Frequently Asked Questions
Implementation
Q: Will CWS/CMS data overwrite Binti data?
A: Yes. CWS/CMS is the system of record. If a field already exists in CWS/CMS, Binti data will not override it.
Q: Is it important to ensure all children in Binti have a Client ID?
A: Yes. Client IDs are essential for forming the correct relationships during conversion. The Project will share which counties have missing Client IDs.
Q: Will the new Production Simulation environment impact the training plan?
A: Yes, Production Simulation will impact the training plan. The project will be making updates with the training workgroup to take the training plan impact into consideration.
Q: When will the Production Simulation environment go live?
A: The Production Simulation environment went live on June 8th, 2026. This environment will remain active until CWS-CARES Version 1 goes live.
Q: Are there any plans for a visitation module in CWS-CARES?
A: Yes, visitation will be included in CWS-CARES. We are planning the ability to document data related to visits attended, cancelled, and rescheduled. We are also including the ability to document a visitation quality rating based upon the SDM definitions of visitation quality. Scheduling visits will not be part of CWS-CARES in this first version. However, we will include the ability to document and track efforts to schedule visitation.
Q: Will go/no-go decisions be made on a county-by-county basis or statewide using county-specific information?
A: Implementation Leads (ILs) will work with each county to complete readiness activities over the implementation period. Progress on readiness activities will be reported regularly to the state. Any overdue activities will be evaluated and may be raised as a risk. The state will use county-level readiness progress to inform a single statewide go/no-go decision.
Q: Can the project provide a list for each survey, indicating: what is the purpose/content of the survey and who is the target audience?
A: Advised that the project is large and they may receive correspondence from multiple project groups. We will do our best to inform ahead of time when we are aware of any surveys being distributed. - In addition, the project is tracking communications through the Strategic Communications group to help keep everyone informed. The CARES Compass published every other month will list all planned communications for the upcoming 2 months.
Q: Will Folio continue to use the Mother’s name for the referral (Screening Name), and then switch to the individual focus child’s name for the Case after the Investigation?
A: The current process is to use the Mother's name for the referral. In CWS-CARES, this is referred to as "Screening Name" and is populated based on county process. Following the Investigation the Case is based on the individual focus child.
Q: What is the correct name to reference this project. We've seen CARES V1, CARES, CWS-CARES?
A: CWS-CARES (Child Welfare Service - California Automated Response and Engagement System) is the official system name, often shortened to CWS-CARES. CWS-CARES V1 refers to the first version of CWS-CARES expected to be released in October 2026.
Q: Where will SafeMeasures data be pulled from during the CWS-CARES Version 1 (CARES V1) Production Pilot?
A: The project is evaluating the feasibility of SafeMeasures data in CWS-CARES for pilot. Regardless, all historic SafeMeasures data will continue to be accessible on the SafeMeasures site. Currently, SafeMeasures data is planned to be available in CWS-CARES V1 Go-Live in October 2026.