Frequently Asked Questions
Features & Functionality
Q: What is in scope in regards to Family Finding for CWS-CARES (a genogram, search capabilities, more detailed ways to document)? Some counties use Connect Our Kids", but it's challenging to know if it will be a duplication of efforts without knowing all the components involved.
A: Based on CWS-CARES's Scope Summary, Family Finding (including genogram, search capabilities, and documentation upload) is in scope for CWS-CARES V1. The search functionality is limited and other systems like "Connect Our Kids" will likely perform more in-depth searches.
Q: Will a CWS-CARES county admin be able to limit access for a page or section of the system?
A: Yes, CWS-CARES administrators will be able to limit access to areas of the system. Administrators will also be able to limit the number of records users can view or edit (including sealed and sensitive referral/cases). For further questions, please contact CARES Administration.
Q: Will CWS-CARES allow for third-party integration with some type of Artificial Intelligence (AI) capabilities?
A: No, there are currently no plans or requirements for CWS-CARES to integrate with AI capabilities.
Q: Will CWS-CARES include a field to for an Attorney's State Bar Number (SBN)?
A: Yes, CWS-CARES will include a field for an Attorney's State Bar Number (SBN) on the attorney profile.
Q: Will CARES have form field limitations similar to those in CWS/CMS? For instance, in CWS/CMS, multiple fathers on a case cannot be selected on a form.
A: CWS-CARES will automatically populate data when the document is created, eliminating the previous form limitations from CWS/CMS. Counties will also be able to develop/customize their county-specific form templates.
Please note that the form schemas are not yet finalized, as development is still ongoing. For specific questions about the form’s development, please have your representative reach out during the next Forms Workgroup Meeting or send any questions to OTSI CWDS CARES Forms. Counties can also refer to the FAQ spreadsheet attached in Forms Workgroup Teams channel for any frequently asked questions.
Q: Will SafeMeasures exist as a separate function?
A: To enhance efficiency and data-driven decision making with CWS-CARES Version 1, SDM® assessments will be seamlessly integrated into the CWS-CARES platform via single sign-on. The CWS-CARES Project is currently planning the SafeMeasures integration. Ultimately, SafeMeasures and SDM tools will be embedded into CWS-CARES, and 25 years of historical data collected through these tools will be accessible.
Q: Will users need to switch between multiple systems?
A: The integration of systems will provide a unified user experience with a reduction in switching between systems. SafeMeasures will ensure continuity for counties, with CWS-CARES handling more direct operational reports and SafeMeasures continuing to provide more complex reporting. SafeMeasures in CWS-CARES will retain its critical and most-used features and reports, as well as the collaborative service relationship between CDSS, counties, and Evident Change.
Q: Will we be able to add documents to closed cases/referrals in CARES? (Example: Program has a long-term project to scan old case documents and import into CWS/CMS. Likely the project will not be complete until after CARES goes live).
A: Yes, the user can upload documents to closed cases.
Q: Are tablets compatible with CARES?
A: Currently the Project recommends utilizing Windows Desktops/Laptops - HP, Dell, or MS Surface devices. These are the systems that the current development and testing teams are utilizing. CWS-CARES will be accessed via a "stable” version of Chrome or Microsoft Edge Chromium.
Q: Will CWS-CARES accommodate county-specific customizations to ensure that our unique business processes are supported?
A: While regional external systems are currently not in scope for CWS-CARES, in future iterations the opportunity exists to evaluate how CWS-CARES, as the single statewide child welfare information system, could replicate as much of the county-specific customizations as possible on a statewide basis to serve all counties and IV-E Tribes