Frequently Asked Questions
Eligibility & Foster Care Eligibility Determination (FCED)
Q: Will CWS CARES include functionality to document and track Supplemental Security Income (SSI)/State Supplementary Payment (SSP) eligibility and case management requirements for youth receiving Social Security benefits, and provide reporting capabilities to ensure we are meeting legal criteria?
A: For CWS-CARES V1, the worker will be able to document a screening for Supplemental Security Income (SSI)/State Supplementary Payment (SSP) benefits. They will also be able to upload any document to a case record such to support eligibility and tracking of youth who have social security benefits. As the Project and the counties identify additional guidance and practices, CWS-CARES will expand functionality to meet additional needs in CWS-CARES Version 2 and any subsequent releases. Thank you for your advocacy, please do not hesitate to continue doing so going forward.
Q: In our county, we don't send a packet of forms to the Non-Related Legal Guardian. Does this process vary by county?
A: Yes, some county business processes vary. The process maps reflect the statewide process and identify where county-specific business practices may differ.
Q: Eligibility requires other forms that are not generated in CWS-CARES. Is there an upload feature to submit those forms to CalSAWS or will we have to send them separately?
A: Yes, CWS-CARES does have an upload feature to submit forms the Eligibility Record even if that form was not generated in CWS-CARES. The CWS-CARES Worker should make sure the File Name of the document explains what it is when uploading (e.g. Rate Approval Document).
Q: For any processes that haven't been fully developed yet, will there be additional process maps and additional sessions?
A: Yes, as additional functionality is developed, the Project will provide updated process maps, documentation, and future Process Information Sessions to support counties.
Q: Los Angeles assigns "Library" to the case on the assignment page, so the case will populate under that specific month, and we know that Redetermination is due that specific month. Will we continue to do this process in CWS-CARES?
A: Counties will continue to manage assignments based on their local business processes. Los Angeles County's current process can continue if it aligns with its CWS-CARES implementation and business needs. Additionally, CalSAWS will inform CWS-CARES of what the Redetermination Due date is, and CWS-CARES supervisors can pull a report of cases each month of redeterminations coming due for their unit that can be used.
Q: Do the process maps indicate who will perform the steps in the "Eligibility Resource" swim lane? Who will receive alerts? Is the role of Technical Assistants no longer relevant?
A: The process maps identify functional roles rather than county-specific job classifications. Counties will determine which staff perform these functions based on their local business processes.
Q: Will you distribute the maps and other materials from the Process Information Sessions?
A: Yes, the process maps, presentation materials, and other supporting resources will be made available on the CWS-CARES Implementation Portal following the session.
Q: Will the process for case assignments for Eligibility Workers remain the same, or will the system be configured to assign cases to workers?
A: CWS-CARES will not change how counties assign work. Counties will continue to use their existing business processes for assigning cases to CWS-CARES Eligibility Resources or to CalSAWS Eligibility Workers.
Q: Is there an error code or reminder when trying to enter placement rates for a Tribally Approved Home if the required background checks have not been done to be eligible for foster funding?
A: If those background checks have not been cleared, they won't be in the system as a Tribally Approved Home. They might be an emergency placement, and the Case Management Worker must document the minimum clearances for an emergency placement.
Q: When testing Foster Care Eligibility and Determination (FCED), will the CWS-CARES Service Desk be able to answer questions about CalSAWS?
A: The CWS-CARES Service Desk will be able to assist with some questions regarding CalSAWS, but any issues or defects related to CalSAWS will need to be forwarded to the CalSAWS team. The Project will coordinate with interface partners to streamline that process.