Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can counties meet more frequently with CARES Training Coordinators than monthly due to time-sensitive planning needs?
A: Yes. Additional meetings will be scheduled between monthly meetings, especially as implementation timelines approach.
Q: How will counties manage training registration given staff turnover and changing assignments?
A: Registration processes will be determined by each county. Some counties may centralize registration through Organization Training Coordinators, while others may have employees self-register.
Q: Is there a contingency plan if federal approval for Production Simulation is delayed or does not materialize?
A: Federal approval for Production Simulation is not a factor in timing. Activities that could not wait for federal approval have been moved to state-only funding to ensure the Project can proceed on schedule and meet the October 2026 Go-Live date.
Q: How will counties handle manual business processes or workarounds that are not yet supported in CWS-CARES at Go-Live?
A: These will continue to be identified throughout the Production Simulation period as business processes are reviewed. Contingency planning will then be included in the Organizational Change Management (OCM) work.
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.
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: 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: 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: 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: 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.