Frequently Asked Questions
Resource Family Approval (RFA)
Q: Since Structured Decision Making (SDM), CARES-Live, and Binti data is slated for summer 2026, will synthetic data for these systems be in the environment until then?
A: Counties are encouraged to practice using synthetic data — for example, CWS/CMS cases and referrals to initiate interfaces. Historical data within those interfaces will not be available.
Q: When will Resource Family Approval (RFA) and FFPS portals will be available in Production Simulation?
A: The project is working to finalize a plan for when both portals will be available for testing in Production Simulation and will share the details of that plan in a formal communication once available.
Q: Will all community (unmatched) Resource Family Approval (RFA) applications be handled by the county child welfare department? If not, how will the system determine if the application is handled by child welfare vs probation?
A: This is a county practice issue on how they process unmatched/community applicants. CWS-CARES will allow for internal county controls to manage unmatched/community applicants. CWS-CARES will not account for unmatched/community applicants that are outsourced to external agencies.
Q: Will interested unmatched applicants be first directed to the interest form before having access to the application link?
A: This will be a practice issue on how counties want to funnel applicants through the process of creating an inquiry/application. CWS-CARES is built flexibly to allow for flexible entry points to start an inquiry or application.
Q: Will the Resource Family Approval (RFA) portal have interfacing capabilities and the ability to send electronic communication to families?
A: Yes, the portal does have the ability to electronically communicate with families.
Q: Will Resource Family Approval (RFA) only have access to RFA as files are all highly confidential and how will live scans be completed?
A: Role-based access will ensure that only Resource Family Approval (RFA) staff and their supervisors with appropriate permissions sets, which could include selected support staff, will have access to all information about applicants and application data. CWS-CARES will allow for the documentation of live scan results.
Q: With multiple family members in one household, how will each person complete Live Scan requirements and access the portal if they are connected to a single main applicant?
A: There will be a single user in the portal for a household. If there are issues that need to be addressed with members of the household that are not the portal user, those will be handled directly with that household member.
Q: Should RFA Social Workers attend the Binti Biweekly County Coordination meetings?
A: Yes. These meetings are open, there is no limit on participants, and counties are encouraged to include staff who would benefit.
Q: Will the Child Welfare Services-California Automated Response and Engagement System Version 1 (CWS-CARES V1) include a public interface where Resource Family Approval (RFA) applicant families can apply and upload supporting documents and information?
A: Yes. In CWS-CARES Version 1, the Resource Family Approval (RFA) program worker, Applicant, and Resource Family Homes will be able to upload completed forms and documents to CWS-CARES V1.
Q: Is there going to be any capacity for CWS-CARES to line to any phone systems (i.e., will CARES interface with phone lines)?
A: No. This is not in the scope of CWS-CARES V1 or V2.
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