Frequently Asked Questions
Case Management
Q: What type of information should be entered in the 'Additional Information' field on the CWS-CARES Person Profile screen?
A: The 'Additional Information' field allows workers to enter any relevant information they consider pertinent. This field is intentionally open-ended to accommodate individual county practice.
Q: Where in CWS-CARES can workers document a relative's contact history and chosen level of involvement with a child?
A: Family information in the Person Profile screen is documented under the 'Relationships' record found in the left navigation, where you can document familial and professional relationships between two persons. Specific information regarding a relative's involvement with a focus child can be found under Family Finding on Search Efforts within a case.
Q: How/where will Child and Family Team (CFT) Brochure distribution to CFT members, required by All County Letter (ACL) 25-54, be logged and tracked in CWS-CARES?
A: ACL 25-54 is a new requirement that was published in 2025. We are tracking this requirement in our backlog, and it will be implemented in a future version of CWS-CARES.
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: 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: 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: 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.