News

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

In this Weekly Digest:

• Communication Effectiveness Survey #3
• Reminder: Register for Stakeholder Briefing #6 on March 25, from 10:00 AM – 12:00 Noon
• CWS-CARES Pop-Up Shop #2: Item Sneak Peak
• CWS-CARES Core Constituent Demonstrations
• CWS-CARES Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) of the Week

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Communication Effectiveness Survey #3

The third annual CWS-CARES Communications Effectiveness Survey opened today, March 9, 2026, and will remain open through Friday, March 20, 2026.

Take the survey here to share your feedback: CWS-CARES Communications Effectiveness Survey #3.

The survey is confidential, anonymous, and takes approximately three (3) to five (5) minutes to complete. The annual Communications Effectiveness Survey helps us understand what is working and what could be improved with project communications. Your honest feedback is greatly valued.

Please feel free to forward it to other CWS-CARES users who may wish to provide feedback on CWS-CARES Communications.

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Reminder: Register for Stakeholder Briefing #6 on March 25, 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. We are excited to announce that we have 391 registrants as of Friday, March 6! Register here to reserve your spot: Stakeholder Briefing #6 - March 25, 2026 | Registration.

Please note: a calendar invitation for Stakeholder Briefing #6 will not be sent from the CWS-CARES Project. You must manually add the .ics file included in the registration confirmation email to your calendar. 

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, Production Simulation, and Forms and Reports. A pre-recorded demonstration of the Health and Education Passport (HEP) will also be shown. 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 meeting, 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.

Please share the registration link and instructions in this email to any staff that might be interested in attending the session.

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CWS-CARES Pop-Up Shop #2: Item Sneak Peak

The CWS-CARES Pop-Up Shop is just around the corner! From March 30 – April 17, 2026, all 58 California counties, Tribes, and partner organizations will have an opportunity to purchase CWS-CARES branded items using their own funds.

View the flyer for a sneak peak of selected items included in the upcoming Pop-Up Shop.

A preview of all items including pricing details, descriptions, and purchasing FAQs will be published in the March 16, 2026 CWS-CARES Weekly Digest.

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CWS-CARES Core Constituent Demonstrations

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 2 - 6, 2026:

• March 4, 2026, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM

Shared Services: Person Merge, Special Project Codes

Upcoming CWS-CARES Core Constituent Demonstrations: * 

• No CWS-CARES Core Constituent Demonstrations are currently planned between March 9 – 31, 2026. 

*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 Questions (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 9, 2026 FAQ of the Week:

Q: How will CWS-CARES manage the transition to Daylight Saving Time?

A: Unlike in CWS/CMS, there will be no “blackout hour” during the transition to Daylight Saving Time in CWS-CARES. CWS-CARES will remain live and automatically update to reflect the time change as it occurs.

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 (click the link for more information):

• The February 2026 Progress and Engagement Summary is Now Available
• CWS-CARES Data Dictionary Version 0.09 Now Available
• Updated CWS-CARES Meeting & Workgroup Matrix
• Coming Soon: the CWS-CARES Communications Effectiveness Survey #3
• Reminder: Register for Stakeholder Briefing #6 on March 25, 2026, from 10:00 AM – 12:00 Noon
• CWS-CARES Core Constituent Demonstrations
• CWS-CARES Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) of the Week

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The February 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 February Progress and Engagement Summary features engagement analytics for the January 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 Data Dictionary Version 0.09 Now Available

As of Friday, February 27, 2026, the CWS-CARES Data Dictionary V0.09 is available on the Microsoft Teams Channel CARES Data Dictionary under Shared. Featured changes and new features include:

• Enhance Change Log with release date and version tracking.
• Expanded Definitions tab with detailed explanations across all tabs and columns.
• Updates to Columns tab based on application development activities including Description, Screen Name, and Left Navigation Menu Name, etc. 

Check the Intro tab of the CWS-CARES Data Dictionary for the detailed list of updates included in the new version.

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Updated CWS-CARES Meeting & Workgroup Matrix

An updated CWS-CARES Meeting & Workgroup Matrix is now available on the CWDS User Resources Webpage. (login required).

This comprehensive matrix serves as a one-stop reference for recurring CWS-CARES meetings, workgroups, advisory committees, and core constituent sessions. It includes meeting statuses (open/closed), frequency and timing, facilitators, participant groups, webpage links, Teams channels, and contact emails, so you can quickly identify where to engage and how to stay informed.

As part of this update, the Microsoft Teams Channel Guide has been retired, as relevant Teams channel information is now incorporated directly into the matrix.

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Coming Soon: the CWS-CARES Communications Effectiveness Survey #3

The third annual Communications Effectiveness survey will open Monday March 9 – Friday March 20, 2026. 

The survey is confidential, anonymous, and takes approximately 3-5 minutes to complete. The annual Communications Effectiveness Survey helps us understand what’s working and what could be improved with project communications. Your honest feedback is greatly valued.  

Once the survey opens, please forward it to other CWS-CARES users who may wish to provide feedback on CWS-CARES Communications.

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

You are invited to register the next CWS-CARES Stakeholder Briefing, now scheduled for March 25, 2026, from 10:00 AM – 12:00 Noon! Register here to reserve your spot: Stakeholder Briefing #6 - March 25, 2026 | Registration.

Please note: a calendar invitation for Stakeholder Briefing #6 will not be sent from the CWS-CARES Project. You must manually add the .ics file included in the registration confirmation email to your calendar. 

All stakeholders are welcome to attend the CWS-CARES Stakeholder Briefing series and engage directly with our project team. At Stakeholder Briefing #5, attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and hear updates on CWS-CARES Readiness, Production Simulation, and Forms and Reports. A pre-recorded demonstration of the Health and Education Passport (HEP) will also be shown. 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 meeting, such as an ASL interpreter, please notify CWDS Customer Relations at: CWS_CustRel@osi.ca.gov at least one week in advance, or as soon as possible.

Please share the registration link and instructions in this email to any staff that might be interested in attending the session.

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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 February 23 - 27, 2026:

• February 23, 2026, 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Financial Management: Portal Login, Management, Prevention Services, and more

• February 25, 2026, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM

Eligibility: Establishing Guardianship, Guardian Homes, Kin-GAP

Upcoming CWS-CARES Core Constituent Demonstrations Scheduled March 2 – 6, 2026: *

• March 4, 2026, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Shared Services: Person Merge, Special Project Codes

*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 Questions (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 2, 2026 FAQ of the Week:

Q: Will dedicated counties be allowed to access CWS-CARES on county computers as well as state computers?
A: Dedicated County Users will be expected to access CWS-CARES using their dedicated county machines (supported by CWDS), similar to how they currently access CWS/CMS. Non-CWDS-supported county machines will not be allowed to access CWS-CARES. Users with specialized access needs (as seen in CWS/CMS) may be assigned SCBS-Citrix access based on specific business requirements. 

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

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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 (click the link for more information):

• Register for Stakeholder Briefing #6: Now Scheduled for March 25, 2026, from 10:00 AM – 12:00 Noon
• CARES Explorer Volume 3, Issue 1 Now Available
• Coming March 30, 2026: The CWS-CARES Pop-Up Shop #2
• Introducing CWS-CARES Video #5 – CWS-CARES 101: Placement & Eligibility
• CWS-CARES Core Constituent Demonstrations
• CWS-CARES Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) of the Week

Register for Stakeholder Briefing #6: Now Scheduled for March 25, 2026, from 10:00 AM – 12:00 Noon

You are invited to register the next CWS-CARES Stakeholder Briefing, now scheduled for March 25, 2026, from 10:00 AM – 12:00 Noon! Register here to reserve your spot: Stakeholder Briefing #6 - March 25, 2026 | Registration.

Please note: a calendar invitation for Stakeholder Briefing #6 will not be sent from the CWS-CARES Project. You must manually add the .ics file included in the registration confirmation email to your calendar. 

If you require any accommodations to attend this meeting, 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.

Please share the registration link and instructions in this email to any staff that might be interested in attending the session.

Thank you for your continued participation and engagement at the CWS-CARES Stakeholder Briefings. We are excited to announce that in May 2026, Stakeholder Briefing webinars will be held monthly through CWS-CARES Go-Live, with additional time for stakeholder Q&A. View the dates for upcoming Stakeholder briefings, along with the recordings and materials from previous sessions, on the CWS-CARES Stakeholder Briefings and Webinars page on the CWDS website.

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CARES Explorer Volume 3, Issue 1 Now Available

We are pleased to present the February 2026 issue 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
• CWS-CARES Readiness Update
• Stakeholder Briefing Registration and Update

Explore CWS-CARES:

• Extended User Scenario Testing (EUST) 3
• Forms and Reports: Preparing for Go-Live and Beyond

Implementation Corner:

• Spotlight: County Participation in Binti Preliminary Data Mapping Validation Workshops
• 9-Month Readiness Checkpoints
• CWS-CARES Pop-Up Shop #2

We recommend that you share this newsletter at your discretion with staff that are impacted by the changes coming with CWS-CARES. You may also obtain all previous CARES Explorer issues on the CWDS website: CARES Compass/Explorer | Child Welfare Digital Services.

If you would like to receive future issues of the CARES Explorer newsletter, please subscribe to the CWS-CARES Weekly Digest. Those who have previously subscribed to the CARES Explorer or CARES Compass will automatically begin receiving Weekly Digest emails each Monday, which will include an Explorer issue every quarter.

If you have questions, need clarification, or have any accessibility issues, please do not hesitate to contact Customer Relations.

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Coming March 30, 2026: The CWS-CARES Pop-Up Shop #2

The CWS-CARES Pop-Up Shop is returning with a brand-new selection of items! All 58 California counties, Tribes, State partners, and public agencies will be able to purchase CWS-CARES branded merchandise online at the CWS-CARES Pop-Up Shop #2 between Monday, March 30 and Friday, April 17. 

During this limited-time window, stakeholders will have the opportunity to purchase CWS-CARES–branded items using their own funds. The shop will feature a variety of new items, including apparel, stationery, mugs, accessories, and more. Additional details, ordering information, and a preview of the items offered will be shared in the CWS-CARES Weekly Digest, ahead of the Pop-Up Shop grand opening on March 30.

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Introducing CWS-CARES Video #5 – CWS-CARES 101: Placement & Eligibility

The CWS-CARES Implementation Team has released the latest video in the CWS-CARES Video Series: CWS-CARES 101 - Placement & Eligibility.

This brief, animated video shows a glimpse into a day in the life of a Case Worker and Eligibility Resource, highlighting new features in CWS-CARES. We encourage you to share this video with your teams, screen it during upcoming meetings, and use it as a tool to help jump-start conversations about CWS-CARES.

Visit the CWS-CARES Public Library to watch and share previous CARES videos: CWS-CARES Video Series.

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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 February 16 - 20, 2026:

• February 17, 2026, 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Resource Family Approval (RFA): RFA Application Portal Self-Registration, RFA Portal Application Creation, Withdrawal of an Application by an RFA Applicant

Upcoming CWS-CARES Core Constituent Demonstrations Scheduled February 23 – 27, 2026: *

• February 23, 2026, 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Financial Management: Portal Login, Management, Prevention Services, and more

*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

Q: Regarding Optimistic Concurrency, will there be a warning message when 2 people are editing the same record (For example, the same contact note, same warrant, etc.)?

A: In CWS-CARES, updates are written directly to the cloud. If two users attempt to edit the same record at the same time (e.g., the same contact log or case record), the second user will receive an error indicating that the record has been updated. They will then need to refresh the page, re-enter their changes, and save.

To be clear, records are not locked during editing since Salesforce handles Optimistic Concurrency through conflict detection instead.

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

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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:

• Extended User Scenario Testing (EUST) 3 General Began February 2, 2026! 
• CWS-CARES is Observing President’s Day on February 16, 2026 
• CWS-CARES Core Constituent Demonstrations  
• CWS-CARES Frequently Asked Question (FAQ) of the Week 

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Extended User Scenario Testing (EUST) 3 General Began February 2, 2026! 

The first week of EUST 3 General is now complete; thank you to all 610 testers who logged in between Monday, February 2 and Friday, February 6, 2026!  As of Friday, February 6, the CWS-CARES project has collected 292 feedback items which are currently being processed and prioritized. We will continue to collect feedback until the conclusion of EUST 3 on April 3, 2026. Feedback results will be shared with EUST 3 participants in April 2026.  We truly appreciate your participation in the CWS-CARES testing process. Thank you for your continued collaboration! 

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CWS-CARES is Observing President’s Day on February 16, 2026 

The CWS-CARES Project will observe the President’s Day holiday on February 16, 2026. Please anticipate a delay in communications on this day. Due to the holiday, no Weekly Digest email will be distributed on Monday, February 16, 2026. Weekly Digest emails will resume on Monday, February 23, 2026. 

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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 February 2 - 6, 2026: 

• February 2, 2026, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Resource Management (RM): RM Directory Search, Service Arrays and Service Providers 
• February 2, 2026, 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Financial Management: Homepages/Reports, Federal Report Cost-Tracking, etc.  

Upcoming CWS-CARES Core Constituent Demonstrations: * 

• No CWS-CARES Core Constituent Demonstrations are currently planned between February 9 – 20, 2026.  

*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 

We’re introducing a new feature in the CWS-CARES Weekly Digest: FAQ of the Week. Each week, we’ll highlight a common question from counties and partners, along with a clear, practical answer to help you better understand CWS-CARES functionality.  

February 9, 2026, FAQ of the Week 

Q: Within documents, is it possible to redact content? 

A: Yes, CWS-CARES allows users with the appropriate permissions to redact information in documents such as PDFs, Word files, and Excel files. All redacted documents are saved as PDFs, even if the original file was created in another format. 
Redaction can be done in two ways: 

• Manual redaction: selecting specific portions of the document to block out. 
• Automatic redaction: searching for a word or phrase and redacting all occurrences at once. 

Users must enter a reason for the redaction, and the system records who completed it and when. The original document is never changed – users can save the redacted version as either a new document or a new version of the original. 
Only users with the correct role-based permissions (such as case workers or supervisors) will see the redaction option, and access depends on their role and their access to the case or record. 

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

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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 (click the link for more information):

• Final Reminder: Register for the CWS-CARES Stakeholder Briefing #5

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Final Reminder: Register for the CWS-CARES Stakeholder Briefing #5

Stakeholder Briefing #5 will take place on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, from 10:00 AM – 12:00 Noon. Please forward this registration link and instructions to all organization staff and end users who may be impacted by the transition to CWS-CARES. View the agenda and register for the Stakeholder Briefing here: CWS-CARES Stakeholder Briefing #5: January 2026 | Registration.

Registration Instructions for Stakeholder Briefing #5:

• Register for the January 28, 2026 Stakeholder Briefing at this link: CWS-CARES Stakeholder Briefing #5: January 2026 | Registration. Registration is required to attend.
• After registering, you will receive a confirmation email from CalHHS Office of Technology and Solutions Integration within a few minutes. An example of the email is shown in the screenshot below.
• This confirmation email includes the "Join event" link at the bottom (blue arrow in the screenshot) and a calendar .ics attachment at the top (red box in the screenshot).
• Add the webinar to your calendar. The webinar will NOT be automatically added to your calendar. You must click the .ics attachment and manually add it to your calendar.

Please email Customer Relations at CWS_CustRel@otsi.ca.gov with any questions or if you need assistance registering for the January 28, 2026, Stakeholder Briefing.

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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:

• New CWS-CARES Data Dictionary Update Available and 2026 Office Hours Schedule
• Reminder: Register for the CWS-CARES Stakeholder Briefing #5
• CWS-CARES is Observing Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday, January 19, 2026

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New CWS-CARES Data Dictionary Update Available and 2026 Office Hours Schedule
An updated version of the CWS-CARES Data Dictionary (V0.08) is available starting today, January 12, 2026:

• CWS-CARES Data Dictionary V0.08 will be available on the Microsoft Teams Channel: CARES Data Dictionary under Files.   
• The Intro tab of the CWS-CARES Data Dictionary highlights all updates in the new version, making it easy to see what’s new or changed.

Update: CWS-CARES Data Dictionary & SqlDBM Office Hours in 2026

As we move into 2026, Office Hours for the CWS-CARES Data Dictionary and SqlDBM will be provided through the Tableau/Salesforce CARES102 Environment Office Hours.

These Office Hours are held every Wednesday and will continue to offer a forum for questions, discussion, and guidance.

For questions related to CARES102 Office Hours, please contact: otsicwdsanalyticstransition@otsi.ca.gov.

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Reminder: Register for the CWS-CARES Stakeholder Briefing #5

Stakeholder Briefing #5 will take place on January 28, 2026 from 10 AM – 12 PM. Please forward this registration invitation to all organization staff and end users who may be impacted by the transition to CWS-CARES. Register here: CWS-CARES Stakeholder Briefing #5: January 2026 | Registration.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: What is the CWS-CARES Stakeholder Briefing?
A: The Stakeholder Briefing is a series of webinars with Project updates and system demonstrations. These webinars are an opportunity for all stakeholders to engage directly with CWS-CARES leadership.

Q: Who can attend CWS-CARES Stakeholder Briefings?
A: All stakeholders are invited to attend the Stakeholder Briefing. This includes end users, county leadership, Tribal representatives, SPOCs, Implementation Coordinators, and more.

Q: How do I register for Stakeholder Briefing #5?
A: Please register using the following link: CWS-CARES Stakeholder Briefing #5: January 2026 | Registration. Registration takes less than a minute by entering your name, email, and county or organization. Once registration is complete, a meeting notice with the session information will be automatically sent to the email provided. Registration is required to attend.

If you require any accommodations to attend this meeting, 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.

Stakeholder Briefing #5 agenda:

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CWS-CARES is Observing Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday, January 19, 2026

In commemoration of Martin Luther King Jr., Project communications may be delayed on this date. The Weekly Digest will not be distributed on Monday, January 19, 2026, and will resume January 26, 2026.

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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 CARES Weekly Digest to all staff impacted by CWS-CARES, at their discretion.

In this Weekly Digest (click the link for more information): 

• CWS-CARES Explorer Volume 2, Issue 4 – December 2025
• CWS-CARES Progress and Engagement Summary: December 2025
• The CWS-CARES Infographics, Slogans, and Flyers Webpage is Now Live!
• Happy New Year from CWS-CARES!

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CWS-CARES Explorer Volume 2, Issue 4 – December 2025

We are pleased to present the December 2025 issue of the CARES Explorer, the long‑form newsletter published each quarter! For the best experience, please open the link using the Microsoft Edge browser. This issue includes the following article topics:

Project Updates: Read a message from the Chief of Customer Success and view the January 2026 Stakeholder Briefing agenda. You can also review a printable one-page summary of new resources launched 2025 to stay connected with CWS-CARES!

Explore CWS-CARES: Learn about the upcoming Extended User Scenario Testing (EUST) 3 and how P-CIS will be integrated with CWS-CARES. Find information on available External Systems Meetings and a status update on CWS/CMS data conversion activities.

Implementation Corner: Read about the creative implementation events planned in Kern County and an update on the next CWS-CARES Pop-Up Shop. You’ll also find the latest updates on the Process Information Sessions, including a recap and timeline of each session.

We recommend that you share this newsletter at your discretion with staff that are impacted by the changes coming with CWS-CARES. You may also obtain all previous CARES Explorer issues on the CWDS website: CARES Compass/Explorer | Child Welfare Digital Services.

If you would like to receive future issues of the CARES Explorer newsletter, please subscribe to the CWS-CARES Weekly Digest. Those who have previously subscribed to the CARES Explorer or CARES Compass will automatically begin receiving Weekly Digest emails each Monday, which will include an Explorer issue every quarter.

If you have questions, need clarification, or have any accessibility issues, please do not hesitate to contact Customer Relations.

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CWS-CARES Progress and Engagement Summary: December 2025

The December Progress and Engagement Summary is now available on the CWDS website. This monthly summary was specifically formulated as a direct response to your valuable stakeholder feedback. Each monthly summary includes the following data from the previous month:

• Participation rates for key meetings
• A list of product demos and topics covered, by date
• Updates from teams across the Project 

We encourage you to review and share the CWS-CARES Progress and Engagement Summary with your teams.

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The CWS-CARES Infographics, Slogans, and Flyers Webpage is Now Live!

CWS-CARES Infographics, Slogans, and Flyers are now available on the CWDS website. We encourage you to view, print, and share the available resources with anyone who may be interested in learning more about CWS-CARES.

Be on the lookout for new materials - we plan to update this page regularly. View the CWS-CARES Infographics, Slogans, and Flyers Webpage.

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Happy New Year from CWS-CARES!

Thank you to everyone who followed the CWS-CARES journey in 2025! We look forward to our continued partnership in the new year.

The Project is observing the New Year’s Holiday on January 1, 2026; communications may be delayed on this date. Due to the short work week, there will be no Weekly Digest email on January 5, 2026. Communications will resume on January 12, 2026.

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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 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 (click the link for more information):

• Register Now: CWS-CARES Stakeholder Briefing #5 
• Reminder: CWS-CARES Nine-Month County Readiness Checkpoint Meetings 
• December Holiday Observance at CWS-CARES

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Register Now: CWS-CARES Stakeholder Briefing #5

Registration for Stakeholder Briefing #5 on January 28, 2026 from 10 AM – 12 noon, is now available!  

This webinar series is an opportunity for all stakeholders (end users, county leadership, Tribal representatives, SPOCs, Implementation Coordinators, and more) to learn about CWS-CARES and engage directly with Project leadership. We encourage recipients to share this registration link to all staff who may be interested in attending.  

Registration takes less than a minute by entering your name, email, and county or organization. Once registration is complete, a meeting notice with the session information will be automatically sent to the email provided. We encourage everyone to register by January 26, 2026 using the following link: CWS-CARES Stakeholder Briefing #5: January 2026 | Registration. 

The January Briefing includes Team Updates, Product Demonstrations, and Q&A. See the full agenda below:

If you require any accommodations to attend this meeting, 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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Reminder: CWS-CARES Nine-Month County Readiness Checkpoint Meetings 

On Wednesday, December 3, 2025, the CWS-CARES Implementation Team sent an email announcing the upcoming 9-Month County Readiness Checkpoint Meetings. In January 2026, the Project Implementation Team will meet with each organization’s leadership to review critical path tasks and assess readiness for CWS-CARES Go-Live in October 2026.  These Checkpoints will occur during each county’s regular readiness meeting, unless adjustments are needed to accommodate leadership attendance. Implementation Leads (ILs) will coordinate with the Implementation Coordinators (ICs) prior to the January meetings.

There is no action needed prior to the meeting. The Implementation Team will collaborate directly with each organization’s Implementation Coordinators to update Readiness Checklists in advance of the January meeting.  

For more information regarding specific implementation readiness activities, please review the email sent on December 3, 2025, at 5:51PM, from the Implementation Mailbox to Child Welfare Directors, Deputy Directors, CARES Implementation Coordinators, and CARES SPOCs. 

Thank you for your continued support of CWS-CARES.

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December Holiday Observance at CWS-CARES

Happy Holidays from CWS-CARES! 

The Project will observe the Winter holiday on December 24 and 25, 2025. Please anticipate a delay in communications during this period.   

Due to the holidays, there will be no Weekly Digest email on Monday, December 22, 2025. Weekly Digest emails will resume on Monday, December 29, 2025.

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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 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. 

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

In this Weekly Digest (click the link for more information): 

• CWS-CARES Progress and Engagement Summary: November 
• Reminder: Product Demonstrations Now Available on the CWDS Website 

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CWS-CARES Progress and Engagement Summary: November 

The November Progress and Engagement Summary is now available on the CWDS website. Each monthly summary includes the following data from the previous month: 

• Participation rates for key meetings 
• A list of product demos and topics covered, by date 
• Updates from teams across the Project   

We encourage you to review and share the November CWS-CARES Progress and Engagement Summary with your teams. 

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Reminder: Product Demonstrations Now Available on the CWDS Website 

Core Constituent Demonstrations are now available to view on the new Product Demonstrations Page on the CWDS Website. Access requires logging in with your organization’s email address. 

Core Constituent Demonstration meetings will be scheduled at least two weeks in advance of the session with clear agendas in the invitations. Changes to the agenda will be communicated at least two days prior to the session. 

These updates are a direct result of your feedback to enhance the process of accessing Core Constituent Demonstrations. Thank you for your continued partnership! 

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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 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. 

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

In this Weekly Digest:

• Now Available: The November 2025 CARES Compass – Volume 2, Issue 6
• CWS-CARES Stakeholder Briefing #4: Materials Posted

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Now Available: The November 2025 CARES Compass – Volume 2, Issue 6

We are pleased to share the newest issue of the CARES Compass, a two-page executive summary on the CWS-CARES Project: The CARES Compass - November 2025. (For the best experience, please open the link in a Microsoft Edge browser.)

This issue features articles about:

• The future of the CARES Compass
• New resources on the CWDS website: The FCED Hub and Product Demonstrations Page
• A recap of CWS-CARES activities at key 2025 California conferences
• Upcoming communications and activities in the next 90 days

You are encouraged to share this newsletter with staff who may be interested in learning more about CWS-CARES. All of our previous issues can be found on the CWDS website: The CARES Compass and Explorer Newsletters.

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CWS-CARES Stakeholder Briefing #4: Materials Posted

On October 22, 2025, the CWS-CARES Project hosted Stakeholder Briefing #4, a two-hour webinar featuring updates from leadership, a demo of the CWS-CARES Administrative Console, and interactive Q&A.

We were pleased to have over 300 participants from 39 counties and four partner organizations join us! Feedback shows that the majority of attendees felt satisfied or very satisfied with the session.

If you were unable to attend, a recording is now available on the Stakeholder Briefings and Webinars page, along with the presentation and Q&A document.

Thank you to everyone who attended—we look forward to connecting again on January 28, 2026, for Stakeholder Briefing #5.

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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 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.