Frequently Asked Questions
External Systems
Q: Is the data in the Production Simulation mock data or actual data from Binti and CWS/CMS?
A: The data in Production Simulation will consist of data brought over from Binti and CWS/CMS.
Q: Are the data mapping validation sessions cumulative?
A: No, data mapping validation sessions are not cumulative. Each session reviews a specific set of tables, and counties may attend sessions independently.
Q: Will the Child Welfare Services-California Automated Response and Engagement System Version 1 (CWS-CARES V1) include a public interface where Resource Family Approval (RFA) applicant families can apply and upload supporting documents and information?
A: Yes. In CWS-CARES Version 1, the Resource Family Approval (RFA) program worker, Applicant, and Resource Family Homes will be able to upload completed forms and documents to CWS-CARES V1.
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 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: 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: 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: Will the help desk be available to support families once CWS-CARES V1 goes live or are the counties required to support families on their own?
A: The CWS-CARES V1 Service Desk is not intended for families to call in to. This service desk is exclusively for Counties, California Tribes with a Title IV-E Agreement, and CDSS users. Currently, there are tiers of service that provide support within the counties. When an issue extends beyond a county question, the county then would reach out to the service desk. This model also applies to the Production Simulation environment.
Q: How immediate is the data exchange between the CalSAWS/CARES interface?
A: Data will exchange as close to real-time as possible. A nightly batch occurs as a 'failsafe' if any data does not go through in near real-time.
Q: Is assistance payment data read only in CWS-CARES? How about issuances outside of CalSAWS?
A: Yes, when CWS-CARES receives data from CalSAWS for issued assistance-related payments, we will only be able to read that information but not edit it. Issuances outside of CalSAWS will be read-only as well after they are uploaded into CWS-CARES via the supplemental form.