A: Yes. Assuming system data mappings are defined in the user stories before document templates are developed and templates are being integrated with the new CARES system.

A: For Child Welfare Systems-California Automated Response and Engagement System (CWS-CARES) V1, the only planned external access will be for Resources Family Approval (RFA) and Family First Prevention Services Act (FFPSA) providers.

A: Electronic submissions of Suspected Child Abuse Reports (SCARs) is currently out of scope for CWS-CARES V1.

A: A “talk-to-text” feature is currently out of scope for CWS-CARES V1.

A: The National Provider Identifier (NPI) registry is a set of data that could help identify providers and reduce duplicates by matching name and location data, but the NPI data does have its limitations. The data is only for providers that handle Health Insurance Portability and Accounting Act (HIPAA) data, so may not cover all provider types stored within Child Welfare Services/Case Management System (CWS/CMS). The NPI data is also a self-register database; it is only as good as the data entered by the provider, so there may be limitations on accuracy and timeliness. There may also be gaps in what data NPI stores and what CWS/CMS stores, for example, the NPI provider may only be assigned to one address (main agency), but in CWS/CMS there could be multiple addresses for that provider where they physically perform services.

A: Yes, CWS-CARES will act as an electronic case file. However, counties may still require hard copy files for documents they would not choose to scan and upload to the CWS-CARES electronic record.

A: CWS-CARES V1 will provide processes and tools to support data quality - including search, data quality monitoring and Master Data Management (MDM) - to prevent and resolve duplicates, inconsistencies, and inaccuracies. With respect to the termination of the relationship between the child and biological parent, the system will correctly record such facts and rigorously protect information without deleting the history required for process improvement and program evaluation and without generating duplicate person records.

A: Currently, batch printing documents is out of scope for CWS-CARES V1. The project is investigating technical solutions. 

A: The system can send automated and user-generated tasks to any person with access credentials. Users can dictate different levels of priority, due dates, and when and if to send reminders.

A: Some forms will have the ability to add county specific information (e.g., County Header/Footer information). Counties may also create and save county specific forms.