Frequently Asked Questions
Forms & Reports
Q: Will e-signatures be allowed on adoption forms?
A: E-signatures will be allowed on specific adoption forms, not necessarily all forms. The list of E-signable Adoption Forms below contains a current and verified list of Adoption forms where E-signature is allowed:
- PPADOP
- AD0856
- AD0513
- AD0580
- AD0090
- AD0551A
- AD0067
- AD0067A
- AD0907
- AD0907A
- AD0558
- AD0230
- AD0824
- AD0200
- AD0225
- AD4320
- JV0477
- JV0475
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: Does the Request for Information (RFI) sent by CalSAWS for redetermination include forms?
A: No, the Request for Information (RFI) communicates the need for additional information but does not include eligibility forms as attachments.
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 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: 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: What are some examples of eligibility forms that can be generated in CWS-CARES?
A: CWS-CARES will generate forms that support Foster Care Eligibility Determination processes, such as the FC 2, SOC 158A, SOC 369A, and other forms identified in the process maps. Additional forms will be added over time as functionality expands.
Q: In addition to a completed Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths Assessment (CANS), does the Child and Family Team (CFT) need to be held and uploaded into CWS-CARES for the case plan to be eligible for supervisor approval?
A: CFT and Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths Assessment (CANS) are not dependent on one another being completed. There isn’t any requirement to upload a CFT form as a part of Case Plan completion.
Q: The SOC 158 A and FC 2 forms currently require a signature. If we submit forms through CWS-CARES directly to CalSAWS, will a signature still be required?
A: Yes, required signatures will continue to be required. CWS-CARES supports generating the forms, but counties must continue to follow existing policies regarding obtaining signatures. It should be noted that CWS-CARES Version 1 (CARES V1) has the functionality to generate the form for e-signature that the Worker can use as a method of form signature if county procedure allows.
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.