CARES SPOCs, Implementation Coordinators, OCM Coordinators, County Leadership, Tribe Leadership, Probation Leadership, and State Leadership:
We are sharing a high-level CWS-CARES Implementation Timeline from May 2026 to January 2027. This timeline includes the key activities for Implementation, Training, and Organizational Change Management (OCM) and is provided to support counties and organizations in their internal planning and awareness efforts.
Please note that this is a draft currently undergoing final validation for the project’s master schedule. Dates may be slightly adjusted following these final reviews. Following the commitment to distribute this initial information by May 15th, a finalized version will be published soon.
Key County Activities and Dates: May 2026 to January 2027
Implementation
- Monthly Readiness Checkpoints to mid-October
- Develop Project Go-Live Support Plan: 5/11– 6/30
- Org Support Plan Template: 7/1–7/31
- Go-Live Support starting on 10/26 (Over-the-Shoulder Support to 11/25; Virtual Command Center to 1/24/2027)
1. In-App Learning: Self-Paced Online Training (Enablement): 5/26–10/23Enablement Programs are step-by-step instructions viewable in CWS-CARES and will be available in the production simulation environment beginning 5/26, with additional modules added on a rolling basis through 7/17. Post-launch, the Enablement suite will undergo iterative updates to stay aligned with the system.
2. Train-the-Trainer: 6/15–10/23
- Self-Paced Online Training (Enablement): 6/1– 8/1
- Participate in TTT Sessions: 6/15 - 8/14
- Ongoing TTT Office Hours & Support Channel 6/15-10/23
3. End Users Training: 6/15–10/23
- Self-Paced Online Training (Enablement): 6/15–10/9
- Instructor-Led Training (ILT): 8/3–10/23
- Refresher Training: 10/8–10/23
Organizational Change Management (OCM)
1. Change Champion/Super User Network: 5/11–11/1
- Establish Network and Planning: 5/11 to 6/15
- Execute Network Plan: 6/15 to 11/1
2. Business Process Redesign (BPR): 6/15–11/1
- OAS, Deep Dives, Delta Workshops 6/15 - 9/15
- Organization Support Materials to Document Deltas: 7/15 – 9/15
- Statewide Impact Register 9/15 - 10/15
- Key Findings: 10/15 -11/1
Training Structure and Durations
The training strategy utilizes a blended approach of on-demand and live sessions, with specific prerequisites for each phase:
1. On-Demand Training (Prerequisite):
- Up to 40 hours of on-demand material will be available.
- This is a mandatory prerequisite for both Train-the-Trainer (TTT) and End-User Training (EUT).
- The actual number of hours required will vary depending on a user's specific role.
2. Train-the-Trainer (TTT):
- The estimated duration is up to 2 weeks.
- Timing is adjustable based on a trainer's prior experience with CWS/CMS and CWS-CARES; those new to both systems will have more prep time.
- Exact schedules will be finalized once all trainers are identified.
3. End-User Training (EUT):
- Most staff will require 1 to 3 days of training.
- A small subset of users needing comprehensive training across all modules may require additional time.
We will provide further details as they become available, with a target update scheduled for the end of this month. We look forward to partnering with the counties and organizations to ensure a smooth transition and will continue to provide regular updates as we approach the October 2026 Go-Live.
Action Required
No action needed.