Frequently Asked Questions
Production Simulation
Q: Why are not all staff able to access the on-demand trainings that are self-paced?
A: Giving all users access to the training environment is difficult when we are pre-seeding data. We want a limited number of users in the training environment to help protect the seeded data, and to ensure that the data is working as expected with the production-level data.
Q: Will enablement trainings be available in the Prod Sim CARES 100 environment specifically?
A: Yes, Enablements trainings willl be in available in the CARES 100 environment, also known as Production Simulation.
Q: Can we request additional security rights for Production Simulation users? Is there an inbox for this?
A: Please attend office hours to make this request. Access is based on the permissions/roles provided by county leads; office hours staff can help address requests for additional permissions.
Q: Will data entry into the CWS-CARES Production Simulation map over to CWS/CMS, or will dual entry be needed?
A: Data entered into the Production Simulation will not transfer to CWS/CMS. Since the simulation is strictly a practice environment, CWS/CMS remains the sole statewide system of record. Consequently, any data required for official records will still require entry into CWS/CMS.
Q: How many licenses to the Production Simulation environment will counties get?
A: All users of CWS/CMS will be able to access the Production Simulation environment.
Q: After Go-Live, will there be a procedure manual on how to use CWS-CARES?
A: Yes, we are continuing to work on plans for training; there will be a Procedure Manual with "Cheat Sheets" that you can utilize as you're training.
Q: How often will data in the Production Simulation environment be refreshed?
A: While the schedule is still being finalized, we anticipate refreshing the environment approximately three times between May and October which provides updates with less disruption. The strategy will be a key agenda item for the Production Simulation County Advisory Committee (CAC).
Q: Will the CWS-CARES project provide guidance on which permissions users will need for Production Simulation?
A: Guidance will be provided as to what various CWS-CARES users will need for permissions in Production Simulation.
Q: Will Extended User Scenario Testing (EUST) 3 tester feedback on worker permissions be reviewed and considered for changes prior to Go-Live?
A: The Project team will take all feedback into consideration. Each item of feedback will be reviewed and prioritized by the Project team to identify any critical gaps that would need to be addressed prior to Go-Live, and what can be delivered after to enhance user experience at a later date.
Q: Production Simulation is open to all 58 counties. Does that mean all staff in all counties will have access?
A: All organizations will have access to Production Simulation. Full access will be granted to all current Child Welfare Services/ Case Management System (CWS/CMS) users or people who join the organization in roles that would be equivalent to CWS/CMS users. Production Simulation access will be granted in Phases, with roughly 2,800 users participating in Phase 1 and the remaining county and organization users accessing the Production Simulation environment in Phase 2 beginning July 6, 2026.