Frequently Asked Questions
Training
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 counties be able to view and track their own staff's completion of Production Simulation training?
A: Yes. A tracking system will be provided for counties to track their staff's completion of training.
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: What is the plan to implement the feedback provided during Extended User Scenario Testing (EUST), considering the upcoming code freeze on July 30, 2026, and what will be the impact on training material, considering training materials are due in June 2026?
A: Feedback will be implemented based on priority and severity, guided by the determination type assigned to each item. Items identified as high‑priority or critical will be addressed before code freeze whenever possible.
Q: Once county data is loaded into Production Simulation, will there be an environment available with mock data that counties can use when sharing screens with each other without data showing?
A: The Project is finalizing the plan to make the Training environment available and will share more details in a formal communication once they become available.
Q: Will Post Go-Live Training environment be available in the Readiness Module?
A: The Training environment is a separate environment and will only contain mock data.
Q: Will enablement be available prior to Train the Trainer (TTT) starting? Asking since it is a requirement to do prior to TTT.
A: Yes, Enablement programs will be available prior to Train the Trainer (TTT) starting in the Production Simulation environment.
Q: Will users have access to Production Simulation once they complete on-demand and Independent Living Program (ILP) trainings?
A: Access to production simulation is not based on training completion. 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.
Q: When will the training environment be released?
A: The training environment will be accessible as part of the Instructor-Led training.
Q: Given the recent changes to the Product Simulation timeline, when are trainers expected to complete the required 40 hours of Train-the-Trainer (TTT) On-Demand training, which is currently not yet accessible?
A: Train the Trainer (TTT) sessions will start following the availability of On-Demand training.