Q: Is there a governance process or structure regarding major decisions, such as the Child Welfare Services-California Automated Response and Engagement System (CWS-CARES) V1 Implementation Approach?
A: The Child Welfare Services-California Automated Response and Engagement System (CWS-CARES) Project has a governance structure that includes a Decision-Making Framework (DMF). That process includes various levels of approval, and County leadership participates in the Decision-Making processes and in the project’s Governance.
All Counties going live on CWS-CARES at the same time (Entire State at Once) was approved by the CWDS Board of Directors, with conditions. That said, the processes leading to that decision were lengthy and thorough. See below:
All Counties going live on CWS-CARES at the same time (Entire State at Once) was approved by the CWDS Board of Directors, with conditions. That said, the processes leading to that decision were lengthy and thorough. See below:
- There were numerous meetings with County Child Welfare Directors and/or their deputies.
- The project’s Independent Advisor made the same recommendation using a risk-based analysis regarding impact to child safety by using multiple systems over a period of time.
- Tribal consultation was sought out and included in the decision.