CWS-CARES Public Library
The CWS-CARES Public Library is a searchable repository of project information. The articles published here may also be located in the CARES Explorer Newsletters. If you have any questions, please contact CWDS Communications.
Service Areas and Milestones
External Systems Decommissioning: A Revised Timeline for the Plan Ahead
As CWS-CARES becomes the single system of record, the external systems it replaces will eventually be decommissioned so that child welfare work happens in one place. With the CWS-CARES Version 1 (CARES V1) Go-Live date now adjusted to December 7, 2026, and complete CARES V1 scope arriving on May 1, 2027, the decommissioning timeline for fully in scope external systems has been updated to align with the new schedule and to support a smooth, efficient transition for counties and organizations.
Decommissioning Activities Will Start at Complete Scope, Not Go-Live
Originally, decommissioning activities were scheduled to begin shortly after the October 2026 Go-Live. Under the revised timeline , they will instead begin once complete CARES V1 scope is available on May 1, 2027. Users will have roughly five months of hands-on experience in CWS-CARES before the required decommissioning timeline begins, providing time to build familiarity and confidence in the system first. The project has also merged previously separate steps for developing and finalizing the decommissioning plan into a single step, reducing the planning and reporting effort for counties. Together, these adjustments keep the overall timeline on track while easing the burden on Organization partners.
What the Revised Timeline Looks Like
Under the revised schedule, decommissioning moves through three main steps in 2027. First, from May to June, Organizations will validate that CWS-CARES fully performs the functions each external system currently handles. Next, from May through July, Organizations will develop the decommissioning plan and timeline for each in-scope system. Finally, from August through December, the Organizations will implement their decommissioning plans. Organizations that have already verified functionality and wish to begin decommissioning planning ahead of schedule are encouraged to do so.
External Systems Decommissioning Steps
Key Change
Decommissioning activities will now begin at Complete Scope (May 1, 2027) rather than at Go-Live. This gives organizations roughly five months of hands-on CWS-CARES experience before the required decommissioning timeline begins. The project has also merged previously separate planning steps, reducing reporting effort for counties.
We thank all Organizations for their ongoing collaboration as we work together toward a practical, phased transition.
Originally published in the CWS-CARES Explorer.
Decommissioning Activities Will Start at Complete Scope, Not Go-Live
Originally, decommissioning activities were scheduled to begin shortly after the October 2026 Go-Live. Under the revised timeline , they will instead begin once complete CARES V1 scope is available on May 1, 2027. Users will have roughly five months of hands-on experience in CWS-CARES before the required decommissioning timeline begins, providing time to build familiarity and confidence in the system first. The project has also merged previously separate steps for developing and finalizing the decommissioning plan into a single step, reducing the planning and reporting effort for counties. Together, these adjustments keep the overall timeline on track while easing the burden on Organization partners.
What the Revised Timeline Looks Like
Under the revised schedule, decommissioning moves through three main steps in 2027. First, from May to June, Organizations will validate that CWS-CARES fully performs the functions each external system currently handles. Next, from May through July, Organizations will develop the decommissioning plan and timeline for each in-scope system. Finally, from August through December, the Organizations will implement their decommissioning plans. Organizations that have already verified functionality and wish to begin decommissioning planning ahead of schedule are encouraged to do so.
External Systems Decommissioning Steps
- Validate CARES V1 functionality vs. external systems
- Original Timeline: Now – April 2027
- Revised Timeline: May 1 – June 30, 2027
- Develop decommissioning plan and timeline
- Original Timeline: Feb 1 – April 30, 2027
- Revised Timeline: May 1 – July 31, 2027
- Finalize decommissioning plan and timeline
- Original Timeline: April 30 – May 31, 2027
- Revised Timeline: Combined with step above
- Implement decommissioning plan
- Original Timeline: May 31 – Dec 31, 2027
- Revised Timeline: Aug 1 – Dec 31, 2027
Key Change
Decommissioning activities will now begin at Complete Scope (May 1, 2027) rather than at Go-Live. This gives organizations roughly five months of hands-on CWS-CARES experience before the required decommissioning timeline begins. The project has also merged previously separate planning steps, reducing reporting effort for counties.
We thank all Organizations for their ongoing collaboration as we work together toward a practical, phased transition.
Originally published in the CWS-CARES Explorer.
Training Activities for CWS-CARES
Practice in ProdSim
Practicing in ProdSim is one of the most valuable steps you can take to ensure a smooth transition into upcoming releases. ProdSim gives users a safe, realistic space to explore new features, validate workflows, and build confidence before changes go live. Your participation helps us catch issues early, strengthen system performance, and deliver a better experience for counties and end-users.
Supplemental Training
Supplemental Training began October 26th and runs through November 20th, with Micro-Learning Videos, Targeted ILT Make-Up Sessions, and Virtual Training Office Hours. Micro-Learning Videos offer short, on demand tips and tricks for common training needs. Targeted ILT Make-Up sessions is available for organizations that were unable to complete training and Office Hours will cover topic specific sessions.
What Training Materials to Leverage at Go-Live
What you can expect to have available and rely on at Go-Live:
All training materials are available on the Implementation Portal and will be updated through December 7.
Originally published in the CWS-CARES Explorer.
Practicing in ProdSim is one of the most valuable steps you can take to ensure a smooth transition into upcoming releases. ProdSim gives users a safe, realistic space to explore new features, validate workflows, and build confidence before changes go live. Your participation helps us catch issues early, strengthen system performance, and deliver a better experience for counties and end-users.
Supplemental Training
Supplemental Training began October 26th and runs through November 20th, with Micro-Learning Videos, Targeted ILT Make-Up Sessions, and Virtual Training Office Hours. Micro-Learning Videos offer short, on demand tips and tricks for common training needs. Targeted ILT Make-Up sessions is available for organizations that were unable to complete training and Office Hours will cover topic specific sessions.
What Training Materials to Leverage at Go-Live
What you can expect to have available and rely on at Go-Live:
- Quick Guides for fast, step-by-step workflow instructions
- Desk Guides for guidance on approvedworkarounds needed at Go-Live
- Microlearning Videos for short, targeted demonstrations
- Recorded training sessions and ILT materials for on-demand refreshers
All training materials are available on the Implementation Portal and will be updated through December 7.
Originally published in the CWS-CARES Explorer.
Iterative Design: How CWS-CARES Keeps Improving
Counties have reported missing or inaccurate converted data in Production Simulation (Prod Sim), including child welfare history, referrals, contact logs, placement information, and other critical records. CWS-CARES is actively addressing these concerns through weekly deployments of defect fixes. Each system release includes functionality and data conversion fixes identified by testers in Production Simulation. Since July, that work has resolved hundreds of defects and data conversion issues, refining functionality as counties test ahead of statewide Go-Live.
Weekly system releases require downtime for the Prod Sim environment. To minimize impact to Organizations, Prod Sim is unavailable each Friday from 5:00 PM to Saturday by 12:00 PM PDT. During this window, users will be unable to access the environment or test workflows in Prod Sim.
System Updates and Fixes: July - September
County testing remains essential to a successful Go-Live. Validating converted data, practicing workflows, and reporting issues promptly allows the Project to catch defects early. Below is a month-by-month summary of fixes through September 2026. For more details on defect fixes, refer to the Weekly System Updates and Release Notes on the Production Simulation Hub.
Ongoing Data Fixes Through November 2026
Prod Sim will continue receiving weekly code and data fixes through November 20. After that, the environment will remain available for access as the Project prepares for CWS-CARES V1 Go-Live on December 7, 2026. Data validation is critical through early November. This is the last structured window for counties to review converted case records against source systems and flag discrepancies before Prod Sim's final updates. We encourage all counties and Organizations to prioritize validation now to help ensure data is accurate at at Go-Live.
Feature Spotlight: Search Functionality Improvements
Search across CWS-CARES has also improved this summer. Person and Resource Management Directory searches now use "AND" logic instead of "OR," so each additional criterion narrows results rather than broadening them. Phonetic name search can help locate a record even when spelling is uncertain, and Sex at Birth and Approximate Age are now fully functional search criteria. Additional search enhancements are planned in upcoming releases. For a detailed guide on recent search enhancements and tips for utilizing this feature, see the CWS-CARES Search Functionality fact sheet on the CWDS website.
Defect Reporting
If you spot a potential defect and aren’t sure if it’s already logged, please submit a support ticket anyway or report the issue at Production Simulation Office Hours. We prefer to manage duplicate tickets than miss a critical defect.
Users may access the CWS-CARES Production Simulation Hub for resources, support, and regional office hours scheduling.
Originally published in the CWS-CARES Explorer.
Weekly system releases require downtime for the Prod Sim environment. To minimize impact to Organizations, Prod Sim is unavailable each Friday from 5:00 PM to Saturday by 12:00 PM PDT. During this window, users will be unable to access the environment or test workflows in Prod Sim.
System Updates and Fixes: July - September
County testing remains essential to a successful Go-Live. Validating converted data, practicing workflows, and reporting issues promptly allows the Project to catch defects early. Below is a month-by-month summary of fixes through September 2026. For more details on defect fixes, refer to the Weekly System Updates and Release Notes on the Production Simulation Hub.
- July: Corrected data mappings, fixed permissions, and helped required fields populate properly across Case Management, Document Generation (DocGen), Adoption workflows, Resource Family Approval (RFA), and Financial Management.
- August: Focused heavily on data conversion, improving the accuracy of converted case records across areas including address, adoption, case, child location and placement, health, and person data. Fixes also touched case management, placement, courts, and intake workflows.
- September: Introduced new email notifications, alerting users directly when assignments change, approvals are requested, tasks are assigned, or a portal account is activated. The RFA and FFPSA Portals also became available for testing, alongside continued data conversion corrections.
Ongoing Data Fixes Through November 2026
Prod Sim will continue receiving weekly code and data fixes through November 20. After that, the environment will remain available for access as the Project prepares for CWS-CARES V1 Go-Live on December 7, 2026. Data validation is critical through early November. This is the last structured window for counties to review converted case records against source systems and flag discrepancies before Prod Sim's final updates. We encourage all counties and Organizations to prioritize validation now to help ensure data is accurate at at Go-Live.
Feature Spotlight: Search Functionality Improvements
Search across CWS-CARES has also improved this summer. Person and Resource Management Directory searches now use "AND" logic instead of "OR," so each additional criterion narrows results rather than broadening them. Phonetic name search can help locate a record even when spelling is uncertain, and Sex at Birth and Approximate Age are now fully functional search criteria. Additional search enhancements are planned in upcoming releases. For a detailed guide on recent search enhancements and tips for utilizing this feature, see the CWS-CARES Search Functionality fact sheet on the CWDS website.
Defect Reporting
If you spot a potential defect and aren’t sure if it’s already logged, please submit a support ticket anyway or report the issue at Production Simulation Office Hours. We prefer to manage duplicate tickets than miss a critical defect.
Users may access the CWS-CARES Production Simulation Hub for resources, support, and regional office hours scheduling.
Originally published in the CWS-CARES Explorer.
New and Updated OCM Resources
Below are key OCM resources available on the Implementation Portal to support planning and adoption. One newly added, and others refreshed monthly.
Resource #1: Leadership Toolkit
Resource #2: Change Impacts and Key Legacy Terminology Crosswalk
Originally published in the CWS-CARES Explorer.
Resource #1: Leadership Toolkit
- Description: A collection of leadership-focused guidance for supporting staff during the CWS-CARES transition, including action steps, talking points, team check-ins, strategies for managing resistance, and tips for sustaining change after go-live.
- Organization Recommendation: Use the toolkit to align leadership messaging across departments and to provide consistent guidance to staff.
- OCM Tip: Staff rely on their leaders for clarity and reassurance. Reinforce what is changing and whyduring regular meetings to help them feel more prepared.
Resource #2: Change Impacts and Key Legacy Terminology Crosswalk
- Description: A set of change impact summaries and terminology updates clarifying what is different in CWS-CARES and how CWS/CMS terms have evolved. These resources are reviewed and updated monthly.
- Organization Recommendation: Review the Implementation Portal monthly to check for updates to these two files. Discuss change impacts and terminology during team meetings to help staff understand how upcoming changes will affect daily tasks.
- OCM Tip: Revisit terminology and changes often. People usually need to hear information several times before they become familiar, so consider using the crosswalk during huddles or highlighting changes with training.
Originally published in the CWS-CARES Explorer.
Production Simulation: Preparing for Go-Live Together
Production Simulation is Underway
Production Simulation (Prod Sim) is now open to all 58 California counties, Tribes with Title IV-E Agreements, and State Partners. This readiness activity gives users a controlled, production-like space to practice and test CWS-CARES Version 1 (CARES V1) functionality before statewide Go-Live.
The environment mirrors the full CARES V1 system and is populated with converted data from CWS/CMS, RFA Greenfield, and external systems. Users can practice real workflows — running reports and forms, validating data, and testing operational processes — without impacting live production data. Prod Sim also gives counties an opportunity to become familiar with the CWS-CARES Service Desk and tiered support structure ahead of Go-Live.
Prod Sim will remain available through October 23, 2026. This is the final extended window for counties to build familiarity with CARES V1 before it becomes the system of record. Organizations that have not yet onboarded all intended users are encouraged to do so now.
Participation Across the State
Onboarding has expanded in phases and participation continues to grow:
Preparing for the Next Phase
Sealed and confidential case data is planned to become available in Prod Sim (targeted by September).
Sealed and sensitive records have been withheld from Prod Sim to date while the project validates role-based access controls (RBAC). Once added, this data will give counties a more complete view of their caseload for testing purposes. Additional detail on this milestone, including what to test and how to report any access issues, will be shared as the date approaches.
Stay Up to Date
The CWS-CARES Project publishes ongoing Release Notes to communicate the status of the Prod Sim environment, including:
Support follows a tiered structure. County and Organization staff should direct questions and issues to their local support team (Tier 1) first; unresolved issues are escalated to the Project Support Team (Tier 2). Support requests should never include confidential data such as Personally Identifiable Information (PII) or Protected Health Information (PHI).
This is the final Explorer newsletter update on Production Simulation before Go-Live. Counties are encouraged to continue testing, reporting issues, and preparing staff through the remainder of the Prod Sim window.
Originally published in the CWS-CARES Explorer.
Production Simulation (Prod Sim) is now open to all 58 California counties, Tribes with Title IV-E Agreements, and State Partners. This readiness activity gives users a controlled, production-like space to practice and test CWS-CARES Version 1 (CARES V1) functionality before statewide Go-Live.
The environment mirrors the full CARES V1 system and is populated with converted data from CWS/CMS, RFA Greenfield, and external systems. Users can practice real workflows — running reports and forms, validating data, and testing operational processes — without impacting live production data. Prod Sim also gives counties an opportunity to become familiar with the CWS-CARES Service Desk and tiered support structure ahead of Go-Live.
Prod Sim will remain available through October 23, 2026. This is the final extended window for counties to build familiarity with CARES V1 before it becomes the system of record. Organizations that have not yet onboarded all intended users are encouraged to do so now.
Participation Across the State
Onboarding has expanded in phases and participation continues to grow:
- 568 participants onboarded across 49 Organizations as of June 22 (EUST 3 participants, County Admins, and Data Conversion Cycle participants)
- 2,065 total participants onboarded across 58 Organizations as of July 6
- 126 Binti/DCVal participants across 28 counties, participating in a separate data validation environment
- 4,000+ attendees across six kickoff sessions held July 6–17
- 16,166 unique users across 59 Organizations logged in as of August 21
Preparing for the Next Phase
Sealed and confidential case data is planned to become available in Prod Sim (targeted by September).
Sealed and sensitive records have been withheld from Prod Sim to date while the project validates role-based access controls (RBAC). Once added, this data will give counties a more complete view of their caseload for testing purposes. Additional detail on this milestone, including what to test and how to report any access issues, will be shared as the date approaches.
Stay Up to Date
The CWS-CARES Project publishes ongoing Release Notes to communicate the status of the Prod Sim environment, including:
- Known and expected issues
- Current system behavior
- Resolved issues
- Open or newly reported issues
- Capabilities not currently available
- Environment specifications
Support follows a tiered structure. County and Organization staff should direct questions and issues to their local support team (Tier 1) first; unresolved issues are escalated to the Project Support Team (Tier 2). Support requests should never include confidential data such as Personally Identifiable Information (PII) or Protected Health Information (PHI).
This is the final Explorer newsletter update on Production Simulation before Go-Live. Counties are encouraged to continue testing, reporting issues, and preparing staff through the remainder of the Prod Sim window.
Originally published in the CWS-CARES Explorer.
Implementation Readiness: Preparing Counties for Go-Live
As CWS-CARES Version 1 (CARES V1) approaches Go-Live, counties across California are progressing through a series of critical readiness activities that ensure staff, processes, and local systems are prepared for the transition. Implementation readiness is a core pillar of the Project’s approach, complementing training, Organizational Change Management (OCM), Business Process Re-Engineering (BPR), and technical onboarding efforts presented in prior issues.
This month, we are highlighting how the Project and county partners are working together to evaluate readiness, identify risks early, and strengthen confidence through structured checkpoints and clearer visibility into the tasks that matter most.
Readiness Checkpoints: Building Transparency and Alignment
The Readiness Checkpoint structure is designed to provide counties, Project teams, and leadership with timely insight into progress and potential risks. Each checkpoint expands on the previous one by incorporating new validation inputs, updated completion percentages, and more refined task-level analysis.
For upcoming checkpoints, the Project plans to:
County readiness is measured through a series of criteria mapped across Training, OCM, Implementation Management, Technical Readiness, and Data Quality Implementation Disciplines. These tasks represent the foundational work that counties must complete to ensure a smooth transition into CARES V1.
Each county reports progress through regular touchpoints with their Implementation Leads. Completion updates flow into the Project’s readiness tracking tools, where they are compiled into dashboards and materials reviewed during formal readiness checkpoints. This structured approach mirrors the Project’s broader emphasis on planning and phased rollouts, as demonstrated in Production Simulation (Prod Sim) activities and stakeholder briefings.
Looking Ahead
As we enter the final stretch before CARES V1 Go-Live, the Project remains committed to providing clear information, timely updates, and strong partnership with counties across the state. Implementation readiness is a shared effort rooted in accuracy, transparency, and ensuring local Organizations have what they need to succeed.
Thank you to all county partners for your continued engagement, insights, and dedication throughout this milestone year. Your feedback continues to shape how we support you on the path to Go-Live.
Originally published in the CWS-CARES Explorer.
This month, we are highlighting how the Project and county partners are working together to evaluate readiness, identify risks early, and strengthen confidence through structured checkpoints and clearer visibility into the tasks that matter most.
Readiness Checkpoints: Building Transparency and Alignment
The Readiness Checkpoint structure is designed to provide counties, Project teams, and leadership with timely insight into progress and potential risks. Each checkpoint expands on the previous one by incorporating new validation inputs, updated completion percentages, and more refined task-level analysis.
For upcoming checkpoints, the Project plans to:
- Increase visibility into individual critical path tasks and dependencies
- Highlight key areas where counties may need additional support
- Capture county-reported context that explains whether progress reflects true readiness or is influenced by external constraints
- Strengthen the objectivity and accuracy of readiness narratives shared across the state
County readiness is measured through a series of criteria mapped across Training, OCM, Implementation Management, Technical Readiness, and Data Quality Implementation Disciplines. These tasks represent the foundational work that counties must complete to ensure a smooth transition into CARES V1.
Each county reports progress through regular touchpoints with their Implementation Leads. Completion updates flow into the Project’s readiness tracking tools, where they are compiled into dashboards and materials reviewed during formal readiness checkpoints. This structured approach mirrors the Project’s broader emphasis on planning and phased rollouts, as demonstrated in Production Simulation (Prod Sim) activities and stakeholder briefings.
Looking Ahead
As we enter the final stretch before CARES V1 Go-Live, the Project remains committed to providing clear information, timely updates, and strong partnership with counties across the state. Implementation readiness is a shared effort rooted in accuracy, transparency, and ensuring local Organizations have what they need to succeed.
Thank you to all county partners for your continued engagement, insights, and dedication throughout this milestone year. Your feedback continues to shape how we support you on the path to Go-Live.
Originally published in the CWS-CARES Explorer.
Resource Spotlight: CWS-CARES Support Model Fact Sheet
The CWS-CARES Support Model Fact Sheet brings key support resources and contacts together in one place, making it easier for Organization staff to find the help they need.
The fact sheet includes:
The fact sheet includes:
- Production Simulation support: Regional mailboxes, daily office hours, support clinics, and steps to take before reporting an issue
- Issue resolution process: A diagram showing how questions and issues move from users to local support teams and, when needed, to the Project team
- Additional CWS-CARES support: Contacts, office hours, and related environments for Implementation, OCM, Training, Forms, Data Conversion, External Systems, and Interfaces
- Resources: Links to updates, portals, FAQs, and meeting materials
CWS-CARES Pop-Up Shop #3
The CWS-CARES Pop-Up Shop is just around the corner! From August 31 – September 18, 2026, all 58 California counties, Tribes, and partner organizations will have an opportunity to purchase CWS-CARES branded items using their own funds. This time, the Pop-Up Shop will feature a wider selection items including apparel, stationary, drinkware, and other accessories perfect for showing support for CWS-CARES.
A link to the Pop-Up Shop ordering site will be shared in the August 31, 2026 CWS-CARES Weekly Digest. Subscribe to the CWS-CARES Weekly Digest to receive the latest news from the CWS-CARES Project.
Share the flyer below with your staff and invite them to purchase an item from the CWS-CARES Pop-Up Shop #3!
A link to the Pop-Up Shop ordering site will be shared in the August 31, 2026 CWS-CARES Weekly Digest. Subscribe to the CWS-CARES Weekly Digest to receive the latest news from the CWS-CARES Project.
What are Pop-Up Shops?
Pop-Up Shops are limited time, online stores offering CWS-CARES branded merchandise. We host these Pop-Up Shops regularly to build awareness and excitement for CWS-CARES. While the Project coordinates and markets the Pop-Ups, purchases are made through Staples Promotional Products with your own funds. Neither the state nor the CWS-CARES Project receive any proceeds or profits from the shop. Ordering is optional.What items will be offered in Pop-Up Shop #3?
Our full selection of items along with pricing details, ordering FAQs, and shipping information, are included the CWS-CARES Pop-Up Shop #3 FAQs and Item Selection PDF. The prices for featured items range from under a $1 to $18.95, ideal for bulk or individual purchases.Share the flyer below with your staff and invite them to purchase an item from the CWS-CARES Pop-Up Shop #3!
Production Simulation: A Closer Look at the Path to Go-Live
Production Simulation is here! As of June 22, 2026, active Extended User Scenario Testing (EUST) 3 users, County admins, and data conversion validation users have begun working hands-on in a Production Simulation (Prod Sim, or CARES 100) environment that closely mirrors CWS-CARES Version 1 (CARES V1), marking a major milestones before Go-Live. Prod Sim enables organizations to practice and test workflows, validate data, run reports and forms, and prepare staff for the transition ahead.
A Phased Path to Full Access
To ensure that organizations have access to a stable, fully functional environment, Prod Sim is opening in phases. Counties began hands-on validation of converted legacy data on June 22, 2026, with subject matter experts and end users verifying data accuracy and business functionality. As additional users join on July 6, users will validate reports and data extracts, and the self-paced training curriculum becomes available.
Behind the Scenes
The Project Team is focused on resolving a key set of technical priorities so that Prod Sim reflects the most accurate, up-to-date representation of the system available. Many conversion items have already been resolved, and additional capabilities, including converted county forms, will come online on a rolling basis through the summer, with updates shared by July 6 and August 4. A dedicated support system is in place, with the Organization Support Team providing first-line help and the Project Support Team managing escalations. The Project is also partnering closely with CWDA, CPOC, and county leadership to address and mitigate any impacts.
The Project appreciates your patience and ongoing partnership throughout this transition as we maintain our shared commitment to the safety and well-being of children and families. More Prod Sim information can be found on the CWS-CARES Production Simulation Hub on the CWDS site. For questions, please contact your regional support team.
Originally published in the CWS-CARES Explorer.
A Phased Path to Full Access
To ensure that organizations have access to a stable, fully functional environment, Prod Sim is opening in phases. Counties began hands-on validation of converted legacy data on June 22, 2026, with subject matter experts and end users verifying data accuracy and business functionality. As additional users join on July 6, users will validate reports and data extracts, and the self-paced training curriculum becomes available.
Behind the Scenes
The Project Team is focused on resolving a key set of technical priorities so that Prod Sim reflects the most accurate, up-to-date representation of the system available. Many conversion items have already been resolved, and additional capabilities, including converted county forms, will come online on a rolling basis through the summer, with updates shared by July 6 and August 4. A dedicated support system is in place, with the Organization Support Team providing first-line help and the Project Support Team managing escalations. The Project is also partnering closely with CWDA, CPOC, and county leadership to address and mitigate any impacts.
The Project appreciates your patience and ongoing partnership throughout this transition as we maintain our shared commitment to the safety and well-being of children and families. More Prod Sim information can be found on the CWS-CARES Production Simulation Hub on the CWDS site. For questions, please contact your regional support team.
Originally published in the CWS-CARES Explorer.
Preparing for Success: Training Comes into Focus
As we approach CWS-CARES Version 1 (CARES V1) Go-Live, the Project is helping staff prepare through a combination of role-based, Instructor-Led training (ILT) and on-demand recorded sessions (Enablement Programs).
Rather than a one-size-fits-all-model, this approach ensures that staff receive training that’s tailored directly to their needs and flexible for each organization's schedule. These training resources will also prepare staff to test workflows in the Prod Sim environment.
Train-the-Trainer
Train-the-Trainer (TTT) prepares designated trainers within each organization to lead training for their own staff. Rather than relying on Project trainers, this approach builds local training capacity so every organization has experts who know the system and their local teams. Trainers complete an on-demand Enablement prerequisite, followed by TTT sessions that prepare them to lead ILT along Project staff.
The on-demand prerequisites for trainers began on June 8, 2026, and instructor-led TTT sessions begin on July 6, 2026, with 700+ trainers expected to participate.
On-Demand Enablement Programs
Enablement programs help staff understand core CWS-CARES functionality and navigation steps. The 46 self-paced Enablement Program modules include 40 hours of guided tasks with step-by-step instructions to support day-one readiness. Enablement programs serve as the pre-requisite to Instructor-Led Training (ILT) which is led jointly by organization and Project trainers.
The enablement programs become available to all end users on June 30, 2026.
Instructor-Led Training
The Instructor-Led Training curriculum offers in-person and virtual sessions for county, state, and specialized program staff across the business areas they work in every day, including Screenings and Referrals, Placements, Case Management Services, Courts, Eligibility, Adoptions, Prevention Services (FFPSA), Resource Family Approval (RFA), Financial Management, Admin Console, and Probation. Modules are determined by a user’s role and are estimated to be completed within 1-3 days.
Resources and Support
Questions, issues, and support is available through dedicated, Project-led Regional Support Teams across California. To submit a question or concern, contact your region’s support team via email.
Originally published in the CWS-CARES Explorer.
Rather than a one-size-fits-all-model, this approach ensures that staff receive training that’s tailored directly to their needs and flexible for each organization's schedule. These training resources will also prepare staff to test workflows in the Prod Sim environment.
Train-the-Trainer
Train-the-Trainer (TTT) prepares designated trainers within each organization to lead training for their own staff. Rather than relying on Project trainers, this approach builds local training capacity so every organization has experts who know the system and their local teams. Trainers complete an on-demand Enablement prerequisite, followed by TTT sessions that prepare them to lead ILT along Project staff.
The on-demand prerequisites for trainers began on June 8, 2026, and instructor-led TTT sessions begin on July 6, 2026, with 700+ trainers expected to participate.
On-Demand Enablement Programs
Enablement programs help staff understand core CWS-CARES functionality and navigation steps. The 46 self-paced Enablement Program modules include 40 hours of guided tasks with step-by-step instructions to support day-one readiness. Enablement programs serve as the pre-requisite to Instructor-Led Training (ILT) which is led jointly by organization and Project trainers.
The enablement programs become available to all end users on June 30, 2026.
Instructor-Led Training
The Instructor-Led Training curriculum offers in-person and virtual sessions for county, state, and specialized program staff across the business areas they work in every day, including Screenings and Referrals, Placements, Case Management Services, Courts, Eligibility, Adoptions, Prevention Services (FFPSA), Resource Family Approval (RFA), Financial Management, Admin Console, and Probation. Modules are determined by a user’s role and are estimated to be completed within 1-3 days.
Resources and Support
Questions, issues, and support is available through dedicated, Project-led Regional Support Teams across California. To submit a question or concern, contact your region’s support team via email.
Originally published in the CWS-CARES Explorer.