CWS-CARES Public Library

The CWS-CARES Project has several important user testing activities scheduled over the coming months. These testing periods allow organizations to engage directly with the system, provide feedback on its design, and help ensure readiness for CWS-CARES Version 1 (V1) Go-Live. ​

Usability Testing: October – December 2025 ​

The Project will conduct two Usability Testing Periods prior to Extended User Scenario Testing (EUST) 3. These sessions invite a limited group of Core Constituent counties who were engaged in EUST 2 and confirmed participants in EUST 3 to complete defined tasks in specific areas of CWS-CARES. The goal is to gather early input on functionality, evaluate usability, and address issues before moving into broader end-to-end testing. ​

EUST 3: February – April 2026 ​

Following the usability testing rounds, organizations are invited to participate in EUST 3, scheduled for February 2 – April 3, 2026. ​

EUST 3 takes a holistic approach, asking participants to complete real-world, end-to-end scenarios that span multiple areas of the system—from Screening and Intake to Forms. This broader view builds on the focused usability testing and provides a comprehensive assessment of system readiness ahead of CWS-CARES V1 Go-Live. ​

Support for Participants ​

Counties participating in testing will receive support through kickoff sessions, optional office hours, and connectivity guidance to ensure access to the CWS-CARES staging environment. Feedback will be collected directly from testers as they complete their assigned tasks. Together, the Usability Testing Periods and EUST 3 create a structured path toward CWS-CARES V1, ensuring the system is ready for successful statewide use. For questions, please contact the CWS-CARES EUST Mailbox. ​

Testing Timeline ​

Usability Testing Period 1​: October 27 - November 7, 2025​
Scope: Screening/Intake, Referral/Placement, Risk/Safety Assessment, Person Profile, Plan of Safe Care, 90-Day Transition Plan ​

Usability Testing Period 2​: December 8 - December 19, 2025​
Scope: Adoption & After Care & Re-Entry (Finish a Case), Forms ​

EUST 3​: February 2 - April 3, 2026​
Scope: All service areas in Usability Testing Periods 1 & 2, validation of previously testing functionalities within CWS-CARES, State and Federal reporting, and CWS-CARES Administration Console​

Originally published in the CWS-CARES Explorer.