Frequently Asked Questions
Resources
Q: What portals will be included with CWS-CARES at Go-Live?
A: There are two portals for CARES V1: the Resource Family Approval (RFA) Portal and the Family First Prevention Services Act (FFPSA) Portal (Service Provider/Community-Based Organization Portal).
Q: What is an estimated number of hours or resources that a mid-size county should allocate for data cleanup?
A: Refer to County Fiscal Letter (CFL) 23/24-07 for guidance on resources and allocations related to data cleanup.
Q: What if a county does not have enough rooms to meet the 25-person minimum training requirement? Are virtual options available?
A: The unique needs of each county will be discussed during the Organization CWS-CARES Training Logistics Planning Meetings.
Q: Can class count (up to 25) include combined counties and mixed virtual/in person?
A: The unique needs of each county will be discussed during the Organization CWS-CARES Training Logistics Planning Meetings, where the Project will work with organizations to determine the best method of instruction, including combined counties and mixed virtual and in-person formats.
Q: Can counties separate training into two cohorts if all staff cannot attend training at the same time?
A: Staff participating in training will be no more than 25 in a classroom and only those who are enrolled in the given course. The duration of the course is a half-day or less allowing for a balance in staff working and those in training.
Q: How does the drafted training schedule account for ensuring the staff isn't depleted?
A: Training is structured so that staff are not depleted: no more than 25 staff are in a classroom, and only those enrolled in a given course attend. Courses are a half-day or less, balancing staff working and staff in training. The unique needs of each county will be discussed during the Organization CWS-CARES Training Logistics Planning Meetings.
Q: Where can we reach our designated support team?
A: You can contact your support team via the regional office hours posted on our Production Simulation (Prod Sim) Hub.
You can also email your regional support inbox:
Q: Will Production Simulation include all aspects of CWS-CARES Version 1 (CARES V1)?
A: All CARES V1 functionality will be available in Production Simulation, including:
- Reporting
- Intake & Investigations
- Case Management
- Courts
- Resource Family Home (RFH)
- Resource & Provider Management
- Financial Management
- Eligibility
Converted external systems data will be integrated as it becomes available.
Q: Can counties use offshore resources for forms development activities?
A: Counties should consult their county counsel to determine whether offshore resources may be used based on their specific circumstances. While CDSS cannot provide county-specific legal advice, counties should consider the following:
- Offshore resources should not have access to production data
- Any agreement or contract for these services should be with an entity located in the United States, preferably California.
Q: Where can counties receive CWDS website login support?
A: If counties are in need of CWDS Website log-in support, please contact Customer Relations.