A: The Project shared the Hotline Quick Start Guide & Intake demonstration, which was released to counties on September 14, 2026.

The one-pager identifies the mandatory fields required during the Hotline screening process and is intended to help streamline information gathering and documentation during a Hotline call. It also includes a recorded demonstration showing completion of the Hotline call and associated documentation, which took an average of approximately 23 minutes.
 

A: A list identifying all workaround scenarios was provided at the in-person CWDA/County Leadership/Project meeting on August 14, 2026. Screenshots and step‑by‑step instructions for each of the 82 workarounds was released to counties on September 4.

For full details, log into the System Updates & Release Notes page of the Production Simulation Hub and access the CWS-CARES Interim Workaround Guidance document.
 

A: A list identifying all workaround scenarios was provided at the in-person CWDA/County Leadership/Project meeting on August 14, 2026. Screenshots and step‑by‑step instructions for each of the 82 workarounds was released to counties on September 4.

For full details, log into the System Updates & Release Notes page of the Production Simulation Hub and access the CWS-CARES Interim Workaround Guidance document.
 

A: Guidance explaining temporary procedures counties must follow for Resource Family Approvals (RFA), Resource Family Homes (RFH), and Emergency Placements when CWS‑CARES Version 1 (CARES V1) goes live was released August 31.
At CARES V1 Go-Live:

• All new RFA/RFH applications and Emergency Placements must be started and managed in CWS‑CARES.
• If an RFA/RFH application is approved in an external system after Go-Live, counties must re‑create and fully process the application in CWS‑CARES so the Resource Family Home can be created.
• Applications already in progress in external systems can continue there through approval.
• Historical information will remain in external systems until data is converted after Go-Live.

A: Yes. The Project will provide additional information on Production Simulation expectations and activities to users closer to the start of Production Simulation.

A: Meeting the requirement is an expectation rather than a penalty-based requirement. Refer to the applicable All County Letter (ACL) for guidance on extenuating circumstances.

A: Yes. Production Simulation Support office hours will be offered daily on weekdays, with email support available between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on weekdays. Support clinics will also be available for users to discuss key areas of functionality where clarity is needed.

A: Due dates for forms remain unchanged. These timelines are set by the Implementation team based on input from multiple project areas. If there are risks or concerns requiring adjustments, those can be shared with the Implementation team.

A: Both CWS-CARES 100 and CWS-CARES 102 continue to be actively used for forms and other development activities. If specific issues are encountered, counties should report them to the Forms team so they can be investigated promptly.

A: The differences between Adobe Experience Manager (AEM) XDP templates and Word templates have been communicated during trainings and office hours. If specific issues are still occurring, counties should provide details so the team can review them.