Frequently Asked Questions
Forms & Reports
Q: Will forms mapping be required or are forms created using mapped fields identified in Child Welfare Services-California Automated Response and Engagement System (CWS-CARES)?
A: Yes. Data mappings are expected to be defined in the user stories for template development and integration to begin.
Q: Will the Child Welfare Services-California Automated Response and Engagement System (CWS-CARES) act as an electronic case file?
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.
Q: Will reporting show extended history of changes made to a record in the Child Welfare Services-California Automated Response and Engagement System (CWS-CARES)?
A: Yes, CWS-CARES will include functionality that allows social workers to view changes made to a record over time. The CARES Data Infrastructure (CDI) will record all data changes (create, update, and delete transactions) to support supervision, auditing, and analytics.
Q: What reports will be available in the Child Welfare Services-California Automated Reporting System (CWS-CARES)?
A: CWS-CARES will provide a variety of reporting and analytics features to support not only state and federal requirements, but also to track operational metrics and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) by Service Area.
Q: Will there be functionality in Child Welfare Services-California Automated Response and Engagement System (CWS-CARES) where workers can batch print documents from different or all cases in a caseload?
A: Currently, batch printing documents is out of scope for CWS-CARES V1. The project is investigating technical solutions.
Q: Are customized forms based off a state form or will they be county specific forms for their county only?
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.
Q: Will counties be able to create county customized forms?
A: Yes, counties will be able to create customized forms and these forms will be able to be saved as a county form.