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.

A: Regarding State requirements for entering Child Abuse Central Index (CACI) information in CWS-CARES, there are no requirements from the State for entering that information. In CWS/CMS, there is currently an ID page that includes fields for entering this information if a disposition is changed to a grievance. CWS-CARES will also include these fields.

A: For a list of definitions on outcome results, these definitions are county specific, so there isn’t a standardized list from the Project. Options for what will be included in this field within CWS-CARES are currently under review and will be shared in future communications. If there is a split result in CWS-CARES, each allegation will be able to have that individual record updated with the values in CWS-CARES and reflect any changes to the allegation conclusion.

A: Yes, all previous child welfare case information and history will be available for the probation worker to access and view.

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.
 

A: CWS-CARES will have one consistent location for documenting re-entry into EFC activities, so that documentation can be better captured and monitored by the county. The user will be able to manage all of the tasks required when an eligible young adult wishes to re-enter EFC, and the system will prompt the user to complete the required tasks. Training materials are being developed to guide this process. There are various points of re-entry, including at screening and within case units of work. A recent demo is available on the CWDS website under Case Management, titled "Extended Foster Care - Initial Entry & Re-Entry into EFC".

A: Like CWS/CMS, Public Health Nurses (PHNs), Case Management Workers, and Emergency Response (ER) Workers will be able to document foster children and youth's medical needs in CWS-CARES. This includes documenting medical referrals, screenings, medical exams and tests, diagnosed health conditions, disabilities, medications, hospitalizations, immunizations, summary of current health conditions, and more.

CWS-CARES workers will then be able to generate the HEP document. The existing HEP template from CWS/CMS has been developed for use in CWS-CARES. This functionality will be available in CWS-CARES when we go live in October 2026.

A: Yes, the genograms' functionality will be available in CWS-CARES V1. The project team combined "genograms" and "family tree" due to overlapping similarities, and this functionality is fully built and currently in the testing phase.

A: Yes, the structured investigative contact note (which is in progress) has a place to indicate if the Civil Rights Publication 13 brochure was provided. Preferred spoken and written languages can be documented on the person profile, and the use of an interpreter can be noted. As to if the brochure was “explained” to them, the staff member will need to rely on entering that into their contact note. 

A: Based on CWS-CARES's Scope Summary, Family Finding (including genogram, search capabilities, and documentation upload) is in scope for CWS-CARES V1. The search functionality is limited and other systems like "Connect Our Kids" will likely perform more in-depth searches.