A: As reflected in the CWDS Project Roadmap, the project has finalized a timeline and implementation approach that prioritizes project milestones. Additionally, the CWS-CARES project has involvement from State and Federal oversight entities that monitor progress and ensure that the project stays on schedule.

A: The Child Welfare Services-California Automated Response and Engagement System (CWS-CARES) Project has a governance structure that includes a Decision-Making Framework (DMF). That process includes various levels of approval, and County leadership participates in the Decision-Making processes and in the project’s Governance.   
 
All Counties going live on CWS-CARES at the same time (Entire State at Once) was approved by the CWDS Board of Directors, with conditions.  That said, the processes leading to that decision were lengthy and thorough.  See below:

• There were numerous meetings with County Child Welfare Directors and/or their deputies.
• The project’s Independent Advisor made the same recommendation using a risk-based analysis regarding impact to child safety by using multiple systems over a period of time.
• Tribal consultation was sought out and included in the decision.

A: CWS-CARES V1 will support prevention work, including both the Community Pathway and the IV-E Pathway, and enable drawing down funds under the Family First Prevention Services Act (FFPSA). The project is currently working closely with county and program constituents to design Prevention workflows, plans and forms.

A: CWS-CARES is working on a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) which is expected to be shared with the counties and other organizations a few months prior to the CWS-CARES Go-Live scheduled for Quarter 4, 2026. The MOU will capture the basic principles of data security, the basic principles of data privacy, and expectations from users as applicable to CWS-CARES. 

A: Currently, no. Workers need to complete the SDM tool before submitting a referral to their supervisor.

A: For Child Welfare Systems-California Automated Response and Engagement System (CWS-CARES) V1, the only planned external access will be for Resources Family Approval (RFA) and Family First Prevention Services Act (FFPSA) providers.

A: For Child Welfare Services/Case Management System (CWS/CMS) training, Counties can utilize their Regional Training Academy (RTA) for various on-boarding training materials. In addition, the State shares policies and guidance to Counties and Tribes via Division 31 Regulations and current All County Letters (ACLs) and All County Information Notices (ACINs).