relations.
We are pleased to share a new resource that will help you understand the various CWS-CARES application environments that are currently available to users.
In order to build, test, and safely launch changes to CWS-CARES, we use different environments. These environments are essentially different versions of the application that allow us to develop, test, train, and eventually deploy new features with confidence. Each one serves a different purpose in the development lifecycle, or a different audience. Some of these environments will help users gain early, hands-on exposure to and familiarity with CWS-CARES, provide a safe space to practice, and will directly support your CWS-CARES go-live readiness activities without impacting real data.
We have made several of these environments available to county users, including V1Readiness (Sandbox), V1DCVAL (for Data Conversion Validation activities), and CARES102 County Development (for Forms, Reports, and Data Extract activities). The PDF document, titled ‘CWS-CARES Environments’ includes more details about each one, including:
- Activity Name
- Environment name
- Intended Purpose/Usage
- Intended Users/Audience
- Access and Duration
- Associated Teams Channel or Contact.
We appreciate your continued commitment to staying informed.
Action Required
No action required. If you have any questions, need clarification, or have any accessibility issues, please do not hesitate to contact Customer Relations.
CWS-CARES Scheduled Maintenance - Aug. 1, 2025 | 6 AM - 8 AM
All Pilot County RFA Implementation Coordinators and SPOCs:
The CWS-CARES team has scheduled maintenance activity for the CWS-CARES production environment for Friday, August 1, 2025, beginning at 6:00 AM and concluding at 8:00 AM. During the maintenance window, the CWS-CARES Resource Family Approval (RFA) Application Submission, Review, and Approval Process will be accessible for pilot counties Fresno, Placer, and Santa Clara.
During the maintenance window, document related functionality in the CARES application will not be accessible.
Action Required
No action required from end-users during this maintenance window.
If users experience any issues with the CWS-CARES, please follow your county process for reporting issues. CWS-CARES County Administrators may contact the CARES Service Desk through the CWDS ServiceNow Customer Support Management (CSM) Portal. Alternate methods are phoning 1-855-292-3444 or via email at Servicedesk@cwds.ca.gov during normal business hours. You may also email after hours, and a Service Desk representative will contact you the next business day.
The CWS-CARES team has scheduled maintenance activity for the CWS-CARES production environment for Friday, August 1, 2025, beginning at 6:00 AM and concluding at 8:00 AM. During the maintenance window, the CWS-CARES Resource Family Approval (RFA) Application Submission, Review, and Approval Process will be accessible for pilot counties Fresno, Placer, and Santa Clara.
During the maintenance window, document related functionality in the CARES application will not be accessible.
Action Required
No action required from end-users during this maintenance window.
If users experience any issues with the CWS-CARES, please follow your county process for reporting issues. CWS-CARES County Administrators may contact the CARES Service Desk through the CWDS ServiceNow Customer Support Management (CSM) Portal. Alternate methods are phoning 1-855-292-3444 or via email at Servicedesk@cwds.ca.gov during normal business hours. You may also email after hours, and a Service Desk representative will contact you the next business day.
CWS-CARES Stakeholder Briefing #3 (June 25, 2025) – Materials Posted and Survey
Child Welfare and Probation CARES SPOCs, Child Welfare Implementation Coordinators, County, Tribe, Probation, and State Leadership, and OCM Coordinators:
Thank you for taking the time to attend the CWS-CARES Stakeholder Briefing #3 held on Wednesday, June 25, 2025. We were thrilled to have over 482 participants join live, representing an impressive 50 of the 58 California counties, in addition to one tribal community, and five partner organizations. We captured 57 questions during the session that are now published on the CWDS website. Thank you for your active participation and interest in CWS-CARES!
For your convenience, the presentation slides, session recording, and Q&A document are now available on our website at CWS-CARES Stakeholder Briefings | Child Welfare Digital Services. Please note that a log-in is required to view the session materials using the link at the bottom of the page.
We value your feedback. Please share your thoughts on the CWS-CARES Stakeholder Briefing #3 using this three-minute survey: Complete this Survey
Save the date! We look forward to seeing you at the CWS-CARES Stakeholder Briefing #4 on October 22, 2025. Invitations to register will be shared in the coming months.
Action Required
If you have further questions or require additional information, please do not hesitate to contact CWDS Customer Relations.
Thank you for taking the time to attend the CWS-CARES Stakeholder Briefing #3 held on Wednesday, June 25, 2025. We were thrilled to have over 482 participants join live, representing an impressive 50 of the 58 California counties, in addition to one tribal community, and five partner organizations. We captured 57 questions during the session that are now published on the CWDS website. Thank you for your active participation and interest in CWS-CARES!
For your convenience, the presentation slides, session recording, and Q&A document are now available on our website at CWS-CARES Stakeholder Briefings | Child Welfare Digital Services. Please note that a log-in is required to view the session materials using the link at the bottom of the page.
We value your feedback. Please share your thoughts on the CWS-CARES Stakeholder Briefing #3 using this three-minute survey: Complete this Survey
Save the date! We look forward to seeing you at the CWS-CARES Stakeholder Briefing #4 on October 22, 2025. Invitations to register will be shared in the coming months.
Action Required
If you have further questions or require additional information, please do not hesitate to contact CWDS Customer Relations.
CWS-CARES Data Dictionary Update and New Tool: SqlDBM
External Systems Points of Contact, CARES SPOCs, County Leadership, CARES Implementation Coordinators, and OCM Coordinators:
This update covers the new CWS-CARES Data Dictionary version and introduces SqlDBM, a tool that will significantly improve how CWS-CARES Entity Relationship Diagrams (ERDs) are visualized.
New Version Available on June 30, 2025: CWS-CARES Data Dictionary V0.04
SqlDBM is an online tool that simplifies databases and data warehouse design and management. It enables users to view diagrams, known as Entity Relationship Diagrams (ERDs), which act as a visual aid to the CWS-CARES Data Dictionary. Users can click on elements, explore relationships, and gain a deeper understanding of the data definitions.
We are conducting an upcoming SqlDBM overview and training session. Here are the details:
Action Required
Please contact CWDSDataManagement@otsi.ca.gov if you have any questions.
We appreciate your support and understanding as we work diligently to ensure the successful implementation and ongoing maintenance of the CWS-CARES Data Dictionary.
This update covers the new CWS-CARES Data Dictionary version and introduces SqlDBM, a tool that will significantly improve how CWS-CARES Entity Relationship Diagrams (ERDs) are visualized.
New Version Available on June 30, 2025: CWS-CARES Data Dictionary V0.04
- CWS-CARES Data Dictionary V0.04 will be available on the Microsoft Teams Channel:
CWS-CARES Data Dictionary under Files on Monday, June 30, 2025. - The Intro tab of the CWS-CARES Data Dictionary highlights all updates in the new version, making it easy to see what is new or changed.
SqlDBM is an online tool that simplifies databases and data warehouse design and management. It enables users to view diagrams, known as Entity Relationship Diagrams (ERDs), which act as a visual aid to the CWS-CARES Data Dictionary. Users can click on elements, explore relationships, and gain a deeper understanding of the data definitions.
We are conducting an upcoming SqlDBM overview and training session. Here are the details:
- An Introduction to SqlDBM session, including a Q&A, will be held on July 22, 2025. This one‑hour session will guide users through the tool, supporting documentation, and address questions. We’ll send out invitations with the exact time and duration soon. The session will be recorded.
- Staff are highly encouraged to attend. Please share the session invitation with your county staff who may benefit from attending, including technical staff, data analysts, report/form writers and developers, and data extract partners.
- Additional office hours will be scheduled for the first week of August 2025. Invitations will be sent out later.
- More details about read‑only access to SqlDBM roll out to the Counties and data partners will be shared during the July 22, 2025 session.
Action Required
Please contact CWDSDataManagement@otsi.ca.gov if you have any questions.
We appreciate your support and understanding as we work diligently to ensure the successful implementation and ongoing maintenance of the CWS-CARES Data Dictionary.
CWS-CARES Scheduled Maintenance - June 30, 2025 | 6 AM - 8 AM
All Pilot County RFA Implementation Coordinators and SPOCs:
The CWS-CARES team has scheduled maintenance activity for the CWS-CARES production environment for Monday, June 30, 2025, beginning at 6:00 AM and concluding at 8:00 AM. During the maintenance window, the CWS-CARES Resource Family Approval (RFA) Application Submission, Review, and Approval Process will be accessible for pilot counties Fresno, Placer, and Santa Clara.
During the maintenance window, document related functionality in the CARES application will not be accessible.
Action Required
No action required from end-users during this maintenance window.
If users experience any issues with the CWS-CARES, please follow your county process for reporting issues. CWS-CARES County Administrators may contact the CARES Service Desk through the CWDS ServiceNow Customer Support Management (CSM) Portal. Alternate methods are phoning 1-855-292-3444 or via email at Servicedesk@cwds.ca.gov during normal business hours. You may also email after hours, and a Service Desk representative will contact you the next business day.
The CWS-CARES team has scheduled maintenance activity for the CWS-CARES production environment for Monday, June 30, 2025, beginning at 6:00 AM and concluding at 8:00 AM. During the maintenance window, the CWS-CARES Resource Family Approval (RFA) Application Submission, Review, and Approval Process will be accessible for pilot counties Fresno, Placer, and Santa Clara.
During the maintenance window, document related functionality in the CARES application will not be accessible.
Action Required
No action required from end-users during this maintenance window.
If users experience any issues with the CWS-CARES, please follow your county process for reporting issues. CWS-CARES County Administrators may contact the CARES Service Desk through the CWDS ServiceNow Customer Support Management (CSM) Portal. Alternate methods are phoning 1-855-292-3444 or via email at Servicedesk@cwds.ca.gov during normal business hours. You may also email after hours, and a Service Desk representative will contact you the next business day.
If unable to find a specific Bulletin, please contact Communications.