Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Eligibility requires other forms that are not generated in CWS-CARES. Is there an upload feature to submit those forms to CalSAWS or will we have to send them separately?
A: Yes, CWS-CARES does have an upload feature to submit forms the Eligibility Record even if that form was not generated in CWS-CARES. The CWS-CARES Worker should make sure the File Name of the document explains what it is when uploading (e.g. Rate Approval Document).
Q: When the user enters the Child’s or Nonminor’s information, will it continue to populate on the FC 2 and SOC 158 forms?
A: Yes, information entered in CWS-CARES will populate the applicable fields on generated eligibility forms, reducing duplicate data entry.
Q: Will the Social Worker be able to complete and submit the CW 51 (Child Support – Good Cause Claim for Noncooperation) form in CWS-CARES when completing the minor's placement info?
A: Yes, CWS-CARES Version 1 (CARES V1) supports generating the CW 51 (Child Support – Good Cause Claim for Noncooperation) form for each parent of the Focus Child.
Q: Is there a way to remind users to request forms? For example, the SOC 161 form must be filled out every six months. Can a reminder be set for the worker to remind them to request/send this form?
A: No, CWS-CARES Version 1 (CARES V1) does not include reminder functionality for requesting or sending eligibility forms such as the SOC 161. However, CWS-CARES Version 1 (CARES V1) does have the functionality to create a report of Foster Care Redeterminations that are coming due. Counties can also use the Tasks feature to remind workers to generate certain forms at certain times. These features and functionalities alongside county business processes can be leveraged to send reminders to staff.
Q: Will this information be transmitted between the systems in real time or in a batch?
A: The Foster Care for Eligibility Determination (FCED) interface will process transactions in near real time if the user clicks “Submit Data to CalSAWS”. However, if the CWS-CARES user does not do that, then the changes will captured and transmitted in the overnight batch. Additionally, response times may vary depending on system availability and processing.
Q: What is a Request for Information (RFI)?
A: A Request for Information (RFI) is an electronic request sent between CWS-CARES and CalSAWS when additional information is needed to support Foster Care Eligibility Determination processing. It should be noted that the messages are not free text; they are pre-worded options, and as such may require follow-up communication outside of the system.
Q: Does this system send a notification to the worker in CalSAWS or CWS-CARES that an Request for Information (RFI) has been sent? Does the RFI get sent to the Social Worker (SW), Supervisor, or Clerk?
A: CWS-CARES and CalSAWS notify the appropriate assigned worker when an Request for Information (RFI) is sent. Which worker receives the notification depends on the assignment and county business process. It should be noted that the Primary Worker can select a Secondary Worker to whom Eligibility communications are sent.
Q: Do Requests for Information (RFIs) have a built-in escalation process, or do they sit for however long it takes to get the requested information?
No, CWS-CARES Version 1 does not include an automated escalation process for Requests for Information (RFIs). Counties should continue following their existing business processes for monitoring and responding to RFIs.
Q: Does the Request for Information (RFI) sent by CalSAWS for redetermination include forms?
A: No, the Request for Information (RFI) communicates the need for additional information but does not include eligibility forms as attachments.
Q: Do the process maps indicate who will perform the steps in the "Eligibility Resource" swim lane? Who will receive alerts? Is the role of Technical Assistants no longer relevant?
A: The process maps identify functional roles rather than county-specific job classifications. Counties will determine which staff perform these functions based on their local business processes.