News

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.

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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:

• 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. 

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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:

• 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.

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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:

• 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.

_______

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 (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.

_______

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.

_______

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.

_______

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.