Frequently Asked Questions
Interfaces
Q: Will CWS-CARES need networking hardware or will it be internet based?
A: CWS-CARES is internet based and we will provide a Technical Resource document that details all of the hardware and software requirements.
Q: What systems currently supported by CWDS will have functionality incorporated into CWS-CARES?
A: CWS-CARES is being developed as a end to end child welfare system that is intended to replace CWS/CMS. The functionality in CWS-CARES-Live will be redeveloped in CWS-CARES (as CWS-CARES-Live was created in a different platform/software). CWS-CARES RFA functionality will be merged into CWS-CARES as it was also developed in the same platform, but for now it is its own\separate system. All of these systems are in production, with scheduled updates/releases.
Q: What is the Opeeka Interface?
A: The Opeeka Interface will have the Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths Assessment (CANS) assessment highlighted as well as multiple other assessments available (separate from Structured Decision Making (SDM) which have the more change based assessments). This will mirror how the CANS assessment is currently done, pulling it into CWS-CARES using the Opeeka Interface (referring to the system look and feel).
Q: Can the Project provide a complete list of the CWS-CARES Version 1 interfaces that will be accessible in Production Simulation, and will existing data from those systems be available?
A: The expected interface list planned for Production Simulation includes: Case Management Assessment (CMA), Structured Decision Making (SDM), Foster Care Eligibility Determination (FCED), Facility Management System (LIS/FAS data), Juvenile Network (JNET), County Expense Claim Reporting Information System (CECRIS), the data extract from the California Department of Education (CDE), and Regional Center Services for the Department of Developmental Services (DDS). Data availability and timing for some of these interfaces are still being finalized.
Q: Are name and email alias changes done through Okta? Has this been tested against county AD Azure for any SSO issues?
A: Name changes and email updates can be done in Okta. This has not been test against county AD Azure, as there is no connection to county AD Azure from CWS-CARES.
Q: Are counties required to use the Enterprise version of Windows 11?
A: No. The Enterprise version of Windows 11 is not required.
Q: Can dedicated counties access CWS CARES V1 from both county and state computers, including county devices connected through VPN?
A: To access the live (steady-state) CWS-CARES system, dedicated county users are expected to use their dedicated county machines (supported by CWDS), similar to how they access CWS/CMS. County machines that are on the county network and not CWDS-supported are, by design, not allowed access to the steady-state CWS-CARES production system. Users with special requirements, similar to those in CWS/CMS, may be assigned as Citrix users based on specific business needs.
Q: Will the Child Welfare Services-California Automated Response and Engagement System Version 1 (CWS-CARES V1) include a public interface where Resource Family Approval (RFA) applicant families can apply and upload supporting documents and information?
A: Yes. In CWS-CARES Version 1, the Resource Family Approval (RFA) program worker, Applicant, and Resource Family Homes will be able to upload completed forms and documents to CWS-CARES V1.
Q: Will converted documents from CWS/CMS to CARES be the same format that they were already saved as, or is there a standard format that they will be converted to?
A: Yes, documents converted from CWS/CMS to CWS-CARES will retain their original file formats. The conversion process preserves the document format as stored in CWS/CMS rather than converting documents into a standardized format.
Q: Since Structured Decision Making (SDM), CARES-Live, and Binti data is slated for summer 2026, will synthetic data for these systems be in the environment until then?
A: Counties are encouraged to practice using synthetic data — for example, CWS/CMS cases and referrals to initiate interfaces. Historical data within those interfaces will not be available.