A: In the event that data doesn't match or cannot be converted when migrating to CWS-CARES from Binti, there are two steps:

1. Project will share the list of data elements that cannot be moved into CWS-CARES through the conversion process. This includes data with incorrect data types, incorrect picklist values or missing mandatory data element information. If Binti provided information is different from CWS/CMS information, then Binti provided data will be rejected and shared with Counties.
2. Counties validate the data. If an issue is found, it becomes a ticket. The Project investigates, fixes the issue, redeploys the data, and counties revalidate.

A: CWS-CARES will receive client-specific assistance payment details from CalSAWS. That information will be read-only in CWS-CARES.

Note: while CalSAWS sends Assistance Payment information to CWS-CARES, it won't be displayed the same way in CalSAWS and CWS-CARES. That is, if a user looks at an Issuance Detail in CalSAWS and then looks at an Assistance Payment record in CWS-CARES, they will see some of the same data elements, but that page layout and user interface won't be the same.

A: The demonstrations provided by the CWS-CARES Product Team will be posted to this webpage: CWS-CARES Demos | Child Welfare Digital Services

• An additional demo was scheduled for 2/23/26 from 3-5pm PST.
• A final, end-to-end FFPSA demo is in process with CWS-CARES and will be scheduled for early March.

A: FFPSA is a federal program that is new for California. Please refer to the CDSS website for more detailed information about the program and its rollout at the programmatic level.
 

A: There would be three steps to this process:

• Step 1: Create a new Unit Staff relationship in the Unit/Office that the worker will be moving to. This will allow the worker to be a part of that structure.
• Step 2: Navigate to the Caseload and update the Office, Unit and Staff Name fields to match that of the new relationship that has been created in Step 1. You do not need to use the Caseload Summary screen or Bulk Assignment for this. You can simply reassign the Caseload.
• Step 3: Navigate to the old Unit Staff relationship and mark it as “inactive” and add a reason.

A: You can find Process Information Session recordings and meetings here: CWS-CARES Process Information Session Materials.

Note: You must log in to the Implementation Portal using your county/organization email address to access these files.
 

A: CWS-CARES training is offered through both instructor-led sessions (in-person and virtual) and self-paced online (Salesforce Enablement) courses. All Project-provided training resources will be virtual.

Knowledgeable proctors will be available. Project-provided Proctors will participate in Train-the-Trainer to prepare for supporting statewide CWS-CARES Version 1 (CARES V1) training and will be backed by a Training Support Hub staffed with Senior Trainers to address more complex questions. For more information, contact OTSI CWDS Training.

A:  Approximately 145 JV Forms are currently projected to be developed by the Project at this time, based on prioritization decisions made by the Project team. Please note that this list is subject to change as development activities continue. 

The full list of forms is maintained in the CARES Forms Tracker, available through the CARES Forms Workgroup Teams Channel. To access the tracker, please email the CWS-CARES Forms Mailbox to request permission. Once granted, users can export the list to Excel and apply filters (e.g., Form Title, Disposition) to view specific form types, including JV forms. 
 

A: Our Disaster Recovery Plan is called a Technical Recovery Plan (TRP). The Project team recognizes the criticality of a comprehensive TRP to ensure continuity and resilience across CWS-CARES. While a finalized plan is not yet available for distribution, significant work has been underway to align our recovery strategy with best practices and stakeholder needs. We anticipate further development and refinement of the TRP over the coming months, with a potential target for completion around mid-2026. We appreciate the interest and will continue to provide updates as the plan evolves and is ready to share with the counties.

A: CWS-CARES has finalized development of stories to capture Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths Assessment (CANS) assessment results, translate them into the appropriate tiered rates, and allow counties to select and apply those rates for children.

Testing with CalSAWS will occur later, as CalSAWS is still building its Tiered Rate System (TRS) functionality. CWS-CARES will automatically translate CANS results into an applicable tier based on the CDSS Decision Support Model, and counties will be able to send those tiered rates to CalSAWS for payment processing.

The timeline for when TRS-related functionality will be available for user testing is currently being finalized, and the Project will notify counties once that information is confirmed.