CARES SPOCs, Implementation Coordinators, OCM Coordinators, County Leadership, Tribe Leadership, Probation Leadership, and State Leadership:
In this Weekly Digest:
- CWS-CARES and Data Exchange Fact Sheet is Now Available
- Update: CWS-CARES Implementation Timeline
- Final Reminder: Nine (9) Days Left to Register for CWS-CARES Stakeholder Briefing #7
- CWS-CARES is Observing Memorial Day on May 25, 2026
- CWS-CARES Frequently Asked Question (FAQ) of the Week
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CWS-CARES and Data Exchange Fact Sheet is Now Available
The CWS-CARES and Data Exchange Fact Sheet is now available on the CWS-CARES Infographics, Flyers, and Slogans page on the CWDS website. This resource provides an overview of how interfaces and state reporting systems connect to CWS-CARES, what historical data is included, and what data is available in CWS-CARES after Go-Live. It also covers historical data from external systems selected for CWS-CARES V1 data conversion. Topics include:
- Interfaces connecting to CWS-CARES Version 1 (CARES V1)
- State Reporting Systems
- External Systems selected for CARES V1 Data Conversion
Please contact Customer Relations at CWS_CustRel@otsi.ca.gov with any questions.
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Update: CWS-CARES Implementation Timeline
The CWS-CARES Project has developed a high-level Implementation Timeline to outline key activities for Implementation, Training, and Organizational Change Management (OCM) from May 2026 through January 2027. This timeline is intended to support counties and organizations in their internal planning. Please note this is a draft undergoing final validation, and a visual summarizing these activities will be posted to the CWDS website soon.
Key activity areas include:
- Implementation: May 2026 – January 2027
- Training: June – October 2026
- Organizational Change Management (OCM): May – November 2026
For a full breakdown of activities and dates, see the CWDS Bulletins | Child Welfare Digital Services. Please contact Customer Relations at CWS_CustRel@otsi.ca.gov with any questions.
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Final Reminder: Nine (9) Days Left to Register for CWS-CARES Stakeholder Briefing #7
Thank you to the 530+ stakeholders who have already registered for the next Stakeholder Briefing on May 27, 2026! If you’ve not yet registered, we encourage you to attend the live webinar on May 27, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. All stakeholders impacted by the changes to CWS-CARES are welcome to attend, ask questions, and hear updates from Project leadership.
Register now at: CWS-CARES Stakeholder Briefing #7 | Registration. Note: A separate calendar invitation will not be sent by the CWS-CARES Project. Please manually add the .ics attachment in the registration confirmation email to your calendar.
The full agenda for the May 2026 Stakeholder Briefing is available to view on the CWS-CARES Stakeholder Briefing #7 Registration page. Updates will include:
- Implementation
- Extended User Scenario Testing (EUST) 3
- Production Simulation
- Resource Family Approval (RFA) Portal Demonstration
View the dates for all upcoming CWS-CARES Stakeholder Briefings in 2026 on the Stakeholder Briefings and Webinars page on the CWDS website.
Thank you for participating in our Stakeholder Briefing webinar series! We hope to see you on May 27, 2026 to continue the conversation on the upcoming transition to CWS-CARES.
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CWS-CARES is Observing Memorial Day on May 25, 2026
The CWS-CARES Project will observe the Memorial Day holiday on May 25, 2026. Please anticipate a delay in communications on this day. Due to the holiday, no Weekly Digest email will be distributed on Monday, May 25, 2026. Weekly Digest emails will resume on Monday, June 1, 2026.
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CWS-CARES Frequently Asked Question (FAQ) of the Week
Each week, we highlight a common question from counties and partner organizations, along with a clear, practical answer to help you better understand CWS-CARES functionality.
May 18, 2026 FAQ of the Week:
Q Which interfaces will be available in CWS-CARES Production Simulation?
A: All interfaces will be available in Production Simulation. This includes Case Management Assessment (CMA) - P-CIS, Foster Care Eligibility Determination (FCED) – CalSAWS, County Expense Claim Reporting Information System (CECRIS), Data Extract from California Department of Education (CDE), Regional Center Services for Department of Developmental Services ( DDS), Juvenile Network (JNET), Facility Management System (LIS/FAS), and Structured Decision Making (SDM).
To view all of the CWS-CARES FAQs, please visit the CWDS website: CWS-CARES FAQs | CWDS Website. Have a question? Send it to Customer Relations at CWS_CustRel@otsi.ca.gov and we will be happy to help.
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Share Your Feedback and Subscribe
Thank you for following our progress! Share your feedback on this CWS-CARES Weekly Digest here: CWS-CARES Weekly Digest Feedback Form. Subscribe to future issues here: CWS-CARES Weekly Digest Subscription Form.
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Action Required: We request that all CWS-CARES Single Point of Contacts (SPOCs) and Implementation Coordinators coordinate and distribute the CWS-CARES Weekly Digest to all staff impacted by CWS-CARES, at their discretion.