Frequently Asked Questions
Eligibility & Foster Care Eligibility Determination (FCED)
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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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 the non-Foster Care locations (aka placements) be sent to CalSAWS? If a child is removed from the placement location and sent on an extended visit, we would want the Foster Care placement to discontinue in CalSAWS, but we wouldn't want the non-Foster Care location to populate to CalSAWS because we aren't issuing payment.
A: No, the only placement information required to support Foster Care Eligibility Determination will be transmitted to CalSAWS. Non-Foster Care placement information that is not needed for eligibility or payment purposes will not be sent. More specifically, if a child is moved to an Alternative Care placement, that information will be sent to CalSAWS. If the child is absent from their existing placement, such as for an Extended Visit, that information will not go to CalSAWS. As a note, the CWS-CARES Worker can send Bed Hold information to CalSAWS subject to their county business processes.
Q: What are some examples of eligibility forms that can be generated in CWS-CARES?
A: CWS-CARES will generate forms that support Foster Care Eligibility Determination processes, such as the FC 2, SOC 158A, SOC 369A, and other forms identified in the process maps. Additional forms will be added over time as functionality expands.
Q: The SOC 158 A and FC 2 forms currently require a signature. If we submit forms through CWS-CARES directly to CalSAWS, will a signature still be required?
A: Yes, required signatures will continue to be required. CWS-CARES supports generating the forms, but counties must continue to follow existing policies regarding obtaining signatures. It should be noted that CWS-CARES Version 1 (CARES V1) has the functionality to generate the form for e-signature that the Worker can use as a method of form signature if county procedure allows.
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).