Frequently Asked Questions
Features & Functionality
Q: Will all documents that have been scanned and imported in CWS/CMS be available in CWS-CARES Version 1 (CARES V1)?
A: Yes, all documents that have been scanned, imported and made available for cases in CWS/CMS will be available in CWS-CARES. Documents with valid file extensions that successfully pass the malware scan are migrated to CWS-CARES Version 1.
Any documents that are infected, corrupted, or have non‑supported/invalid file extensions will be excluded and not brought over to CWS-CARES. Legacy documents will continue to be available in the read‑only system and users will still be able to view, download, and print these documents. The limitation applies only to creating or editing documents in the legacy system. Additionally, all legacy generated documents up to April 17th, 2026, have been moved to Production Simulation otherwise known as CARES 100.
Q: Is there a mechanism within CWS-CARES to modify or remove “finalized” forms?
A: To modify or remove any form within CWS-CARES, a GEN 158 form must be filled and filed from the program that owns the form and sent to the Forms Management Unit (FMU) using the FMU Mailbox. Please view the Forms Edits and Design webpage for more information.
Q: Do counties have full control over who can access to P-CIS (CANS)?
A: Yes, P-CIS access will be permission/role-based and controlled by counties.
Q: Do Requests for Information (RFIs) have a built-in escalation process, or do they sit for however long it takes to get the requested information?
No, CWS-CARES Version 1 does not include an automated escalation process for Requests for Information (RFIs). Counties should continue following their existing business processes for monitoring and responding to RFIs.
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: 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: 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: In CWS-CARES, if contacts still aren’t appearing, and it’s been indicated as already having “a fix”, how is that being resolved?
A: If a solution was identified and you're still finding an issue with that functionality, please inform the Project of that issue by submitting a ServiceNow ticket so that you can be helped and the issue can be addressed.
Q: When is the search function in CWS-CARES going to be enhanced? Currently users aren’t able to search by anything but name and that brings back too many results. Users can’t search by state ID, Social Security Number (SSN), or by CalSAWS case number.
A: Focused Search & Person search has been enhanced, and users can now search by IDs such as those mentioned above. You can also include addresses in your search parameters as well.