News

CARES SPOCs, Implementation Coordinators, OCM Coordinators, County Leadership, Tribe Leadership, Probation Leadership, and State Leadership:

In this Weekly Digest:

• CWS-CARES Training Strategy: Progress Update & Next Steps 
• The May 2026 Progress and Engagement Summary is Now Available  
• CWS-CARES Stakeholder Briefing #7 Recap | Registration Open for Stakeholder Briefing #8 
• Introducing the CWS-CARES Functionality Spotlight! 

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CWS-CARES Training Strategy: Progress Update & Next Steps 

Following the May 13, 2026 communication regarding the draft Training Schedule, Customer Relations distributed an update on May 22, 2026 on the CWS-CARES training strategy, current activities, and next steps. The update outlines timelines for Train-the-Trainer (TTT) and End-User Instructor-Led Training, as well as a summary of what has been completed and what is currently in progress to support county readiness ahead of the CWS-CARES Version 1 (CARES V1) Go-Live. 

The email highlights: 

• Train-the-Trainer (TTT): June 15 – August 14, 2026 
• End-User Instructor-Led Training: August 3 – October 9, 2026 
• Role Based Training Curriculum: Currently being designed for different user roles, with completion planned for mid-June prior to TTT 
• County Training Coordination:  One-on-one meetings with county training coordinators are underway to build tailored training plans, with final schedule reconciliation due by June 8, 2026 

For full details, refer to the email sent by Customer Relations on Thursday, May 22, 2026 at 9:35 PM PST with the subject: CWS-CARES Training Strategy: Progress Update & Next Steps – May 22, 2026. 

Please contact Customer Relations at CWS_CustRel@otsi.ca.gov with any questions.

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The May 2026 Progress and Engagement Summary is Now Available  

The CWS-CARES Progress and Engagement Summaries provide a concise overview of the collaborative efforts and achievements of CWS-CARES.  CWS-CARES Progress and Engagement Summary | May 2026 features engagement analytics for the April 2026 reporting period across the following subject areas:  

• Project Communications  
• Communication Effectiveness Survey #3 Results 
• County Participation in Prototype and Build Reviews  
• Forms and Data  
• External Systems, Interfaces, and Analytics  
• Implementation, OCM, and Training Activities  
• Production Simulation 

 View all CWS-CARES Progress and Engagement Summaries on the CWDS website: CWS_CARES_Progress_and_Engagement_Updates.  

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CWS-CARES Stakeholder Briefing #7 Recap | Registration Open for Stakeholder Briefing #8 

CWS-CARES Stakeholder Briefing #7 – May 27, 2026: 

Thank you to everyone who attended CWS-CARES Stakeholder Briefing #7 on Wednesday, May 27, 2026! We were pleased to have 626 participants across 48 counties and over 4 partner organizations join the session live. We received 167 questions during the session, which we are working to answer and share with you as soon as possible. 

The session recording is now available on the Stakeholder Webinar Materials | Child Welfare Digital Services page under Stakeholder Briefing #7.

Please log in with your county or organization email address to view the recording. An accessible PDF of the presentation slides and a summary of the session Q&A will be available in the coming weeks in the same location. 

CWS-CARES Stakeholder Briefing #8 – June 24, 2026: 

Registration is now open for the next CWS-CARES Stakeholder Briefing! We encourage you to attend Stakeholder Briefing #8 on Wednesday, June 24, 2026. Register now. Note: A separate calendar invitation will not be sent by the CWS-CARES Project. Please manually add the .ics attachment in the registration confirmation email to your calendar. 

All stakeholders impacted by the changes to CWS-CARES are welcome to attend. Updates will include: 

• Project Status Update 
• Preparing for Production Simulation 
• Production Simulation Demo 
• Training 
• Organizational Change Management (OCM) 

View the full agenda on the CWS-CARES Stakeholder Briefing #8 Registration page. We hope to see you on June 24, 2026! 

Please contact Customer Relations at CWS_CustRel@otsi.ca.gov with any questions.

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Introducing the CWS-CARES Functionality Spotlight! 

We are excited to introduce a new feature to the Weekly Digest – the CWS-CARES Functionality Spotlight! Based on your feedback, each week we will highlight a CWS-CARES functionality to help you prepare for and navigate CWS-CARES, from FAQs and system functionality to tools and job aids. Be on the lookout for a new resource featured each week! 

This Week’s Functionality Spotlight: Kinship Guardianship Assistance Payment (Kin-GAP) Program 

This week, we are spotlighting the Kin-GAP Program. On February 25, 2026, CWS-CARES shared a demonstration of Kin-GAP functionality with CalSAWS, showing how social workers can track data across the Case Management, Courts, and Placement sections in CWS-CARES, and how that data flows through FCED to the CalSAWS Eligibility Worker. The Kin-GAP scenario was also made available to EUST 3 testers on March 23, 2026, and will be provided to Production Simulation users as a training resource. 

To learn more, visit the Kin-GAP Demo Highlights the Link Between CWS-CARES & CalSAWS | Child Welfare Digital Services page.  

Have a question?  

Send it to Customer Relations at CWS_CustRel@otsi.ca.gov and we will be happy to help. 

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Share Your Feedback and Subscribe

Thank you for following our progress! Share your feedback on this CWS-CARES Weekly Digest here: CWS-CARES Weekly Digest Feedback Form. Subscribe to future issues here: CWS-CARES Weekly Digest Subscription Form.

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Action Required:  We request that all CWS-CARES Single Point of Contacts (SPOCs) and Implementation Coordinators coordinate and distribute the CWS-CARES Weekly Digest to all staff impacted by CWS-CARES, at their discretion.

CARES SPOCs, Implementation Coordinators, OCM Coordinators, County Leadership, Tribe Leadership, Probation Leadership, and State Leadership:

In this Weekly Digest:

• CWS-CARES and Data Exchange Fact Sheet is Now Available
• Update: CWS-CARES Implementation Timeline
• Final Reminder: Nine (9) Days Left to Register for CWS-CARES Stakeholder Briefing #7
• CWS-CARES is Observing Memorial Day on May 25, 2026
• CWS-CARES Frequently Asked Question (FAQ) of the Week

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CWS-CARES and Data Exchange Fact Sheet is Now Available

The CWS-CARES and Data Exchange Fact Sheet is now available on the CWS-CARES Infographics, Flyers, and Slogans page on the CWDS website. This resource provides an overview of how interfaces and state reporting systems connect to CWS-CARES, what historical data is included, and what data is available in CWS-CARES after Go-Live. It also covers historical data from external systems selected for CWS-CARES V1 data conversion. Topics include:

• Interfaces connecting to CWS-CARES Version 1 (CARES V1)
• State Reporting Systems
• External Systems selected for CARES V1 Data Conversion

Please contact Customer Relations at CWS_CustRel@otsi.ca.gov with any questions.

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Update: CWS-CARES Implementation Timeline

The CWS-CARES Project has developed a high-level Implementation Timeline to outline key activities for Implementation, Training, and Organizational Change Management (OCM) from May 2026 through January 2027. This timeline is intended to support counties and organizations in their internal planning. Please note this is a draft undergoing final validation, and a visual summarizing these activities will be posted to the CWDS website soon.

Key activity areas include:

• Implementation: May 2026 – January 2027
• Training: June – October 2026
• Organizational Change Management (OCM): May – November 2026

For a full breakdown of activities and dates, see the CWDS Bulletins | Child Welfare Digital Services. Please contact Customer Relations at CWS_CustRel@otsi.ca.gov with any questions.

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Final Reminder: Nine (9) Days Left to Register for CWS-CARES Stakeholder Briefing #7

Thank you to the 530+ stakeholders who have already registered for the next Stakeholder Briefing on May 27, 2026! If you’ve not yet registered, we encourage you to attend the live webinar on May 27, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. All stakeholders impacted by the changes to CWS-CARES are welcome to attend, ask questions, and hear updates from Project leadership.

Register now at: CWS-CARES Stakeholder Briefing #7 | Registration. Note: A separate calendar invitation will not be sent by the CWS-CARES Project. Please manually add the .ics attachment in the registration confirmation email to your calendar.

The full agenda for the May 2026 Stakeholder Briefing is available to view on the CWS-CARES Stakeholder Briefing #7 Registration page. Updates will include:

• Implementation
• Extended User Scenario Testing (EUST) 3
• Production Simulation
• Resource Family Approval (RFA) Portal Demonstration

View the dates for all upcoming CWS-CARES Stakeholder Briefings in 2026 on the Stakeholder Briefings and Webinars page on the CWDS website.

Thank you for participating in our Stakeholder Briefing webinar series! We hope to see you on May 27, 2026 to continue the conversation on the upcoming transition to CWS-CARES.

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CWS-CARES is Observing Memorial Day on May 25, 2026

The CWS-CARES Project will observe the Memorial Day holiday on May 25, 2026. Please anticipate a delay in communications on this day. Due to the holiday, no Weekly Digest email will be distributed on Monday, May 25, 2026. Weekly Digest emails will resume on Monday, June 1, 2026.

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CWS-CARES Frequently Asked Question (FAQ) of the Week

Each week, we highlight a common question from counties and partner organizations, along with a clear, practical answer to  help you better understand CWS-CARES functionality.  

May 18, 2026 FAQ of the Week: 

Q Which interfaces will be available in CWS-CARES Production Simulation? 

A: All interfaces will be available in Production Simulation. This includes Case Management Assessment (CMA) - P-CIS, Foster Care Eligibility Determination (FCED) – CalSAWS, County Expense Claim Reporting Information System (CECRIS), Data Extract from California Department of Education (CDE), Regional Center Services for Department of Developmental Services ( DDS), Juvenile Network (JNET), Facility Management System (LIS/FAS), and Structured Decision Making (SDM).

To view all of the CWS-CARES FAQs, please visit the CWDS website: CWS-CARES FAQs | CWDS Website. Have a question? Send it to Customer Relations at CWS_CustRel@otsi.ca.gov and we will be happy to help.

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Share Your Feedback and Subscribe 

Thank you for following our progress! Share your feedback on this CWS-CARES Weekly Digest here: CWS-CARES Weekly Digest Feedback Form. Subscribe to future issues here: CWS-CARES Weekly Digest Subscription Form.

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Action Required:  We request that all CWS-CARES Single Point of Contacts (SPOCs) and Implementation Coordinators coordinate and distribute the CWS-CARES Weekly Digest to all staff impacted by CWS-CARES, at their discretion.

CARES SPOCs, Implementation Coordinators, OCM Coordinators, County Leadership, Tribe Leadership, Probation Leadership, and State Leadership:

We are sharing a high-level CWS-CARES Implementation Timeline from May 2026 to January 2027. This timeline includes the key activities for Implementation, Training, and Organizational Change Management (OCM) and is provided to support counties and organizations in their internal planning and awareness efforts.

Please note that this is a draft currently undergoing final validation for the project’s master schedule. Dates may be slightly adjusted following these final reviews.  Following the commitment to distribute this initial information by May 15th, a finalized version will be published soon.

Key County Activities and Dates: May 2026 to January 2027

Implementation

• Monthly Readiness Checkpoints to mid-October
• Develop Project Go-Live Support Plan: 5/11– 6/30
• Org Support Plan Template: 7/1–7/31
• Go-Live Support starting on 10/26 (Over-the-Shoulder Support to 11/25; Virtual Command Center to 1/24/2027)

1. In-App Learning: Self-Paced Online Training (Enablement): 5/26–10/23Enablement Programs are step-by-step instructions viewable in CWS-CARES and will be available in the production simulation environment beginning 5/26, with additional modules added on a rolling basis through 7/17. Post-launch, the Enablement suite will undergo iterative updates to stay aligned with the system.

2. Train-the-Trainer: 6/15–10/23

• Self-Paced Online Training (Enablement): 6/1– 8/1
• Participate in TTT Sessions: 6/15 - 8/14
• Ongoing TTT Office Hours & Support Channel 6/15-10/23

3. End Users Training: 6/15–10/23

• Self-Paced Online Training (Enablement): 6/15–10/9
• Instructor-Led Training (ILT): 8/3–10/23
• Refresher Training: 10/8–10/23

Organizational Change Management (OCM)

1. Change Champion/Super User Network: 5/11–11/1

• Establish Network and Planning: 5/11 to 6/15
• Execute Network Plan: 6/15 to 11/1

2. Business Process Redesign (BPR): 6/15–11/1

• OAS, Deep Dives, Delta Workshops 6/15 - 9/15
• Organization Support Materials to Document Deltas: 7/15 – 9/15
• Statewide Impact Register 9/15 - 10/15
• Key Findings: 10/15 -11/1

Training Structure and Durations
The training strategy utilizes a blended approach of on-demand and live sessions, with specific prerequisites for each phase:

1. On-Demand Training (Prerequisite):

• Up to 40 hours of on-demand material will be available.
• This is a mandatory prerequisite for both Train-the-Trainer (TTT) and End-User Training (EUT).
• The actual number of hours required will vary depending on a user's specific role.

2. Train-the-Trainer (TTT):

• The estimated duration is up to 2 weeks.
• Timing is adjustable based on a trainer's prior experience with CWS/CMS and CWS-CARES; those new to both systems will have more prep time.
• Exact schedules will be finalized once all trainers are identified.

3. End-User Training (EUT):

• Most staff will require 1 to 3 days of training.
• A small subset of users needing comprehensive training across all modules may require additional time.

We will provide further details as they become available, with a target update scheduled for the end of this month. We look forward to partnering with the counties and organizations to ensure a smooth transition and will continue to provide regular updates as we approach the October 2026 Go-Live.

Action Required
No action needed.

• CWS-CARES Production Simulation Opens to First Group of Users 
• CalSAWS and CWS-CARES Staff to Collaborate in Production Simulation
• Updated Recommendation for Forms in CWS-CARES 
• Reminder: Register for CWS-CARES Stakeholder Briefing #7 
• CWS-CARES Frequently Asked Question (FAQ) of the Week 

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CWS-CARES Production Simulation Opens to First Group of Users 

CWS-CARES Production Simulation launched for the first group of users on Monday, May 4, 2026, marking a key milestone on the path to CWS-CARES Version 1 (CARES V1) Go-Live. Production Simulation is a production-like environment where users can test system operations, practice workflows, and build confidence ahead of Go-Live.  

Onboarding for the first group of users began with Production Simulation Kickoff Meetings on May 4 and 5. More than 1,700 participants joined live.  A recording of the session, along with the presentation slides, is now available on the Production Simulation Hub on the CWDS website. The remaining users will be onboarded in July 2026.

New Resource Available: The Production Simulation Hub 

The CWS-CARES Production Simulation Hub launched on May 4, 2026. The Hub serves as a centralized resource for Production Simulation materials, including meeting links, recordings, support information, announcements, and Extended User Scenario Testing (EUST) 3 scenarios. The Hub is accessible via the CWDS Portals page on the CWDS website to anyone with a county or organization email address. 

Please contact CWDS Customer Relations at CWS_CustRel@otsi.ca.gov with any questions. 

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CalSAWS and CWS-CARES Staff to Collaborate in Production Simulation

On April 21, 2026, CalSAWS issued a Request for Information (RFI) to recruit CalSAWS staff for Foster Care Eligibility and Determination (FCED) testing in CWS-CARES Production Simulation.  

Recruited CalSAWS participants will partner with their respective CWS-CARES counterparts to validate that business processes function as expected and that staff can work effectively in the system. Recommendations on how Eligibility staff collaborate was shared at the Production Simulation Kickoff meetings on May 4 and 5, 2026.  

Recruitment for CalSAWS staff concluded on May 8, 2026. Onboarding for Eligibility staff will begin in the final week of May, and CalSAWS participation in Production Simulation will begin in early June 2026. 

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Updated Recommendation for Forms in CWS-CARES 

An update to guidance shared via email on September 15, 2025:   

Due to compatibility constraints, Microsoft Word (Word) is no longer the recommended format for forms in CWS-CARES Version 1. Adobe Experience Manager (AEM) is now the primary recommendation, though Word remains available for forms requiring only basic text editing.   

Note that certain Word features are not available in CWS-CARES, including:  

• Document protection
• ActiveX controls (checkboxes, radio buttons, and command buttons) 
• Macros and AutoText (e.g., F3 to insert a table)  

See the Forms in CWS-CARES: Guidance and Recommendations fact sheet on the Infographics, Fliers, and Slogans page on the CWDS website for complete guidance and workarounds for using Word.   

Questions? Email CWS_CustRel@otsi.ca.gov.   

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Reminder: Register for CWS-CARES Stakeholder Briefing #7 

We encourage you to attend the next CWS-CARES Stakeholder Briefing on May 27, 2026 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM! All stakeholders impacted by the changes to CWS-CARES are welcome to attend, ask questions, and hear updates from Project leadership. 

Register now at: CWS-CARES Stakeholder Briefing #7 | Registration. Note: A separate calendar invitation will not be sent by the CWS-CARES Project. Please manually add the .ics attachment in the registration confirmation email to your calendar. 

Registration page. Updates will include: 

• Implementation 
• Extended User Scenario Testing (EUST) 3 
• Production Simulation 
• Resource Family Approval (RFA) Portal Demonstration 

View the dates for all upcoming CWS-CARES Stakeholder Briefings in 2026 on the Stakeholder Briefings and Webinars page on the CWDS website. 

Thank you for participating in our Stakeholder Briefing webinar series! We hope to see you on May 27, 2026 to continue the conversation on the upcoming transition to CWS-CARES. 

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CWS-CARES Frequently Asked Question (FAQ) of the Week 

Each week, we highlight a common question from counties and partner organizations, along with a clear, practical answer to  help you better understand CWS-CARES functionality.  

May 11, 2026, FAQ of the Week: 

Q: Will we be able to see all the information when a case is transferred from Child Welfare to Probation? 

A: Yes, all previous child welfare case information and history will be available for the probation worker to access and view. 

To view all of the CWS-CARES FAQs, please visit the CWDS Website: CWS-CARES FAQs | CWDS Website.  Have a question? Send it to Customer Relations at CWS_CustRel@otsi.ca.gov and we’ll be happy to help.

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Share Your Feedback and Subscribe 

Thank you for following our progress! Share your feedback on this CWS-CARES Weekly Digest here: CWS-CARES Weekly Digest Feedback Form. Subscribe to future issues here: CWS-CARES Weekly Digest Subscription Form.  

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Action Required

We request that all CWS-CARES Single Point of Contacts (SPOCs) and Implementation Coordinators coordinate and distribute the CWS-CARES Weekly Digest to all staff impacted by CWS-CARES, at their discretion.

• Reminder: Register for CWS-CARES Stakeholder Briefing #7 
• Court Reports Development: Templates and Resources Update 
• The April 2026 Progress and Engagement Summary is Now Available 
• CWS-CARES Frequently Asked Question (FAQ) of the Week 

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Reminder: Register for CWS-CARES Stakeholder Briefing #7

We encourage you to attend the next CWS-CARES Stakeholder Briefing on May 27, 2026 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM! All stakeholders impacted by the changes to CWS-CARES are welcome to attend, ask questions, and hear updates from Project leadership. 

Register now at: CWS-CARES Stakeholder Briefing #7 | Registration. Note: A separate calendar invitation will not be sent by the CWS-CARES Project. Please manually add the .ics attachment in the registration confirmation email to your calendar. 

The full agenda for the May 2026 Stakeholder Briefing is available to view on the CWS-CARES Stakeholder Briefing #7 Registration page. Updates will include: 

• Implementation 
• Extended User Scenario Testing 3 
• Production Simulation 
• Resource Family Approval (RFA) Portal Demonstration 

View the dates for all upcoming CWS-CARES Stakeholder Briefings in 2026 on the Stakeholder Briefings and Webinars page on the CWDS website. 

Thank you for participating in our Stakeholder Briefing webinar series! We hope to see you on May 27, 2026 to continue the conversation on the upcoming transition to CWS-CARES. 

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Court Reports Development: Templates and Resources Update 

In February 2026, we shared that CWS-CARES introduces a new approach to court report development, providing base templates while giving counties flexibility to build and modify reports to meet local needs. See the communication here: CWS CARES: Changes to Court Reports Development. 

As of April 9, 2026, Court Report base templates are now available in the CWS-CARES application (CARES 102 environment) and can be used as a starting point for court report development if modification is needed. 

Forms Workgroup sessions have provided “how-to” demonstrations for county forms authors, with recordings available. 

The Court Reports Guide in the Forms Workgroup Teams channel provides a step-by-step guide for generating, updating, and validating court reports in CWS-CARES.  

For support, Form Authors can attend the Forms Authors Office Hours on Thursdays from 2–3 PM, or contact otsicwdscaresforms@otsi.ca.gov with any questions. 

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The April 2026 Progress and Engagement Summary is Now Available 

The CWS-CARES Progress and Engagement Summaries provide a concise overview of the collaborative efforts and achievements of CWS-CARES. The CWS-CARES Progress and Engagement Summary | April 2026 features engagement analytics for the March 2026 reporting period across the following subject areas:  

• Project Communications  
• Core Constituent Demonstrations  
• Forms and Data  
• External Systems, Interfaces, and Analytics  
• Implementation, OCM, and Training Activities  

View all CWS-CARES Progress and Engagement Summaries on the CWDS website: CWS_CARES_Progress_and_Engagement_Updates. 

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CWS-CARES Frequently Asked Question (FAQ) of the Week

Each week, we highlight a common question from counties and partner organizations, along with a clear, practical answer to  help you better understand CWS-CARES functionality.  

May 4, 2026, FAQ of the Week: 

Q: If a client moves from one county to another, will imaged documents and associated data transfer automatically with the rest of the client’s data? 

A: Yes. In CWS-CARES, documents attached to a unit of work, such as a case, remain associated with that case. When the case is transferred from one county to another, the associated documents and relevant data remain linked to the case and are accessible to the receiving county. 

To view all of the CWS-CARES FAQs, please visit the CWDS Website: CWS-CARES FAQs | CWDS Website.  Have a question? Send it to Customer Relations at CWS_CustRel@otsi.ca.gov and we’ll be happy to help.

Share Your Feedback and Subscribe 

Thank you for following our progress! Share your feedback on this CWS-CARES Weekly Digest here: CWS-CARES Weekly Digest Feedback Form. Subscribe to future issues here: CWS-CARES Weekly Digest Subscription Form.  

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Action Required

We request that all CWS-CARES Single Point of Contacts (SPOCs) and Implementation Coordinators coordinate and distribute the CWS-CARES Weekly Digest to all staff impacted by CWS-CARES, at their discretion.

CARES SPOCs, Implementation Coordinators, OCM Coordinators, County Leadership, Tribe Leadership, Probation Leadership, and State Leadership:

In this Weekly Digest:

• Reminder: Register for CWS-CARES Stakeholder Briefing #7
• Follow Our Progress: The CWS-CARES High Level Roadmap is Now Updated
• CARES Explorer April 2026 Issue Now Available
• Thank You for Ordering Items at the CWS-CARES Pop-Up Shop!
• CWS-CARES Core Constituent DemonstrationsConclude
• CWS-CARES Frequently Asked Question (FAQ) of the Week

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Reminder: Register for CWS-CARES Stakeholder Briefing #7

We encourage you to attend the next CWS-CARES Stakeholder Briefing on May 27, 2026 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM! All stakeholders impacted by the changes to CWS-CARES are welcome to attend, ask questions, and hear updates from Project leadership. 

Register now at: CWS-CARES Stakeholder Briefing #7 | Registration. Note: A separate calendar invitation will not be sent by the CWS-CARES Project. Please manually add the .ics attachment in the registration confirmation email to your calendar. 

The full agenda for the May 2026 Stakeholder Briefing is available to view on the CWS-CARES Stakeholder Briefing #7 Registration page. Updates will include: 

• Implementation 
• Extended User Scenario Testing 3 
• Production Simulation 
• Resource Family Approval (RFA) Portal Demonstration 

View the dates for all upcoming CWS-CARES Stakeholder Briefings in 2026 on the Stakeholder Briefings and Webinars page on the CWDS website. 

Thank you for participating in our Stakeholder Briefing webinar series! We hope to see you on May 27, 2026 to continue the conversation on the upcoming transition to CWS-CARES. 

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Follow Our Progress: The CWS-CARES High Level Roadmap is Now Updated

The CWS-CARES High Level Roadmap has been updated to include the 2026 timelines for Production Simulation and Training. The roadmap provides a broad view of the activities planned ahead of CWS-CARES Go-Live and information about the CWS-CARES Version 1 scope.  

View the updated roadmap on the CWDS Website: CWS-CARES High Level Roadmap - Updated April 2026. 

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CARES Explorer April 2026 Issue Now Available

We are pleased to present  Volume 3, Issue 2 of the CARES Explorer, the long‑form newsletter published every other month! For the best experience, please open the link using the Microsoft Edge browser. This issue includes the following topics: 

Project Updates:  

• Upcoming Activities at CWS-CARES 
• Production Simulation 
• Stakeholder Briefing #6 Recap and Briefing #7 Registration Information 

Explore CWS-CARES:  

• Extended User Scenario Testing (EUST) 3 Concludes 
• Kin-GAP Demonstration Highlights 
• Implementation Corner:  
• Spotlight on Sonoma County 

Implementation Corner:  

• Spotlight on Sonoma County 
• Updated Implementation Approach Highlights 

We recommend that you share this newsletter with all staff impacted by the changes coming with CWS-CARES. All previous issues of the CARES Explorer and CARES Compass are available to view on the CWDS website: CARES Compass/Explorer | Child Welfare Digital Services. 

View the articles from all issues of the CARES Explorer in the CWS-CARES Public Library, a searchable, sharable repository of information related to CWS-CARES. The Public Library is available on the CWDS website on the Resources for CWS-CARES Users page. 

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Thank You for Ordering Items at the CWS-CARES Pop-Up Shop! 

The CWS-CARES Pop-Up Shop #2 closed on Friday, April 24, 2026 with 7,400+ items ordered. Thank you for showing your support for CWS-CARES! Review the FAQs below for what to expect: 

Item Status 

All items except the Econo Cap have met the minimum order totals for production. If you ordered the Econo Cap, it will be removed from your order and not charged. 

When to Expect Your Items 

There is a 3-week processing time for producing items. Shipping times are dependent on the shipping method selected at checkout. For more information on item processing and shipping, please review the CWS-CARES Pop-Up Shop #2 FAQs. 

Will There be More Pop-Up Shops? 

Yes! The next Pop-Up Shop is scheduled for September 2026, featuring a new selection of CWS-CARES-branded items. Request merchandise for the next Pop-Up Shop by completing a 1-minute survey: CWS-CARES Pop-Up Shop Merch Ideas. 

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CWS-CARES Core Constituent Demonstrations Conclude

As of mid-April, the CWS-CARES Core Constituent Demonstration series has concluded. Recordings previous demonstrations are available to view on the CWDS website at: CWS-CARES Product Demonstrations. Please note, a log in is required to view all recordings. 

Thank you to everyone who attended and provided feedback! 

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CWS-CARES Frequently Asked Question (FAQ) of the Week

Each week, we highlight a common question from counties and partner organizations, along with a clear, practical answer to  help you better understand CWS-CARES functionality.  

April 27, 2026, FAQ of the Week: 

Q: Can you upload a document to the competency evaluation? (e.g., if someone is receiving methadone treatment and their provider writes a letter—currently these are saved elsewhere; can they be uploaded?). 

A: Yes. In the Adoption case for a relinquishment, users can document whether a competency evaluation is required and, if applicable, provide a narrative explanation. Users can also record details such as the provider name, date received, and decision. Supporting documentation (e.g., a provider letter) can be uploaded in the Documents section under the Adoptions category using the Relinquishment document type. 

To view all of the CWS-CARES FAQs, please visit the CWDS Website: CWS-CARES FAQs | CWDS Website. Have a question?  Send it to Customer Relations at  CWS_CustRel@otsi.ca.gov and we’ll be happy to help.

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Share Your Feedback and Subscribe 

Thank you for following our progress! Share your feedback on this CWS-CARES Weekly Digest here: CWS-CARES Weekly Digest Feedback Form. Subscribe to future issues here: CWS-CARES Weekly Digest Subscription Form.  

Action Required

We request that all CWS-CARES Single Point of Contacts (SPOCs) and Implementation Coordinators coordinate and distribute the CWS-CARES Weekly Digest to all staff impacted by CWS-CARES, at their discretion.

CARES SPOCs, Implementation Coordinators, OCM Coordinators, County Leadership, Tribe Leadership, Probation Leadership, and State Leadership:

In this Weekly Digest:

• One Week Left to Purchase from the CWS-CARES Pop-Up Shop!
• Registration Now Open for CWS-CARES Stakeholder Briefing #7
• Updated Environment Matrix for User Access
• CWS-CARES Data Dictionary Version 0.10 Now Available
• CWS-CARES Core Constituent Demonstrations
• CWS-CARES Frequently Asked Question (FAQ) of the Week

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One Week Left to Purchase from the CWS-CARES Pop-Up Shop!

There’s still time to order from the CWS-CARES Pop-Up Shop #2! The shop will remain open until end of day on Friday, April 17, 2026. Place your orders at: CWS-CARES Pop-Up Shop #2 | Order Now.

The shop is open to all 58 California counties, Tribes, and partner organizations. CWS-CARES branded items are available for purchase using your own funds. For ordering and shipping details, please reference the CWS-CARES Pop-Up Shop #2 FAQs and Item Preview document.

Please contact CWDS Customer Relations with any questions. Happy shopping!

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Registration Now Open for CWS-CARES Stakeholder Briefing #7

We encourage you to attend the next CWS-CARES Stakeholder Briefing on May 27, 2026! Register now at: CWS-CARES Stakeholder Briefing #7 | Registration. Note: A separate calendar invitation will not be sent by the CWS-CARES Project. Please manually add the .ics attachment in the registration confirmation email to your calendar.

All stakeholders impacted by the changes to CWS-CARES are welcome to attend, ask questions, and hear updates from Project leadership. The full agenda for the May 2026 Stakeholder Briefing is available to view on the CWS-CARES Stakeholder Briefing #7 | Registration page. Updates will include:

• Implementation
• Extended User Scenario Testing 3
• Production Simulation
• Resource Family Approval (RFA) Portal Demonstration

All materials from the March 25, 2026 Stakeholder Briefing #6, including the session recording, presentation slides, and Q&A summary, are now available on the CWS-CARES Stakeholder Briefings page on the CWDS website.

Thank you for participating in our Stakeholder Briefing webinar series! We hope to see you on May 27, 2026 to continue the conversation on the upcoming transition to CWS-CARES.

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Updated Environment Matrix for User Access

Looking to better understand the different CWS-CARES environments? The CWS-CARES Project has developed multiple environments to support testing, training, and readiness activities, each designed for a specific purpose and user group. The Environment Matrix provides an overview of their intended use, access, and availability.

Please note that this is a point-in-time resource located on the CWS-CARES User Resources Webpage on the CWDS website, and information is subject to change as the Project progresses.

View the CWS-CARES Environment Matrix here: WS-CARES Environments for User Access

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CWS-CARES Data Dictionary Version 0.10 Now Available

The CWS-CARES Data Dictionary V0.10 is now available on the Microsoft Teams Channel: CARES Data Dictionary under Shared as of Monday, April 13, 2026. Check the Intro tab of the CWS-CARES Data Dictionary for the detailed list of updates included in the new version. Highlights included in V0.10:

• CDI Legacy Mapping Layer tab has been renamed to Legacy Mapping Layer
• Alignment of Legacy Mapping Layer tab objects with the CWS_CMS-CARES Conversion tab
• Updates to Columns/Relationships tab based on application development activities

Please contact CWDSDataManagement@otsi.ca.gov if you have any questions.

Stay tuned for more updates to the CWS-CARES Data Dictionary, which will be shared in future CWS-CARES Weekly Digest emails.

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CWS-CARES Core Constituent Demonstrations

Here’s a quick look at the CWS-CARES Core Constituent Demonstrations from the previous and upcoming two weeks. These demonstrations give counties and partners a chance to see key features in action, learn what’s new or coming soon, and share feedback that helps shape ongoing improvements to CWS-CARES.

View all the previous Product Demonstrations on the CWDS website: CWS-CARES Product Demonstrations. Please note, a log in is required to view all recordings.

CWS-CARES Core Constituent Demonstrations Held March 30 - April 10, 2026:

• No CWS-CARES Core Constituent Demonstrations were held between March 30^th – April 10^th.

Upcoming CWS-CARES Core Constituent Demonstrations Held April 13 – 17, 2026: * 

• April 13, 2026, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Family First Prevention Services Act (FFPSA) Portal and CWS-CARES Functionality: End-to-End Portal Demo

*Please note that dates for CWS-CARES Demonstrations shared here are subject to change. Please check the CWDS Meeting and Event Calendar for the most up-to-date schedule.

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CWS-CARES Frequently Asked Question (FAQ) of the Week

Each week, we highlight a common question from counties and partners, along with a clear, practical answer to help you better understand CWS-CARES functionality.

April 13, 2026 FAQ of the Week:

Q: Once we transition to CWS-CARES, will probation staff still access via Citrix?

A: Yes, probation staff will still access via Citrix after the transition to CWS-CARES.

To view all of the CWS-CARES FAQs, please visit the CWDS Website: CWS-CARES FAQs | CWDS Website. Have a question? Send it to Customer Relations at CWS_CustRel@otsi.ca.gov and we will be happy to help.

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Share Your Feedback and Subscribe 

Thank you for following our progress! Share your feedback on this CWS-CARES Weekly Digest here: CWS-CARES Weekly Digest Feedback Form. Subscribe to future issues here: CWS-CARES Weekly Digest Subscription Form.

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Action Required

We request that all CWS-CARES Single Point of Contacts (SPOCs) and Implementation Coordinators coordinate and distribute the CWS-CARES Weekly Digest to all staff impacted by CWS-CARES, at their discretion.

CARES SPOCs, Implementation Coordinators, OCM Coordinators, County Leadership, Tribe Leadership, Probation Leadership, and State Leadership:

In this Weekly Digest: 

• Two Weeks Left: Order Now at the CWS-CARES Pop-Up Shop! 
• CWS-CARES Core Constituent Demonstration
• CWS-CARES Frequently Asked Question (FAQ) of the Week 

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Two Weeks Left: Order Now at the CWS-CARES Pop-Up Shop! 

There is still time to order from the CWS-CARES Pop-Up Shop #2! The shop will remain open until end of day on Friday, April 17, 2026. Place your orders at: CWS-CARES Pop-Up Shop #2 | Order Now . 

The shop is open to all 58 California counties, Tribes, and partner organizations. CWS-CARES branded items are available for purchase using your own funds. For ordering and shipping details, please reference the CWS-CARES Pop-Up Shop #2 FAQs and Item Preview document.  

Please contact CWDS Customer Relations with any questions. Happy shopping! 

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CWS-CARES Core Constituent Demonstration

Here is a quick look at the CWS-CARES Core Constituent Demonstrations from the previous and upcoming two weeks. These demonstrations give counties and partners a chance to see key features in action, learn what’s new or coming soon, and share feedback that helps shape ongoing improvements to CWS-CARES.

View all the previous Product Demonstrations on the CWDS website: CWS-CARES Product Demonstrations. Please note, a log in is required to view all recordings. 

CWS-CARES Core Constituent Demonstrations Held March 23 - April 3, 2026: 

• No CWS-CARES Core Constituent Demonstrations were held between March 23 – April 3. 

Upcoming CWS-CARES Core Constituent Demonstrations: *  

• No CWS-CARES Core Constituent Demonstrations are currently planned between April 6 – April 30.  

*Please note that dates for CWS-CARES Demonstrations shared here are subject to change. Please check the CWDS Meeting and Event Calendar for the most up-to-date schedule. 

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CWS-CARES Frequently Asked Question (FAQ) of the Week

Each week, we highlight a common question from counties and partners, along with a clear, practical answer to help you better understand CWS-CARES functionality

April 6, 2026 FAQ of the Week:

Q: Will CWS-CARES incorporate Safety Organized Practice (SOP)? This is the state approved model approach we use in practice. 

A: CWS-CARES incorporates elements aligned with Safety Organized Practice (SOP) where appropriate within system functionality. For example, provisional Harm and Danger Statements are available at Intake (Screening) and can be further developed throughout the referral and case lifecycle. Additionally, SOP-aligned language has been integrated into relevant areas of the system, including structured contact notes and other documentation features, where applicable. 

To view all of the CWS-CARES FAQs, please visit the CWDS Website: CWS-CARES FAQs | CWDS Website. Have a question?  Send it to Customer Relations at  CWS_CustRel@otsi.ca.gov and we will be happy to help.

_______

Share Your Feedback and Subscribe 

Thank you for following our progress! Share your feedback on this CWS-CARES Weekly Digest here: CWS-CARES Weekly Digest Feedback Form. Subscribe to future issues here: CWS-CARES Weekly Digest Subscription Form.

_______

Action Required

We request that all CWS-CARES Single Point of Contacts (SPOCs) and Implementation Coordinators coordinate and distribute the CWS-CARES Weekly Digest to all staff impacted by CWS-CARES, at their discretion.

CARES SPOCs, Implementation Coordinators, OCM Coordinators, County Leadership, Tribe Leadership, Probation Leadership, and State Leadership:

In this Weekly Digest:

• The CWS-CARES Pop-Up Shop is Now Open!
• Deadline Extended: Share Your Feedback in the Communications Effectiveness Survey #3 by April 3, 2026
• CWS-CARES Stakeholder Briefing #6 Recap and Recording Available
• The March 2026 Progress and Engagement Summary is Now Available
• CWS-CARES Frequently Asked Question (FAQ) of the Week

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The CWS-CARES Pop-Up Shop is Now Open! 

We are excited to announce the opening of the CWS-CARES Pop-Up Shop #2! You may shop now at: CWS-CARES Pop-Up Shop #2 | Order Now . The shop will be open until end of day on Friday, April 17, 2026. 

All 58 California counties, Tribes, and partner organizations have the opportunity to purchase CWS-CARES branded items using their own funds at this limited-time online store. For more information on ordering and shipping, please review the CWS-CARES Pop-Up Shop #2 FAQs and Item Preview document.  

Please contact CWDS Customer Relations with any questions. Happy shopping! 

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Deadline Extended: Share Your Feedback in the Communications Effectiveness Survey #3 by April 3, 2026 

Share your experience in the third annual CWS-CARES Communication Effectiveness Survey, which has now been extended through Friday, April 3, 2026. We are extending the deadline to ensure the survey results accurately reflect the overall sentiment of our stakeholders. If additional submissions are not received, the survey results will be voided. 

Take the survey here to share your feedback: CWS-CARES Communication Effectiveness Survey #3. The survey is confidential, anonymous, and takes approximately 3-5 minutes to complete. 

Please forward the survey link to other CWS-CARES users who may wish to provide feedback on CWS-CARES communications. 

The annual Communication Effectiveness Survey helps us understand what’s working and what could be improved with Project communications. Your honest feedback is greatly valued. 

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CWS-CARES Stakeholder Briefing #6 Recap and Recording Available 

Thank you to everyone who attended CWS-CARES Stakeholder Briefing #6 on Wednesday, March 25, 2026! We were pleased to have 457 participants across 48 counties and over 6 partner organizations join the session live – our highest participation rate to date! We received 78 questions during the session, which we are working to answer and share with you as soon as possible. 

The full recording of the session is now available on the Stakeholder Briefings and Webinar Materials page on the CWDS website. Please login with your county or organization email address to view the recording. An accessible PDF of the presentation slides along with a summary of the session Q&A will be available in the coming weeks in the same location.  

The next CWS-CARES Stakeholder Briefing is scheduled for Wednesday, May 27, 2026. The registration link and session agenda will be shared through the CWS-CARES Weekly Digest in April 2026. We hope to see you there! 

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The March 2026 Progress and Engagement Summary is Now Available 

The CWS-CARES Progress and Engagement Summaries provide a concise overview of the collaborative efforts and achievements of CWS-CARES. The CWS-CARES Progress and Engagement Summary | March 2026 features engagement analytics for the February 2026 reporting period across the following subject areas: 

• Project Communications 

• Core Constituent Demonstrations 

• Forms and Data 

• External Systems, Interfaces, and Analytics 

• Implementation, OCM, and Training Activities 

View all CWS-CARES Progress and Engagement Summaries on the CWDS website: CWS_CARES_Progress_and_Engagement_Updates. 

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March 30, 2026 FAQ of the Week:

Q: What is the current plan for Non-Federally Recognized Tribes and CWS-CARES, and who is the key contact within the project for this? 
 
A: Non-Federally recognized Tribes are included in the Tribal Directory built by Resource Management. CWS-CARES will allow a user to capture all Tribal ancestry information for a child and family regardless of whether the Tribe is Federally Recognized. CWS-CARES functionality supports lineal descendancy and the Spirit of ICWA for Non-Federally Recognized Tribes. For any additional project questions, please send to the Customer Relations Mailbox. 

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CWS-CARES Frequently Asked Question (FAQ) of the Week

Each week, we highlight a common question from counties and partners, along with a clear, practical answer to help you better understand CWS-CARES functionality.

March 30, 2026 FAQ of the Week:

Q: What is the current plan for Non-Federally Recognized Tribes and CWS-CARES, and who is the key contact within the project for this? 
 
A: Non-Federally recognized Tribes are included in the Tribal Directory built by Resource Management. CWS-CARES will allow a user to capture all Tribal ancestry information for a child and family regardless of whether the Tribe is Federally Recognized. CWS-CARES functionality supports lineal descendancy and the Spirit of ICWA for Non-Federally Recognized Tribes. For any additional project questions, please send to the Customer Relations Mailbox. 

_______

Share Your Feedback and Subscribe 

Thank you for following our progress! Share your feedback on this CWS-CARES Weekly Digest here: CWS-CARES Weekly Digest Feedback Form. Subscribe to future issues here: CWS-CARES Weekly Digest Subscription Form.

_______

Action Required

We request that all CWS-CARES Single Point of Contacts (SPOCs) and Implementation Coordinators coordinate and distribute the CWS-CARES Weekly Digest to all staff impacted by CWS-CARES, at their discretion.

CARES SPOCs, Implementation Coordinators, OCM Coordinators, County Leadership, Tribe Leadership, Probation Leadership, and State Leadership:

In this Weekly Digest:

• Deadline Extended: Complete the CWS-CARES Communication Effectiveness Survey #3 by March 27, 2026

• Final Reminder: Register for Stakeholder Briefing #6 on March 25, 2026, from 10:00 AM – 12:00 Noon

• CWS-CARES Frequently Asked Question (FAQ) of the Week

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Deadline Extended: Complete the CWS-CARES Communication Effectiveness Survey #3 by March 27, 2026

Share your experience in the third annual CWS-CARES Communication Effectiveness Survey, which has now been extended through Friday, March 27, 2026. The annual Communication Effectiveness Survey helps us understand what is working and what could be improved with project communications. Your honest feedback is greatly valued. 

 Take the survey here to share your feedback: CWS-CARES Communication Effectiveness Survey #3. The survey is confidential, anonymous, and takes approximately three (3) to five (5) minutes to complete. 

 Please forward the survey link to other CWS-CARES users who may wish to provide feedback on CWS-CARES communications.  

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Final Reminder: Register for Stakeholder Briefing #6 on March 25, 2026, from 10:00 AM – 12:00 Noon

You are invited to register for the next CWS-CARES Stakeholder Briefing, now scheduled for March 25, 2026, from 10:00 AM – 12:00 Noon. Please share the registration link and instructions in this email to any staff that might be interested in attending. 

Register here to reserve your spot: Stakeholder Briefing #6 - March 25, 2026 | Registration. Registration is required to attend. Please note: a calendar invitation for Stakeholder Briefing #6 will not be sent from the CWS-CARES Project. After registering, you must manually add the .ics file included in the registration confirmation email to your calendar.  

Session Agenda:

All stakeholders are welcome to attend the CWS-CARES Stakeholder Briefing series and engage directly with our project team. At Stakeholder Briefing #6, attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and hear updates on: 

• CWS-CARES Readiness from our Executive Leadership Team 
• CWS-CARES Production Simulation 
• Forms and Reports 
• A pre-recorded demonstration of the Health and Education Passport (HEP) 

View the full agenda and register for the session on the Stakeholder Briefing #6 - March 25, 2026 | Registration page. 

If you require any accommodations to attend this webinar, such as an ASL interpreter, please notify CWDS Customer Relations at: CWS_CustRel@otsi.ca.gov at least one week in advance, or as soon as possible. 

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CWS-CARES Frequently Asked Question (FAQ) of the Week

Each week, we highlight a common question from counties and partners, along with a clear, practical answer to help you better understand CWS-CARES functionality.

March 23, 2026 FAQ of the Week:

Q: It is noted that there is the ability in CWS-CARES to e-sign a lot of documents (i.e., courts, state forms, etc.). Has the State already approved e-signatures? We have been previously instructed that they need wet signatures for many different documents.

A: While CWS-CARES has the functionality to e-sign documents such as court reports and state forms, e‑signatures are not required. Counties will have the flexibility to follow their own county and court policies around e‑signing documents. Please view Rule 2.257 for further details on the use of e‑signatures.

To view all of the CWS-CARES FAQs, please visit the CWDS Website: CWS-CARES FAQs | CWDS Website. Have a question? Send it to Customer Relations at CWS_CustRel@otsi.ca.gov and we will be happy to help.

_______

Share Your Feedback and Subscribe 

Thank you for following our progress! Share your feedback on this CWS-CARES Weekly Digest here: CWS-CARES Weekly Digest Feedback Form. Subscribe to future issues here: CWS-CARES Weekly Digest Subscription Form.

_______

Action Required

We request that all CWS-CARES Single Point of Contacts (SPOCs) and Implementation Coordinators coordinate and distribute the CWS-CARES Weekly Digest to all staff impacted by CWS-CARES, at their discretion.