CARES SPOCs, Implementation Coordinators, OCM Coordinators, County Leadership, Tribe Leadership, Probation Leadership, and State Leadership:
As we prepare for the CWS-CARES Version 1 (V1) launch in October 2026, we are sharing an important update regarding the collection and management of Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity and Expression (SOGIE) data within the system.
In direct response to updated federal guidance and a recent Executive Order (EO), the State has decided to transition specific SOGIE data fields to "Read-Only" status within the CARES V1 User Interface.
This approach ensures immediate federal compliance while preserving the significant development work already completed. By locking these fields rather than removing them, CWS-CARES remains stable for go-live while protecting existing data.
The following fields in CWS-CARES will be visible but not editable for the V1 launch:
- Sexual Orientation: Includes Asexual, Bisexual, Gay, Lesbian, Pansexual, Queer, Straight/Heterosexual, Declines to State, Not Listed, Client does not know (including description text box), and Did not ask (including description text box).
- Gender Identity: Includes Female, Male, Non-Binary, Gender Queer, Transgender Female, Transgender Male, Two-Spirit, Gender Fluid, Intersex, Decline to State, Did Not Ask, Client does not know, and Not Listed (including associated description boxes).
- Pronouns: He/Him, She/Her, and They/Them.
The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) is committed to working closely with counties and local jurisdictions to determine how to best address ongoing programmatic needs for this information.
We appreciate your flexibility as we navigate these evolving federal requirements to ensure a compliant and successful launch of CWS-CARES.
Action Required
For your information only.