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
CWS-CARES Pop-Up Shop #3: Coming Soon!
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!
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.
CWS-CARES Communication Effectiveness Survey #3: Next Steps
The CWS-CARES annual Communication Effectiveness Surveys ran from March 9 to April 3, 2026, drawing 103 complete responses from 1,046 individuals invited (a 10% response rate), across 38 counties and a range of stakeholder roles. Sentiment scores declined across all seven categories compared to the prior survey. Confidence in the Project timeline was the lowest-rated category, while Project staff continue to be recognized for their responsiveness and listening.
Understanding the Results
Several factors may have shaped sentiment during the survey window:
Your feedback is shaping concrete changes you will see ahead; several in the Weekly Digest, the tool you rated most helpful. The Weekly Digest will add a project timeline and upcoming activities section, along with a recurring training update section and rotating Resource Spotlight to make existing materials easier to find.
Beyond the Weekly Digest, the Project is introducing subject-line tags that label communications when action is needed versus when the messaging is simply an update. These examples represent only part of the broader work underway across the Project.
Thank you to everyone who took the time to respond. Your feedback directly shapes how we communicate with you as we move into the final months before CWS-CARES Go-Live.
Originally published in the CWS-CARES Explorer.
Understanding the Results
Several factors may have shaped sentiment during the survey window:
- The federal shutdown and APDU pause (October 2025)
- The shift from a five-county pilot to statewide Production Simulation (December 2025)
- EUST 3 user experience challenges (January to April 2026)
- The implementation vendor transition, announced shortly before the survey opened (March 2026)
Your feedback is shaping concrete changes you will see ahead; several in the Weekly Digest, the tool you rated most helpful. The Weekly Digest will add a project timeline and upcoming activities section, along with a recurring training update section and rotating Resource Spotlight to make existing materials easier to find.
Beyond the Weekly Digest, the Project is introducing subject-line tags that label communications when action is needed versus when the messaging is simply an update. These examples represent only part of the broader work underway across the Project.
Thank you to everyone who took the time to respond. Your feedback directly shapes how we communicate with you as we move into the final months before CWS-CARES Go-Live.
Originally published in the CWS-CARES Explorer.
Support for County Forms in CWS/CMS Now Available
We are pleased to share that the CWS-CARES Project will develop the top-prioritized 2,400 county CWS/CMS forms, which were originally slated for county conversion. This is a significant undertaking, and one we are committed to completing to support county readiness for CWS-CARES Go-Live.
Project-led conversion is already underway and is expected to be completed by July 31, 2026. After that date, all converted forms will be available for validation in the CWS-CARES Production Simulation environment. Please note that counties remain responsible for any forms housed outside of CWS/CMS in their own external systems.
Thank you for your continued partnership and feedback; it directly shapes how we support you through this milestone year.
Originally published in the CWS-CARES Explorer.
Project-led conversion is already underway and is expected to be completed by July 31, 2026. After that date, all converted forms will be available for validation in the CWS-CARES Production Simulation environment. Please note that counties remain responsible for any forms housed outside of CWS/CMS in their own external systems.
Thank you for your continued partnership and feedback; it directly shapes how we support you through this milestone year.
Originally published in the CWS-CARES Explorer.
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.
CWS-CARES Implementation Services At-a-Glance
The CWS-CARES Project announced partnership with a new vendor for implementation services on March 25, 2026. KPMG, the new vendor, began Organization Change Management (OCM), training, and implementation onboarding in early April and have resumed activities. The updated approach for implementation services is focused on continuity, preparing counties and organizations for Go-Live, and adapting resources to user needs.
More information on the updated approach will be shared once the new implementation vendor is fully onboarded. Thank you to all stakeholders for your patience and understanding as we navigate these changes together.
Tailored Training – Training and support will account for county and organization needs and roles. Each county and organization will have the option to leverage a combination of self-paced virtual learning, instructor-led virtual learning, and in-person instructor-led learning. This blended training approach offers the flexibility to achieve learning objectives based on individual needs.
Expanded Training – OCM and training will be available to an estimated 30,000 end users. Current training resources will be used as possible; updates and supplemental materials will be created as needed to support day-to-day work.
Blended User Support – In person and virtual support will be available to end users during Go-Live and beyond.
Originally published in the CWS-CARES Explorer.
More information on the updated approach will be shared once the new implementation vendor is fully onboarded. Thank you to all stakeholders for your patience and understanding as we navigate these changes together.
Updated Implementation and Training Approach Highlights
Continuity of Effort – After a rapid assessment of current implementation activities, the new Implementation Team will leverage existing readiness work and training assets to maintain continuity where possible. Counties and organizations will continue to have dedicated implementation contacts.Tailored Training – Training and support will account for county and organization needs and roles. Each county and organization will have the option to leverage a combination of self-paced virtual learning, instructor-led virtual learning, and in-person instructor-led learning. This blended training approach offers the flexibility to achieve learning objectives based on individual needs.
Expanded Training – OCM and training will be available to an estimated 30,000 end users. Current training resources will be used as possible; updates and supplemental materials will be created as needed to support day-to-day work.
Blended User Support – In person and virtual support will be available to end users during Go-Live and beyond.
Originally published in the CWS-CARES Explorer.
Production Simulation Opens to First Group of Users May 4, 2026
The CWS-CARES Production Simulation environment (Prod Sim) is a new readiness activity that will allow users to practice and test system functionality in a digital space mirroring CWS-CARES Version 1. This environment will be populated with real converted data from CWS/CMS, CARES-Live, and RFA Greenfield* to support validation and testing ahead of CWS-CARES Go-Live. 25,000 users from
the 58 California counties, Tribes with Title IV-E Agreements, and State Partners will gain access across a phased approach.
Starting May 4, 2026 Prod Sim will open to County Administrators, Single Points of Contact (SPOCs), Super Users, and Extended User Scenario Testing (EUST) testers. Users in the first onboarding phase will begin initial testing and set access and data permissions using synthetic data for the users onboarded later. All other users and county staff will have access to Prod Sim in July 2026 with real, converted data. Please note that updates to data in Prod Sim will not be reflected in CWS/CMS. Prod Sim training and support will be available for end users and more information will be shared as we move closer to launch.
*Converted data from CARES-Live and RFA Greenfield will be available after phase 2 has been onboarded.
Originally published in the CWS-CARES Explorer.
the 58 California counties, Tribes with Title IV-E Agreements, and State Partners will gain access across a phased approach.
Starting May 4, 2026 Prod Sim will open to County Administrators, Single Points of Contact (SPOCs), Super Users, and Extended User Scenario Testing (EUST) testers. Users in the first onboarding phase will begin initial testing and set access and data permissions using synthetic data for the users onboarded later. All other users and county staff will have access to Prod Sim in July 2026 with real, converted data. Please note that updates to data in Prod Sim will not be reflected in CWS/CMS. Prod Sim training and support will be available for end users and more information will be shared as we move closer to launch.
*Converted data from CARES-Live and RFA Greenfield will be available after phase 2 has been onboarded.
Originally published in the CWS-CARES Explorer.
That’s a Wrap! Extended User Scenario Testing (EUST) 3 Concludes
From January 20 through April 17, 2026, the CWS-CARES Project conducted Extended User Scenario Testing (EUST 3), a key milestone on the path to CWS-CARES V1 Go-Live. Participants worked through real-world, end-to-end scenarios across the system, helping validate how CWS-CARES performs in practice.
EUST 3 engaged a broad group of organization users and generated a high volume of feedback, providing critical insight to strengthen the system. A total of 852 users provided feedback, representing 38 counties. In addition to general scenario testing, EUST 3 included focused testing on the Admin Console, State and Federal Reports, and Family First Prevention Services Act (FFPSA) & Resource Family Approval (RFA) Portals.
We appreciate the time, effort, and thoughtful input provided by all participants. Your continued involvement is essential in shaping CWS-CARES, and we thank you for your ongoing partnership!
For questions, please contact the CWS-CARES EUST Mailbox.
Originally published in the CWS-CARES Explorer.
EUST 3 engaged a broad group of organization users and generated a high volume of feedback, providing critical insight to strengthen the system. A total of 852 users provided feedback, representing 38 counties. In addition to general scenario testing, EUST 3 included focused testing on the Admin Console, State and Federal Reports, and Family First Prevention Services Act (FFPSA) & Resource Family Approval (RFA) Portals.
What’s Next
Feedback collected throughout EUST 3 will be categorized based on priority and addressed for ongoing project planning. A summary of results will be shared with EUST 3 participants following completion of this process.We appreciate the time, effort, and thoughtful input provided by all participants. Your continued involvement is essential in shaping CWS-CARES, and we thank you for your ongoing partnership!
For questions, please contact the CWS-CARES EUST Mailbox.
Originally published in the CWS-CARES Explorer.
By the Numbers: Extended User Scenario Testing (EUST) 3
EUST is a structured, time bound activity that is intended to allow users from various counties an opportunity to provide user experience feedback on CWS-CARES. The EUST period includes end-to-end testing of scenarios in CWSCARES.
The CWS-CARES project has previously conducted two rounds of EUST and is currently in the process of facilitating the third. EUST 3 includes the following phases:
We greatly appreciate the time, effort, and thoughtful input provided by everyone participating in EUST 3. Your continued engagement plays a vital role in strengthening CWS-CARES, and we thank you for your ongoing partnership!
Originally published in the CWS-CARES Explorer.
The CWS-CARES project has previously conducted two rounds of EUST and is currently in the process of facilitating the third. EUST 3 includes the following phases:
- CWS-CARES Administrative Console, which concluded on January 30, 2026
- EUST 3 General, which began on February 2 and concludes on April 3, 2026
- EUST 3R (Reporting), beginning on February 23 and concluding on April 3, 2026.
Participation and Feedback Statistics as of February 20, 2026
27 users provided feedback, across 17 counties in CWS-CARES Administrative Console testing, which resulted in 118 feedback items collected. As of Friday, February 20, 2026, the CWS-CARES project has received 569 feedback items from 100 users participating in EUST 3 General, all of which are being reviewed, prioritized, and incorporated into ongoing project planning. Feedback collection for EUST 3 General and Reporting will remain open through April 3, 2026, and a summary of results will be shared with EUST 3 participants in April 2026.We greatly appreciate the time, effort, and thoughtful input provided by everyone participating in EUST 3. Your continued engagement plays a vital role in strengthening CWS-CARES, and we thank you for your ongoing partnership!
Originally published in the CWS-CARES Explorer.
On the Path to Go-Live: CWS-CARES Readiness Update
In preparation for CWS-CARES Go-Live in October 2026, we are introducing a new key readiness activity: the Production Simulation (Prod Sim) environment. Pending federal approval, counties will gain access to Prod Sim in May 2026, which will allow users to practice and test system functionality in a digital environment mirroring CWS-CARES Version 1 (CARES V1).
The CWS-CARES Service Desk will launch around the same time to manage incidents and escalations, provide business continuity, and offer general support. The project will also hold trainings before and during Prod Sim to support staff readiness as we move toward CWS-CARES Go-Live.
To further strengthen readiness efforts, CWS-CARES County Advisory Committees (CACs) focused on Prod Sim, Service Desk, and Training were introduced in February 2026 to provide a dedicated forum for collaboration. CACs, referred to as "workgroups" in previous communications, are expected to continue through Go-Live alongside existing project workgroups. The purpose of the CACs is to enhance overall county readiness, provide feedback for operational support, and promote collaboration.
Thank you to all counties who have volunteered to participate in the County Advisory Committees! Your engagement, insights, and partnership directly shape a smoother, more successful transition to CWS-CARES.
Originally published in the CWS-CARES Explorer.
Key Benefits of Production Simulation:
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Open to all 58 Counties, Tribes with Title IV-E Agreements, and State Partners starting May 2026
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Populated with converted data from CWS/CMS, CARES-Live, and RFA Greenfield
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Includes full interfaces, analytics, and "real-world" referral/case management
The CWS-CARES Service Desk will launch around the same time to manage incidents and escalations, provide business continuity, and offer general support. The project will also hold trainings before and during Prod Sim to support staff readiness as we move toward CWS-CARES Go-Live.
To further strengthen readiness efforts, CWS-CARES County Advisory Committees (CACs) focused on Prod Sim, Service Desk, and Training were introduced in February 2026 to provide a dedicated forum for collaboration. CACs, referred to as "workgroups" in previous communications, are expected to continue through Go-Live alongside existing project workgroups. The purpose of the CACs is to enhance overall county readiness, provide feedback for operational support, and promote collaboration.
Thank you to all counties who have volunteered to participate in the County Advisory Committees! Your engagement, insights, and partnership directly shape a smoother, more successful transition to CWS-CARES.
Originally published in the CWS-CARES Explorer.