Frequently Asked Questions
Case Management
Q: When was the Family Finding module added?
A: The Binti Family Finding module was part of the original scope for Binti data conversion, it was not added later on.
Q: Will visitation track if someone reschedules?
A: Yes, it can tracked when visitation is rescheduled. “Rescheduled” is one of the reasons that the user can select in the Visit Log (list of visits).
Q: What happens if the external ID needed to link records is missing?
A: If the external ID is missing and the relationship cannot be established, the system may not be able to reliably match records. In these cases, county assistance may be required to resolve gaps.
Q: Will the Child Welfare Services-California Automated Response and Engagement System Version 1 (CWS-CARES V1) include a public interface where Resource Family Approval (RFA) applicant families can apply and upload supporting documents and information?
A: Yes. In CWS-CARES Version 1, the Resource Family Approval (RFA) program worker, Applicant, and Resource Family Homes will be able to upload completed forms and documents to CWS-CARES V1.
Q: Can both Supervisors and Administrators transfer caseloads?
A: Yes, Supervisors and Administrators can both transfer caseloads.
Q: Are there any plans for a visitation module in CWS-CARES?
A: Yes, visitation will be included in CWS-CARES. We are planning the ability to document data related to visits attended, cancelled, and rescheduled. We are also including the ability to document a visitation quality rating based upon the SDM definitions of visitation quality. Scheduling visits will not be part of CWS-CARES in this first version. However, we will include the ability to document and track efforts to schedule visitation.
Q: What is the difference between Sealed and Sensitive?
A: Sealed is done based on a court order and is typically after a case is closed, although it is not required that the case be closed. Sensitive is for cases involving high profile people.
Q: Will the primary worker still be able to see their sensitive cases without having sensitive access?
A: Yes, the primary worker will still be able to see their sensitive cases without requiring sensitive access.
Q: Is it true that on sealed cases, no one can read it if they do not have that sealed access?
A: Correct, no one will access to sealed cases except for those assigned with sealed access. In addition, the same is true for the sensitive status.
Q: When will the Health Care Program for Children in Foster Care (HCPCFC) and Health and Education Passport (HEP) functionality be available in CWS-CARES, and how will Public Health Nurses (PHNs) document and share health information with social workers in the interim?
A: Documenting foster children and youth's medical needs, as well as generating the HEP document, will be available in CWS-CARES when we go live in October 2026.