Frequently Asked Questions
External Systems
Q: In the Kin-GAP process map, the CWS-CARES user sends over a change in program before they discontinue the Foster Care case. Do we know what happens in CalSAWS when the "change of program" is received?
A: To process the change in program information, CWS-CARES will send information through the Foster Care Eligibility Record to inform CalSAWS about closing the case. CWS-CARES will also send a new Case Link request for a newly opened Kin-GAP Eligibility Record to initiate CalSAWS opening a Kin-GAP case.
Q: Is the Foster Care Eligibility Determination (FCED) interface sending information from CWS-CARES into CalSAWS, or just from CalSAWS into CWS-CARES?
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.
Q: Is it important to ensure all children in Binti have a Client ID?
A: Yes. Client IDs are essential for forming the correct relationships during conversion. The Project will share which counties have missing Client IDs.
Q: What is the benefit of validating External System functionality in Production Simulation for systems already assessed by the CWS-CARES V1 Preliminary Scope Assessment and Gap Analysis process?
A: The CWS-CARES V1 Scope Assessments are preliminary and based on functionality descriptions provided by organizations. Production Simulation provides the opportunity for organizations to validate functionality in CWS-CARES V1 prior to go-live, in order to identify any gaps or issues that were not previously identified or documented by the gap analysis process. Use of the Production Simulation environment also allows organizations an early opportunity to validate and finalize business process changes ahead of go-live. This will minimize the effort for Fully-In-Scope decommissioning planning as validated systems can be made inactive or read-only prior to December 31, 2027.
Q: Is the Foster Care Eligibility Determination (FCED) Interface sending information from CWS-CARES into CalSAWS, or just from CalSAWS into CWS-CARES?
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.
Q: With CWS-CARES no longer generating User IDs, will SDM and SafeMeasures be modified to accommodate no usernames, or will we be entering emails instead? How will users log into SDM and Safe Measures?
A: CWS-CARES will have a data interface to SDM and SafeMeasures will use the user's email address to connect to these systems.
Q: Are all the functions of the Binti Family Finding module session (3/26/26) available for CWS-CARES V1 Family Finding functionality?
A: Yes, all the functions of Binti Family Finding are in CWS-CARES V1. Process documentation for CWS-CARES V1 Family Finding functionality is anticipated to be available in the online training tool Enablement, with Production Simulation.
Q: When was the Family Finding module added?
A: The Binti Family Finding module was part of the original scope for Binti data conversion, it was not added later on.
Q: Will Production Simulation be canceled if the project does not receive federal approval?
A: The State intends to utilize state funds in order to proceed with Production Simulation and is not dependent on federal approval.
Q: Is Binti Family Finding functionality part of CWS-CARES scope?
A: Yes, the Binti Family Finding module is in scope and part of CWS-CARES data conversion effort.