A: Create or use converted production data to test and validate workflows. Explore all functionality available and gain familiarity with CWS-CARES. Participate in Production Simulation support activities. Identify needed changes prior to CWS-CARES V1 go-live. Showcase CWS-CARES to others within your organization and encourage Production Simulation involvement.

A: Production Simulation will be available through early or mid-October 2026.

A: All portals will be available in Production Simulation. This includes FFPSA and RFA portals.

A: A selection of statewide reports will be available in Production Simulation.
 

A: A selection of statewide forms will be available in Production Simulation.
 

A: All interfaces will be available in Production Simulation. This includes Case Management Assessment (CMA) - P-CIS, Foster Care Eligibility Determination (FCED) – CalSAWS, County Expense Claim Reporting Information System (CECRIS), Data Extract from California Department of Education (CDE), Regional Center Services for Department of Developmental Services ( DDS), Juvenile Network (JNET), Facility Management System (LIS/FAS), and Structured Decision Making (SDM).

A: For V1 Readiness, you will be given supervisor permissions for all service areas designated by your organization administrator. You will also be assigned to one office and unit within your organization. For Production Simulation, you will be set up with converted production permission sets, office(s), and unit(s) from CWS/CMS.

A: Populated with converted data from CWS/CMS. Converted data from CARES-Live, RFA Greenfield, and select external systems will be integrated as they become available.

A: All CARES V1 functionality will be available in Production Simulation. This includes Admin Console, Courts, Financial Management, Resource Family Approval, Adoption, After Care, and Re-Entry, Ongoing Case, Placement, Resource Management, Eligibility, Referral, and Screening/Intake.

A: Depending on your organization and from where you’re accessing the CWS-CARES system, your account setup and login experience may vary.

For Non-SSO-Enabled new users or users who have not logged in for more than 90 days, you will receive a system-generated email with an activation link to begin your set up. Once you are directed to the “Set up security methods” page, you will be prompted to create a password and depending on your previous status, a security question. After setting up your password, you are prompted to optionally enroll in another multifactor authentication (MFA) method. You can select an MFA method to Set up or Continue to skip. Once your account has been activated, you will be directed to the CWS-CARES Dashboard.

Moving forward, you will visit the CWS-CARES login page, enter your username and password, and you will be directed to the CWS-CARES Dashboard. If you chose to set up an MFA method, you will be prompted to verify with your MFA method before being directed to the CWS-CARES Dashboard.

For SSO-Enabled new and existing users, you will visit the CWS-CARES login page and enter your organization email address into the Username field and click Next. You will then be prompted to verify with your MFA method (email by default), and you will be directed to the CWS-CARES Dashboard.