CWS-CARES Public Library
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.