Frequently Asked Questions
Case Management
Q: Is it possible in CWS-CARES to systematically track when parent(s) are incarcerated so that plans and outcomes can be adequately created and tracked?
A: Yes, there will be a way for a worker or other user to enter this data manually into CWS-CARES, so that it can be referenced when developing case and safety plans.
Q: Can both Supervisors and Administrators transfer caseloads?
A: Yes, Supervisors and Administrators can both transfer caseloads.
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: Will the system time stamp work completed in the system that supervisors can review?
A: CWS-CARES V1 will include a repository of completed work, with date and time of completion. CWS-CARES V1 will also support supervisor review and approval workflows. The CWS-CARES Data Infrastructure (CDI) will record all data changes (create, update, and delete transactions) to support supervision, auditing, and analytics.
Q: Will the Attorney-Client Log be mandatory for counties to use?
A: No. Counties are not required to maintain an Attorney-Client Log in CWS-CARES. However, it serves as a valuable tool for documenting confidential communications between County Counsel and agency personnel. Access is restricted to authorized individuals directly involved with the case (Primary, Supervisor, or Manager), and the log is protected from discovery and public records requests. This helps ensure that essential legal advice remains documented and accessible to relevant staff while maintaining confidentiality.
Q: Who will own and maintain the ERR00002 (Emergency Response Notice of Referral Disposition) form in CWS-CARES?
A: The ERR00002 (Emergency Response Notice of Referral Disposition - ERNRD) form is in development and will be ready for CWS-CARES V1. The Project will continue to maintain this form for the future.
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: Is Binti Family Finding functionality part of CWS-CARES scope?
A: Yes, the Binti Family Finding module is in scope and part of CWS-CARES data conversion effort.
Q: Can two people make updates to a record at the same time in CWS-CARES?
A: CWS-CARES has capability for multiple people to work on a case at the same, as long as they are not working on the same record simultaneously. But concurrent changes to the same case on different record fields will be saved.
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.