Frequently Asked Questions
Process Information Session (PIS)
Q: For any processes that haven't been fully developed yet, will there be additional process maps and additional sessions?
A: Yes, as additional functionality is developed, the Project will provide updated process maps, documentation, and future Process Information Sessions to support counties.
Q: In our county, the CalSAWS Eligibility Worker collects and enters income. If a worker enters income in CalSAWS, will that populate the income in CWS-CARES?
A: Yes, property or income information entered in CalSAWS for the focus child will transmit over to CWS-CARES. Property or income for other members of the Home of Removal will not be sent from CalSAWS to CWS-CARES in Version 1.
Q: Will the process for case assignments for Eligibility Workers remain the same, or will the system be configured to assign cases to workers?
A: CWS-CARES will not change how counties assign work. Counties will continue to use their existing business processes for assigning cases to CWS-CARES Eligibility Resources or to CalSAWS Eligibility Workers.
Q: Will all county rates be uploaded to this system? What about Level of Care (LOC), specialized rates, clothing, and general funds?
A: The Financial Management Team is looking at developing rate tables. However, for standard state rates (Level of Care, Short Term Residential Therapeutic Program, etc.), the CWS-CARES user will select the rate type/subtype and send that to CalSAWS. CalSAWS will receive the rate type/subtype and use that to determine the rate from the tables in its system. The CWS-CARES user will only need to enter rate amounts for non-standard rates (rates that are not the same for all counties), such as clothing allowances.
Q: Los Angeles assigns "Library" to the case on the assignment page, so the case will populate under that specific month, and we know that Redetermination is due that specific month. Will we continue to do this process in CWS-CARES?
A: Counties will continue to manage assignments based on their local business processes. Los Angeles County's current process can continue if it aligns with its CWS-CARES implementation and business needs. Additionally, CalSAWS will inform CWS-CARES of what the Redetermination Due date is, and CWS-CARES supervisors can pull a report of cases each month of redeterminations coming due for their unit that can be used.
Q: In our county, we don't send a packet of forms to the Non-Related Legal Guardian. Does this process vary by county?
A: Yes, some county business processes vary. The process maps reflect the statewide process and identify where county-specific business practices may differ.
Q: Do the process maps indicate who will perform the steps in the "Eligibility Resource" swim lane? Who will receive alerts? Is the role of Technical Assistants no longer relevant?
A: The process maps identify functional roles rather than county-specific job classifications. Counties will determine which staff perform these functions based on their local business processes.
Q: Is there an error code or reminder when trying to enter placement rates for a Tribally Approved Home if the required background checks have not been done to be eligible for foster funding?
A: If those background checks have not been cleared, they won't be in the system as a Tribally Approved Home. They might be an emergency placement, and the Case Management Worker must document the minimum clearances for an emergency placement.
Q: Will you distribute the maps and other materials from the Process Information Sessions?
A: Yes, the process maps, presentation materials, and other supporting resources will be made available on the CWS-CARES Implementation Portal following the session.
Q: Is there a process map for Successor Guardianship? Will there be a separate process for this?
A: Successor Guardianship is not included in CWS-CARES Version 1 (CARES V1). Additional functionality and related process documentation will be provided in a future release when that functionality is implemented.