Frequently Asked Questions
Process Information Session (PIS)
Q: In the Kin-GAP process map, the CWS-CARES user sends over a change in program before they discontinue the Foster Care case. Do we know what happens in CalSAWS when the "change of program" is received?
A: To process the change in program information, CWS-CARES will send information through the Foster Care Eligibility Record to inform CalSAWS about closing the case. CWS-CARES will also send a new Case Link request for a newly opened Kin-GAP Eligibility Record to initiate CalSAWS opening a Kin-GAP case.
Q: Will users in CalSAWS and CWS-CARES have to keep both systems up-to-date manually?
A: No, information supported by the Foster Care Eligibility Determination (FCED) interface will be transmitted automatically between CWS-CARES and CalSAWS. Information that is not included in the interface will continue to require existing county business processes.
Q: If the same form is created in CWS-CARES and CalSAWS, will both systems have duplicates?
A: No, CWS-CARES will generate forms that support CWS-CARES business processes. Forms generated in CWS-CARES will not also be generated by CalSAWS as part of the interface.
Q: Not all data is shared bi-directionally via Foster Care Eligibility Determination (FCED) from CalSAWS to CWS-CARES. How will workers know what can be transmitted via FCED versus what needs to be manually shared via e-mail or other processes?
A: The Project is working on developing a document and business process guidance that identifies what information and data elements is exchanged between CWS-CARES and CalSAWS. Any information not supported by the interface must continue to be shared through existing county processes. Additionally, the July 2026 FCED Newsletter can be referenced to see which APIs have a unidirectional flow of information between CWS-CARES and CalSAWS.
Q: Is the redetermination process in Map 7 in the packet of Eligibility Process Maps inclusive of Change of Placements, Changes in Level of Care (LOC), and Short Term Residential Therapeutic Program (STRTP)?
A: Yes. This process map is inclusive of Level of Care (LOC) and Short Term Residential Therapeutic Program (STRTP). You can download the process maps used during this session on the CWS-CARES Process Information Sessions Webpage within the Implementation Portal.
Q: Is the Foster Care Eligibility Determination (FCED) interface sending information from CWS-CARES into CalSAWS, or just from CalSAWS into CWS-CARES?
A: In general, the interface is bidirectional, meaning information will be flowing both ways. CWS-CARES will send certain information to CalSAWS, and CalSAWS will send certain information to CWS-CARES. For Issusance Data specifically, the flow of information is strictly from CalSAWS to CWS-CARES. There are some APIs where the flow of information is strictly unidirectional, this information can be found within the July 2026 FCED Newsletter.
Q: Is CWS-CARES only for Title IV covered Services? Is there a plan to open the FFPSA Provider Portal up to non-Evidence Based Practice (EBP) providers?
A: For CWS-CARES V1, the FFPSA functionality will only cover the FFPSA IV-E EBPs approved by the state. CWS-CARES will not provide portal access for non-EBP providers for CARES V1. The project team does not have information about what will be part of CARES V2.
Q: What is the purpose of the 'age group' section?
A: The age group is available to identify what ages a worker might be best suited to work with, it is not a required field.
Q: Will the primary worker still be able to see their sensitive cases without having sensitive access?
A: Yes, the primary worker will still be able to see their sensitive cases without requiring sensitive access.
Q: Is the Foster Care Eligibility Determination (FCED) Interface sending information from CWS-CARES into CalSAWS, or just from CalSAWS into CWS-CARES?
A: In general, this interface is bidirectional, meaning information will be flowing both ways. CWS-CARES will send certain information to CalSAWS, and CalSAWS will send certain information to CWS-CARES. For Assistance Payments specifically, the flow of information is strictly from CalSAWS to CWS-CARES.