Q: Who will provide support for the CWS-CARES Resource Family Approval (RFA) and Family First Prevention Services Act (FFPSA) Portal once CWS-CARES goes live, including password resets? How does someone get access to the portals?

Thursday, 02 Jul 2026
A: The CWDS Service Desk will provide system support for the RFA and FFPSA portals. Each portal includes a self-serve password reset option, which resolves most issues such as forgotten passwords. If a user does not receive the password reset email within 24 hours, they should contact the CWDS Service Desk for additional assistance.
Counties are responsible for basic applicant support, such as helping applicants understand how to complete an application or answering general questions.
Portal access varies by portal:

RFA Portal
  • Applicants can access the RFA portal through the public link on CWDS or county websites to submit an application
  • CWS-CARES RFA Worker or Supervisor may invite an applicant directly only in Emergency Placement situations
  • Existing Resource Family Homes (RFH) with an email on file will receive an invitation to the portal
  • These actions occur within the CWS-CARES application, and training materials will be provided on how to accomplish this task
  • To access an RFA Portal end-to-end demonstration, click the “RFA_Applicant_Portal_-_03-26-2025-_Core_Constituent_Demonstration_for_RFA.mp4” video on the CWS-CARES RFA Demo Videos page.
FFPSA Portal
  • Access is by invitation only to Community Based Organizations (CBOs)
  • A CWS-CARES worker invites prospective or existing Service Providers by adding or updating the provider record, including email, in CWS‑CARES
  • The provider then receives an email to establish a password and update any applicable information.
  • CWS-CARES will provide CARES workers with training materials on how to accomplish this task
  • To access a FFPSA demonstration, click the “02_23_2026_FM_FFPSA_Portal_CC_Demo_Recording.mp4” video on the CWS-CARES Financial Management Demo Videos page.
The project is also developing a high-level flow diagram that outlines how each portal interacts with CWS-CARES and how data moves between systems. County training coordinators will receive resources and materials to support county staff as these features are rolled out.
Resource Family Approval (RFA), Training, Features & Functionality, Family First Prevention Services Act (FFPSA)

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