Frequently Asked Questions
Data
Q: Is the data in the Production Simulation mock data or actual data from Binti and CWS/CMS?
A: The data in Production Simulation will consist of data brought over from Binti and CWS/CMS.
Q: Are the data mapping validation sessions cumulative?
A: No, data mapping validation sessions are not cumulative. Each session reviews a specific set of tables, and counties may attend sessions independently.
Q: Will there be a period where counties can review Binti and CWS-CARES side by side before Binti becomes read-only?
A: Yes, this period will occur during mock conversion validation and Production Simulation. Additionally, counties can request data copy from Binti to review side-by-side comparison.
Q: How will CWS-CARES handle Resource Family Approval (RFA) home naming conventions when Binti does not create facility names the same way as CWS/CMS?
A: For CWS-CARES data migration, CWS/CMS remains the system of record. Naming and facility records will follow CWS-CARES standards, with issues reviewed during data mapping and validation.
Q: Will staff be able to enter real data into Production Simulation, or will the simulation environment include test data? For example, if a screening worker enters a report/screening in CWS/CMS, will they be able to enter that same screening (with actual data) in CWS-CARES to be able to better compare real-world scenarios between the two systems?
A: Yes, Production Simulation will be loaded with real data and users will be able to enter real data to practice prior to CWS-CARES Go-Live. However, CWS/CMS will continue to be the statewide system of record for child welfare data until CWS-CARES goes live.
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 Binti documents be converted?
A: Yes. Binti documents, often referred to as unstructured data, are planned to be migrated into CWS-CARES.
Q: Will CWS/CMS data overwrite Binti data?
A: Yes. CWS/CMS is the system of record. If a field already exists in CWS/CMS, Binti data will not override it.
Q: At Go-Live, what system will be available to document reports if CWS/CMS is read-only the weekend prior?
A: All CWS/CMS data entered on or before the Friday read-only mode begins will be converted to CWS-CARES and available on the Monday when CWS-CARES goes live. CWS-CARES will be available to document reports and provides a wide set of state forms and reports for users to generate, and counties have the option to create county-specific forms and reports.
Q: Were any feedback items recategorized to the proper CWS-CARES area?
A: Yes. During the review process, the CWS‑CARES Product Team recategorizes feedback items on the back end as needed. If an item was submitted under an incorrect area, it was reassigned to the appropriate CWS‑CARES functional area during triage and prioritization, so the results are not skewed by the category originally selected by the user.