Frequently Asked Questions
Stakeholder Briefing
Q: Will the converted data available at the end of May replace the test data from the beginning of May, or will the two be combined?
A: The converted data will replace the existing test data. Due to data volume and integrity considerations, a fresh start is required, and previously generated test data will not be retained.
Q: Can the Project provide a complete list of the CWS-CARES Version 1 interfaces that will be accessible in Production Simulation, and will existing data from those systems be available?
A: The expected interface list planned for Production Simulation includes: Case Management Assessment (CMA), Structured Decision Making (SDM), Foster Care Eligibility Determination (FCED), Facility Management System (LIS/FAS data), Juvenile Network (JNET), County Expense Claim Reporting Information System (CECRIS), the data extract from the California Department of Education (CDE), and Regional Center Services for the Department of Developmental Services (DDS). Data availability and timing for some of these interfaces are still being finalized.
Q: Who will have access to Production Simulation in early May, and how will counties communicate which users they want to have access?
A: More information on this topic was released in All County Letter No. 26-21.
Q: Will CWS-CARES look different from CWS/CMS?
A: Yes. CWS-CARES will look and feel very different from CWS/CMS. CWS/CMS is a Windows-based, mainframe-dependent system, while CWS-CARES is a modern, web-based system built using Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) technology on Salesforce. Users new to Salesforce are encouraged to take the Salesforce navigation training before the CWS-CARES-specific training. CWS-CARES also introduces expanded features and integrations, including connections with Structured Decision Making (SDM), Case Management Assessment (CMA), and Foster Care Eligibility and Determination (FCED), with a more modern interface designed to make day-to-day tasks easier.
Q: Will CWS-CARES eventually auto-populate more fields than CWS/CMS currently does?
A: Yes. The Project aims to open up more fields than are currently available in the legacy system, though that is slated to happen after Go-Live.
Q: At Go-Live, when CWS/CMS is in read-only mode over the weekend, which system will be the database of record?
A: The current plan is that CWS/CMS will enter read-only mode the Friday before Go-Live (the exact date and time are being finalized). By the Monday Go-Live, CWS-CARES will be the system and database of record.
Q: How can counties confirm whether they are scheduled for training?
A: To confirm whether a county is scheduled for training, reach out to the respective workgroup based on the activity type. For Forms or Reports activities, contact the CARES Analytics Transition (CAT) Workgroup at osicwdsanalyticstransition@osi.ca.gov or the CARES Forms Workgroup at otsicwdscaresforms@otsi.ca.gov.
Q: During Production Simulation, will there be an opportunity to make system adjustments or modifications if functionality issues are identified?
A: Yes. Production Simulation is designed to help identify critical issues early so they can be evaluated and addressed before Go-Live. Reviewing and resolving high-impact items will be prioritized, but not all adjustments or feedback can be incorporated due to time and resource constraints. The Project will prioritize items that pose the greatest operational risk.
Q: What is the difference between End User Scenario Testing (EUST), CARES 102, and the Production Simulation environment?
A: EUST 3 is part of structured, large-scope testing windows used to test end-to-end functionality with mock data. Production Simulation is an end-to-end, production-like copy of the system with interfaces, converted data, role-based access, and the ability to practice and validate business processes. CARES 102 (County Development) is a separate environment specifically for forms and reports developers.
Q: Why is Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and Gender Expression (SOGIE) data being changed to read-only in CWS-CARES?
A: In accordance with federal reporting requirements that changed under federal executive orders, the child welfare information system cannot collect certain SOGIE-related data. Because this functionality was already developed for CWS-CARES, it has been moved to read-only, and the system will not allow this data collection until reporting requirements change.