A: In general, the interface is bidirectional, meaning information will be flowing both ways. CWS-CARES will send certain information to CalSAWS, and CalSAWS will send certain information to CWS-CARES. For Issusance Data specifically, the flow of information is strictly from CalSAWS to CWS-CARES. There are some APIs where the flow of information is strictly unidirectional, this information can be found within the July 2026 FCED Newsletter.

A: In general, this interface is bidirectional, meaning information will be flowing both ways. CWS-CARES will send certain information to CalSAWS, and CalSAWS will send certain information to CWS-CARES. For Assistance Payments specifically, the flow of information is strictly from CalSAWS to CWS-CARES.

A: Yes, the Foster Care Eligibility Determination (FCED) interface between CWS-CARES and CalSAWS will be available in the Production Simulation environment for all necessary testing and validation.

A: The Foster Care Eligibility Determination (FCED) is an interface that will electronically transmit key case and placement data between CWS-CARES Version 1 (CARES V1) and California Statewide Automated Welfare System (CalSAWS) in near real-time. This includes the transmission of determination results back to CWS-CARES V1 and the sharing of documents, forms, and notices between CalSAWS and CWS-CARES users.

For information related to the CalSAWS activities completed in CWS-CARES, please refer to the Process Information Session for Placement and Eligibility which provides a walkthrough of the CWS-CARES Version 1 (CARES V1) To-Be Process Map and Change Impacts.