Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will the non-Foster Care locations (aka placements) be sent to CalSAWS? If a child is removed from the placement location and sent on an extended visit, we would want the Foster Care placement to discontinue in CalSAWS, but we wouldn't want the non-Foster Care location to populate to CalSAWS because we aren't issuing payment.
A: No, the only placement information required to support Foster Care Eligibility Determination will be transmitted to CalSAWS. Non-Foster Care placement information that is not needed for eligibility or payment purposes will not be sent. More specifically, if a child is moved to an Alternative Care placement, that information will be sent to CalSAWS. If the child is absent from their existing placement, such as for an Extended Visit, that information will not go to CalSAWS. As a note, the CWS-CARES Worker can send Bed Hold information to CalSAWS subject to their county business processes.
Q: What are some examples of eligibility forms that can be generated in CWS-CARES?
A: CWS-CARES will generate forms that support Foster Care Eligibility Determination processes, such as the FC 2, SOC 158A, SOC 369A, and other forms identified in the process maps. Additional forms will be added over time as functionality expands.
Q: The SOC 158 A and FC 2 forms currently require a signature. If we submit forms through CWS-CARES directly to CalSAWS, will a signature still be required?
A: Yes, required signatures will continue to be required. CWS-CARES supports generating the forms, but counties must continue to follow existing policies regarding obtaining signatures. It should be noted that CWS-CARES Version 1 (CARES V1) has the functionality to generate the form for e-signature that the Worker can use as a method of form signature if county procedure allows.
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.