CWS-CARES Public Library
Process Information Sessions: Understanding New Processes in CWS-CARES
When an organization replaces a software system, the changes extend beyond the technology. The transition requires updates to workflows, processes, policies, and procedures that impact the way staff perform their daily tasks. This is especially true for a change as comprehensive as the transition from CWS/CMS to CWS-CARES.
To support a smooth transition, the Implementation Team will host a series of Process Information Sessions for county child welfare and juvenile probation departments, related California Department of Social Services (CDSS) subdivisions, and Tribes with Title IV-E Agreements with CDSS. These sessions will provide an overview of new system processes and highlight the key features and benefits that CWS-CARES users can expect. Here’s what participants can expect during the sessions:
Additional sessions for other service areas will be held throughout 2025 and into early 2026. The project will continue to coordinate with CDSS, juvenile probation departments, and Tribes with Title IV-E Agreements with CDSS to determine which sessions they should attend based on the type of work their teams perform. If you have any questions about these sessions or the attendance lists, please reach out to your CWS-CARES Implementation Lead.
*Some counties refer to Screening as “Hotline” or “Intake” and to Investigations as “ER (Emergency Response)” or “Referral Investigations.”
Originally published in the CWS-CARES Explorer.
To support a smooth transition, the Implementation Team will host a series of Process Information Sessions for county child welfare and juvenile probation departments, related California Department of Social Services (CDSS) subdivisions, and Tribes with Title IV-E Agreements with CDSS. These sessions will provide an overview of new system processes and highlight the key features and benefits that CWS-CARES users can expect. Here’s what participants can expect during the sessions:
- Recorded demonstrations of high-level functionality in CWS-CARES
- A walk-through of new processes, key changes, new features, and new terms in CWS-CARES
- Guidance on next steps each organization’s team will take after the session
When will these sessions be held?
The first set of sessions will focus on Intake (Screening and Investigations*) and will be held in May 2025. Intake sessions will be scheduled for county child welfare departments according to their region, along with sessions for Los Angeles County. County Implementation Coordinators are working with their teams to finalize the attendees for the sessions.Additional sessions for other service areas will be held throughout 2025 and into early 2026. The project will continue to coordinate with CDSS, juvenile probation departments, and Tribes with Title IV-E Agreements with CDSS to determine which sessions they should attend based on the type of work their teams perform. If you have any questions about these sessions or the attendance lists, please reach out to your CWS-CARES Implementation Lead.
*Some counties refer to Screening as “Hotline” or “Intake” and to Investigations as “ER (Emergency Response)” or “Referral Investigations.”
Originally published in the CWS-CARES Explorer.