Q: How will Probation Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) be involved in the Child Welfare Services-California Automated Response and Engagement System (CWS-CARES) project?
A: CWS-CARES supports the automation of Probation child welfare functions, and the CWS-CARES project benefits from the input of Probation in CWS-CARES research and design activities for many different areas including case management, activities, and placement. Probation subject matter experts (SMEs) will be invited to specific design sessions at the discretion of the child welfare core county constituent(s) assigned to the module with an understanding from the CWS-CARES project that there are outstanding program and policy question on Probation workers use of CWS-CARES. The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) Child Welfare Services Branch (CWSB) is talking with leadership regarding changes to CWS-CARES requirements that may result as part of discussions. The CWS-CARES team will prioritize the implementation of revised policy direction from CDSS as decisions are made.