A: CWS-CARES offers a robust set of document-related features including the ability to generate, upload, view, edit, download, print, redact, and merge documents. Appropriate access controls are enforced so that only the users who need to see the documents have access to them. 
 
In CWS-CARES, documents are tied/indexed to key entities such as screenings, referrals, cases, eligibility, court work items, etc. Documents tied to the key entities can be viewed by retrieving the key record first and then pulling up the documents tab to see a list of all documents tied to the record.
 
Additional context on capabilities:

• Documents are indexed and tied to specific records in CWS-CARES.

• Document indexing uses an extensible and flexible document taxonomy system that is intuitive to use and makes saving, categorizing, and retrieving documents easy.

• Document lists allow sorting by Title, Category, Type, Uploaded By, and Uploaded Date.

• Documents can be viewed and managed directly within the relevant CWS-CARES context, such as screening or a case.

A: CWS-CARES funding allocations can only be utilized for participation pertaining to CWS-CARES design, development, and implementation activities. This funding does not include merchandise. Please refer to the California Department of Social Services ACL 23-62 and CFL 23/24-03 for more information.

A: The system change request process for CWS-CARES is yet to be established. CWS-CARES V1 will be implemented statewide October 2026. After the initial implementation there will be a need for a formal system change request process to ensure proper input and prioritization of changes. Currently there is a formal SCR process in place for the CWS/CMS consisting of a governance involving the Oversight Committee, the Program Impact Advisory Committee, and the Technical Advisory Committee. More information about these Committees can be found on the CWDS Search Page along with a charter for each. The Project will share more information on this topic in the future.

A: Yes, the genograms' functionality will be available in CWS-CARES V1. The project team combined "genograms" and "family tree" due to overlapping similarities, and this functionality is fully built and currently in the testing phase.

A: The minimum screen resolution required to support all CWS-CARES features is 1024 x 768 pixels. The 15” monitor size is a general guideline for monitors and is not mandatory.

A: Yes, State forms developed by the project will be ADA compliant and follow the latest Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) and ADA state requirements. Counties are responsible for ADA compliance for their own forms created in CWS-CARES. The Project will not be validating compliance on county created forms.

A:  No, if an external system is removed from CWS-CARES V1 data conversion scope, it cannot be replaced with another candidate external system for CWS-CARES V1 data conversion due to scope and schedule constraints.

A: Yes, probation staff will still access via Citrix after the transition to CWS-CARES.

A: The project is currently designing the FFPSA Community Provider Portal. Constituent demonstrations are planned to begin mid-June through July 2025.

A: There are no plans or requirements to integrate Outlook with CWS-CARES. Therefore, it will not be included. Counties will continue their current processes for using Outlook.