A: The Project is looking at the sessions for Train-the-Trainer (TTT) that occur in August and ensuring they don't overlap with those same organizations that will be starting end user training. The Project plans to have a staggered approach for this training program.

A: Counties have flexibility. Train-the-Trainers can:

• Conduct all Instructor-Led Training (ILT) sessions independently and will receive support from CWS-CARES Trainers who can answer questions during training.
• Co-lead with state trainers.
• Shadow state trainers while learning the process.

A: The CWDS Service Desk will provide system support for the RFA and FFPSA portals. Each portal includes a self-serve password reset option, which resolves most issues such as forgotten passwords. If a user does not receive the password reset email within 24 hours, they should contact the CWDS Service Desk for additional assistance.
Counties are responsible for basic applicant support, such as helping applicants understand how to complete an application or answering general questions.
Portal access varies by portal:

RFA Portal

• Applicants can access the RFA portal through the public link on CWDS or county websites to submit an application
• CWS-CARES RFA Worker or Supervisor may invite an applicant directly only in Emergency Placement situations
• Existing Resource Family Homes (RFH) with an email on file will receive an invitation to the portal
• These actions occur within the CWS-CARES application, and training materials will be provided on how to accomplish this task
• To access an RFA Portal end-to-end demonstration, click the “RFA_Applicant_Portal_-_03-26-2025-_Core_Constituent_Demonstration_for_RFA.mp4” video on the CWS-CARES RFA Demo Videos page.

• Access is by invitation only to Community Based Organizations (CBOs)
• A CWS-CARES worker invites prospective or existing Service Providers by adding or updating the provider record, including email, in CWS‑CARES
• The provider then receives an email to establish a password and update any applicable information.
• CWS-CARES will provide CARES workers with training materials on how to accomplish this task
• To access a FFPSA demonstration, click the “02_23_2026_FM_FFPSA_Portal_CC_Demo_Recording.mp4” video on the CWS-CARES Financial Management Demo Videos page.

A: Training will be deployed on the agreed-upon dates and schedule. The Project will not be able to accommodate custom training sessions for each county.

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.

A: CARES V1 uses a blended, role-based training approach that combines self-paced and live learning, so staff are trained on the functions and workflows specific to their role. Each staff member begins with foundational self-paced online (Salesforce Enablement) training, with the time required varying by role. Instructor-led training remains a core part of this approach and is still offered, through both in-person and virtual sessions tailored for county, state, and specialized program staff. Most staff will need one to three days of instructor-led training depending on their role. Training rolls out in two phases: Train-the-Trainer, beginning June 15, 2026, followed by End-User Training, beginning August 3, 2026. For more information, contact OTSICWDSTraining@otsi.ca.gov.

A: The unique needs of each county will be discussed during the Organization CWS-CARES Training Logistics Planning Meetings.

A: Yes, the courses offered will remain the same as indicated on the Instructional Design Maps. Due to the high volume of participants in the Core CWS: Basic Structure of CWS-CARES course, the delivery of this session may look different from the other ILT sessions.

A: Training materials will be accessible to all Production Simulation users. We're currently finalizing the approach to ensure everyone has the most up-to-date resources, and additional details will be shared as soon as they're ready.

A: The number of Instructor-Led Training (ILT) classes that can run in one week depends on the number of classrooms in use and the courses needed for the organization. Typically, two courses are run per day per classroom.