Frequently Asked Questions
Features & Functionality
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.
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: 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: Does this system send a notification to the worker in CalSAWS or CWS-CARES that an Request for Information (RFI) has been sent? Does the RFI get sent to the Social Worker (SW), Supervisor, or Clerk?
A: CWS-CARES and CalSAWS notify the appropriate assigned worker when an Request for Information (RFI) is sent. Which worker receives the notification depends on the assignment and county business process. It should be noted that the Primary Worker can select a Secondary Worker to whom Eligibility communications are sent.
Q: When the user enters the Child’s or Nonminor’s information, will it continue to populate on the FC 2 and SOC 158 forms?
A: Yes, information entered in CWS-CARES will populate the applicable fields on generated eligibility forms, reducing duplicate data entry.
Q: How will the Annual Foster Care Redetermination month be determined in CWS-CARES? Will it be the date the CalSAWS Eligibility Supervisor/Eligibility Worker approves the case?
A: CalSAWS sets the Annual Foster Care Redetermination due date using system validation, but the Eligibility Worker can set it to an earlier due date. Whatever due date is set in CalSAWS will be sent to CWS-CARES.
Q: Will the Social Worker be able to complete and submit the CW 51 (Child Support – Good Cause Claim for Noncooperation) form in CWS-CARES when completing the minor's placement info?
A: Yes, CWS-CARES Version 1 (CARES V1) supports generating the CW 51 (Child Support – Good Cause Claim for Noncooperation) form for each parent of the Focus Child.
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: Is there a way to remind users to request forms? For example, the SOC 161 form must be filled out every six months. Can a reminder be set for the worker to remind them to request/send this form?
A: No, CWS-CARES Version 1 (CARES V1) does not include reminder functionality for requesting or sending eligibility forms such as the SOC 161. However, CWS-CARES Version 1 (CARES V1) does have the functionality to create a report of Foster Care Redeterminations that are coming due. Counties can also use the Tasks feature to remind workers to generate certain forms at certain times. These features and functionalities alongside county business processes can be leveraged to send reminders to staff.
Q: If the same form is created in CWS-CARES and CalSAWS, will both systems have duplicates?
A: No, CWS-CARES will generate forms that support CWS-CARES business processes. Forms generated in CWS-CARES will not also be generated by CalSAWS as part of the interface.