Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will end-users get to practice in a training environment?
A: Yes. Preparation of the Training Environment with “real-life” scenarios plays a vital role in the CARES V1 approach to Instructor-led Training. A fluid, functional CARES V1 Training environment will be developed as part of live, lab-based, Instructor-led Training that includes:
• Data creation for all end-users
• Script development partnering with the Product as a Service System Integrator (PaaS-SI) team
• Data development for key functional areas
• Data creation for Train The Trainer (TTT) trainers
• Data creation for Sandbox/Readiness
• Data creation for trainers to practice
• Data refresh schedule
Q: What types of training are available for everyday users?
A: CARES V1 Training will follow an immersive learning approach to create a comprehensive learning experience to support all CARES V1 user groups. Introductory and foundational CWS-CARES training will begin with on-demand, self-directed, learning for end-users that follows end-to-end child welfare workflows directly within the CWS-CARES system. Instructor-led training (ILT) will expand learning by building upon the foundational training with a focus on cross-functional and complex areas, and individual skill building. This will be followed by Post Go-live support training, including Command Center, coaching (over-the-shoulder) with superusers, and some in-app text help. Training may also include the following:
• Make-up training
• Refresher training
• Administrative training
• Back-end administrator training for each county
Q: What types of training are available for technical users?
A: CWS-CARES will analyze user needs to identify the training activities and resources required to support these technical users.
Q: Is there a training timeline for CWS-CARES?
A: Here are the major training activities planned for CWS-CARES:
• Self-directed Training for end-users: Up to 40 hours of self-paced training completed prior to Instructor-led Training (ILT)
• Train the Trainers (TTT): Early 2026
• Instructor-led Training (ILT) for end-users: Approximately 12 weeks prior to Go-live
• Post Go-Live support for end-users: To include superusers, coaching, and command center
Q: How is Child Welfare Services-California Automated Response and Engagement System (CWS-CARES) supporting changes to business processes for counties, California Department of Social Services (CDSS), Tribes with Title IV-E Agreements with CDSS, and probation?
A: The CWS-CARES project’s organizational change management (OCM) team is working with each group and organization to develop and map “as-is” and “to-be” business processes.
Q: Can you provide a high-level overview of the Implementation phases of Child Welfare Services-California Automated Response and Engagement System (CWS-CARES) V1?
A: Key phase activities for CWS-CARES V1 include the following:
Phase 1: Planning & Preparation (Today – March 2026)
• Organization Assessment and Go-Live Readiness Checklist
• CWS/CMS data clean-up and CWS-CARES data validation
• Analysis of County-specific business processes
• Training needs analysis and County-specific tailoring of training materials
• External systems, forms, and reports identification
• End User Scenario Testing (EUST) and user feedback activities
Phase 2: Readiness & Cutover (Fall 2025 – October 2026)
• Readiness & Cutover
• Completion of final readiness activities
• CARES V1 training delivery
• Evaluation of interim processes impact on planned business processes
• Data conversion, user configuration, roles analysis, and permissions configuration
Phase 3: Go-Live Support (October 2026 and beyond)
• Go-Live Support
• Post-conversion data cleanup
• Post-Go-Live communications and training
Q: What is the schedule for implementing Child Welfare Services-California Automated Response and Engagement System (CWS-CARES) V1 and V2?
A: CWS-CARES V1 will use a statewide rollout approach, which means all end users will implement V1 at the same time. CWS-CARES V1 is scheduled to go-live in October 2026 and V2 is scheduled to go-live in April 2028.
Q: What is the scope of Child Welfare Services-California Automated Response and Engagement System (CWS-CARES) V1 and V2?
A: CWS-CARES Version 1 (V1) is intended to cover the functionality required to decommission CWS/CMS, support new policies and programs, such as Family First Prevention Services Act (FFPSA), and lay the foundation for full Comprehensive Child Welfare Information System (CCWIS) compliance in CWS-CARES V2 (V2). While V2 scope is still being finalized, V2 is intended to build on the core functionality built in V1 and expand on additional capabilities such as advanced analytics and continued decommissioning of interfaces and external systems. V1 goes live in October 2026.
Q: How is the project prioritizing the timely development and implementation of the Child Welfare Services-California Automated Response and Engagement System (CWS-CARES)?
A: As reflected in the CWDS Project Roadmap, the project has finalized a timeline and implementation approach that prioritizes project milestones. Additionally, the CWS-CARES project has involvement from State and Federal oversight entities that monitor progress and ensure that the project stays on schedule.