Frequently Asked Questions
Eligibility & Foster Care Eligibility Determination (FCED)
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: 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: 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.
Q: Can you please provide more information about the tiered rate structure rollout in CWS-CARES?
A: CWS-CARES has finalized development of stories to capture Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths Assessment (CANS) assessment results, translate them into the appropriate tiered rates, and allow counties to select and apply those rates for children.
Q: Will CWS-CARES V1 include Interstate Compact on Adoption and Medical Assistance (ICAMA) access/functionality?
A: No, CWS-CARES V1 will not include ICAMA access/functionality. It will be considered for future versions of CWS-CARES.
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: In our county, the CalSAWS Eligibility Worker collects and enters income. If a worker enters income in CalSAWS, will that populate the income in CWS-CARES?
A: Yes, property or income information entered in CalSAWS for the focus child will transmit over to CWS-CARES. Property or income for other members of the Home of Removal will not be sent from CalSAWS to CWS-CARES in Version 1.
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: Does "redetermination" refer to the annual Foster Care redetermination or redetermining the aid code/funding source?
A: This depends on the context of the task being carried out. CWS-CARES has the functionality to support Annual Foster Care Redetermination, and redetermination can also refer to when CalSAWS redetermines eligibility based on new data from CWS-CARES.