CWDS Bulletins

To: Co-Existent County SPOCs and Technical Contacts:

June 30, 2026 UPDATE: Issue Summary: Microsoft Word Documents Failing to Open in CWS/CMS

Issue: In certain scenarios, Microsoft Word documents would not open when accessed through the CWS/CMS application.

Root Cause Analysis (RCA)
During routine patch validation testing, it was identified that several Microsoft June security updates introduced a compatibility issue affecting the CWS/CMS application. As a result, Microsoft Word documents could fail to open under specific conditions.

The following June updates were determined to be the cause of the issue:

• Windows 11 23H2 – KB5093998
• Windows 11 24H2 – KB5094126
• Windows 11 25H2 – KB5094126
• Windows Server 2016 (1607) – KB5094122

Action Taken
The issue was escalated to Microsoft for investigation. Microsoft confirmed that multiple customers were experiencing the same behavior and advised that a correction would be included in a future Windows update.

Resolution
Microsoft has since released the July security updates, which include the fix for this issue. Validation testing has been completed, and the problem was no longer reproducible after installation of the July updates.

The following supported CWS/CMS operating systems and updates were successfully tested:

• Windows 11 23H2 – KB5099414 (July 2026 Patch Tuesday Release)
• Windows 11 24H2 – KB5101650 (July 2026 Patch Tuesday Release)
• Windows 11 25H2 – KB5101650 (July 2026 Patch Tuesday Release)
• Windows Server 2016 (1607 LTSB) – KB5099535 (July 2026 Patch Tuesday Release)

Action Required

To resolve this issue and maintain compliance with Microsoft's security update recommendations, ensure that the applicable July updates listed above are installed on all CWS/CMS-supported systems as part of the standard patch management process.

Note: Systems that have not yet received the July updates may continue to experience the Microsoft Word document launch issue if the affected June updates are installed.

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June 19, 2026 UPDATE: Microsoft has not yet provided a permanent fix for the issue with KB5094126 (for Windows 11 v24H2 and v25H2) that is causing a 29956 error message when generating Word documents in CWS/CMS. IBM continues to strongly recommend that Co-Existent Counties do not install this patch on their CWS/CMS workstations, and if the patch is already installed to uninstall it until the permanent fix is produced. There is no estimated timeline for this fix, but we will send out an update once it is received and tested.

While testing the patches, IBM recently discovered an issue with another patch included in the June Microsoft patches. Patch #KB5093998 (for Windows 11 v23H2) is also causing the same 29956 error message when generating Word documents in CWS/CMS. IBM, again, strongly recommends that Co-Existent Counties do not install this patch on their CWS/CMS workstations, and if the patch is already installed to uninstall it until the permanent fix is produced. There is no estimated timeline for this additional fix, but we will send out an update once it is received and tested.

The following are the Microsoft patches that IBM is installing on the Dedicated County workstations for June 2026:

• .NET Desktop Runtime (x64) 8.0.28 Available
• .NET Desktop Runtime (x64) 9.0.17 Available
• .NET SDK (x64) 8.0.422 Available
• .NET Desktop Runtime 8.0.28 Available
• Adobe Acrobat 2026.001.21662 Available - Adobe Acrobat - Continuous Track (x64)
• Adobe Acrobat Reader 2026.001.21662 Available - Adobe Acrobat Reader - Continuous Track
• Adobe Acrobat Reader 2026.001.21662 Available - Adobe Acrobat Reader - Continuous Track (x64)
• Microsoft Edge Stable Build 149.0.4022.62 Available
• Microsoft Edge Stable Build 149.0.4022.62 Available (x64)
• MS26-JUN: Servicing Stack Update for Windows 10 Version 1607 - Windows 10 Version 1607 - KB5094141
• MS26-JUN: Servicing Stack Update for Windows 10 Version 1607 - Windows 10 Version 1607 - KB5094141 (x64)
• 5092427: Cumulative Update Preview for .NET Framework 3.5 and 4.8.1 for Windows 11, version 25H2 - Windows
• 5092427: Cumulative Update Preview for .NET Framework 3.5 and 4.8.1 for Windows 11, version 25H2 – Windows (x64)
• MS26-JUN: Security Update for Microsoft Excel 2016 - Excel 2016 - KB5002877
• MS26-JUN: Security Update for Microsoft Office 2016 - Office 2016 - KB5002578
• MS26-JUN: Security Update for Microsoft Office 2016 - Office 2016 - KB5002852
• MS26-JUN: Security Update for Microsoft Office 2016 - Office 2016 - KB5002878
• MS26-JUN: Security Update for Microsoft Word 2016 - Word 2016 - KB5002879
• Office 2024 Version 16.0.17932.20842 Available - Perpetual Channel - Office 2024 Volume Licensed
• Office 365 Version 16.0.20026.20166 Available - Monthly Enterprise Channel - Office 365 (English (United States
• Office 365 Version 16.0.20026.20168 Available - Current Channel - Office 365 (English (United States))
• Google Chrome 149.0.7827.103 Available
• 4052623: Update for Microsoft Defender antimalware platform - Microsoft Defender Antivirus - KB4052623
• Mozilla Firefox (x64) 140.11.0 ESR Available
• MS26-MAY: Cumulative Update for .NET Framework 3.5 and 4.7.2 for Windows 10 Version 1809 - Windows 10 KB5087061 (x64)
• MS26-MAY: Cumulative Update for .NET Framework 3.5 and 4.8 for Windows 10 Version 1809 - Windows 10 Version (x64)

Additional updates will be shared out once the permanent fixes for the problem Microsoft June patches have been distributed by Microsoft and tested by IBM.

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Issue: The CWS/CMS application generates a 29956 error in certain situations when attempting to make a call to Word documents. This error prevents the user from data input as part of normal workflow processes.

Cause: Microsoft has confirmed that the issue has been caused by Microsoft’s June 2026 update (released on June 9, 2026), specifically the KB5094126 installation on Windows 11 desktops. Microsoft has confirmed this issue is present for multiple customers.

Workaround Solution: A temporary workaround from Microsoft is to uninstall KB5094126 on impacted systems. A permanent fix is expected to be released by Microsoft within the next few days.

Note: This issue and workaround does not apply to the Dedicated County workstations. The June 2026 Microsoft patch KB5094126 was not yet installed on the Dedicated County workstations.

Action Required

Co-Existent Counties that installed the June 2026 updates from Microsoft should, as a temporary workaround, uninstall patch KB5094126 from their workstations, until Microsoft provides a permanent fix.

Co-Existent County SPOCs and Technical Contacts:

June 19, 2026 UPDATE: Microsoft has not yet provided a permanent fix for the issue with KB5094126 (for Windows 11 v24H2 and v25H2) that is causing a 29956 error message when generating Word documents in CWS/CMS. IBM continues to strongly recommend that Co-Existent Counties do not install this patch on their CWS/CMS workstations, and if the patch is already installed to uninstall it until the permanent fix is produced. There is no estimated timeline for this fix, but we will send out an update once it is received and tested.

While testing the patches, IBM recently discovered an issue with another patch included in the June Microsoft patches. Patch #KB5093998 (for Windows 11 v23H2) is also causing the same 29956 error message when generating Word documents in CWS/CMS. IBM, again, strongly recommends that Co-Existent Counties do not install this patch on their CWS/CMS workstations, and if the patch is already installed to uninstall it until the permanent fix is produced. There is no estimated timeline for this additional fix, but we will send out an update once it is received and tested.

The following are the Microsoft patches that IBM is installing on the Dedicated County workstations for June 2026:

• .NET Desktop Runtime (x64) 8.0.28 Available
• .NET Desktop Runtime (x64) 9.0.17 Available
• .NET SDK (x64) 8.0.422 Available
• .NET Desktop Runtime 8.0.28 Available
• Adobe Acrobat 2026.001.21662 Available - Adobe Acrobat - Continuous Track (x64)
• Adobe Acrobat Reader 2026.001.21662 Available - Adobe Acrobat Reader - Continuous Track
• Adobe Acrobat Reader 2026.001.21662 Available - Adobe Acrobat Reader - Continuous Track (x64)
• Microsoft Edge Stable Build 149.0.4022.62 Available
• Microsoft Edge Stable Build 149.0.4022.62 Available (x64)
• MS26-JUN: Servicing Stack Update for Windows 10 Version 1607 - Windows 10 Version 1607 - KB5094141
• MS26-JUN: Servicing Stack Update for Windows 10 Version 1607 - Windows 10 Version 1607 - KB5094141 (x64)
• 5092427: Cumulative Update Preview for .NET Framework 3.5 and 4.8.1 for Windows 11, version 25H2 - Windows
• 5092427: Cumulative Update Preview for .NET Framework 3.5 and 4.8.1 for Windows 11, version 25H2 – Windows (x64)
• MS26-JUN: Security Update for Microsoft Excel 2016 - Excel 2016 - KB5002877
• MS26-JUN: Security Update for Microsoft Office 2016 - Office 2016 - KB5002578
• MS26-JUN: Security Update for Microsoft Office 2016 - Office 2016 - KB5002852
• MS26-JUN: Security Update for Microsoft Office 2016 - Office 2016 - KB5002878
• MS26-JUN: Security Update for Microsoft Word 2016 - Word 2016 - KB5002879
• Office 2024 Version 16.0.17932.20842 Available - Perpetual Channel - Office 2024 Volume Licensed
• Office 365 Version 16.0.20026.20166 Available - Monthly Enterprise Channel - Office 365 (English (United States
• Office 365 Version 16.0.20026.20168 Available - Current Channel - Office 365 (English (United States))
• Google Chrome 149.0.7827.103 Available
• 4052623: Update for Microsoft Defender antimalware platform - Microsoft Defender Antivirus - KB4052623
• Mozilla Firefox (x64) 140.11.0 ESR Available
• MS26-MAY: Cumulative Update for .NET Framework 3.5 and 4.7.2 for Windows 10 Version 1809 - Windows 10 KB5087061 (x64)
• MS26-MAY: Cumulative Update for .NET Framework 3.5 and 4.8 for Windows 10 Version 1809 - Windows 10 Version (x64)

Additional updates will be shared out once the permanent fixes for the problem Microsoft June patches have been distributed by Microsoft and tested by IBM.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

Issue: The CWS/CMS application generates a 29956 error in certain situations when attempting to make a call to Word documents. This error prevents the user from data input as part of normal workflow processes.

Cause: Microsoft has confirmed that the issue has been caused by Microsoft’s June 2026 update (released on June 9, 2026), specifically the KB5094126 installation on Windows 11 desktops. Microsoft has confirmed this issue is present for multiple customers.

Workaround Solution: A temporary workaround from Microsoft is to uninstall KB5094126 on impacted systems. A permanent fix is expected to be released by Microsoft within the next few days.

Note: This issue and workaround does not apply to the Dedicated County workstations. The June 2026 Microsoft patch KB5094126 was not yet installed on the Dedicated County workstations.

Action Required

Co-Existent Counties that installed the June 2026 updates from Microsoft should, as a temporary workaround, uninstall patch KB5094126 from their workstations, until Microsoft provides a permanent fix.

CARES SPOCs, Implementation Coordinators, OCM Coordinators, County Leadership, Tribe Leadership, Probation Leadership, and State Leadership:

Please note that while a Weekly Digest was not originally scheduled for this week in observance of Memorial Day, we received last-minute communications that warranted distribution. We appreciate your continued attention and flexibility. 

In this Weekly Digest:

• CWS-CARES Role Based Training Curriculum
• Now Available: CWS-CARES Communication Effectiveness Survey #3 Results Summary
• Coming Soon Enhanced CWDS Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
• Registration Now Open for CWS-CARES Stakeholder Briefing #8
• CWS-CARES Functionality Spotlight: June 8, 2026

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CWS-CARES Role Based Training Curriculum

Following the May 22, 2026 update on the CWS-CARES Training Strategy, Customer Relations distributed a communication on June 3, 2026 sharing the CWS-CARES Version 1 (CARES V1) Role Based Training Curriculum and next steps. The communication includes:

• The Instructor-Led Training (ILT) curriculum for county, state, and specialized program staff
• A Self-Paced Learning Release Plan for Salesforce Enablement training in the Production Simulation environment
• An update on Biweekly Implementation Meetings

Action Required: To prepare for Train-the-Trainer (TTT) beginning June 15, ensure trainers and Super Users understand the schedule and remind staff to complete foundational Salesforce Enablement training prior to attending TTT sessions.

For full details, refer to the email sent by Customer Relations on Tuesday, June 3, 2026 at 5:17 PM with the subject: CWS-CARES Role Based Training Curriculum – June 3, 2026.

Please contact OTSICWDSTraining@otsi.ca.gov with any questions regarding the curriculum or scheduling, or Customer Relations at CWS_CustRel@otsi.ca.gov with any general questions.

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Now Available: CWS-CARES Communication Effectiveness Survey #3 Results Summary

The results of the third annual CWS-CARES Communication Effectiveness Survey are now available. Conducted March 9 to April 3, 2026, this confidential survey assessed how well CWS-CARES communications are informing and supporting key stakeholders and identified opportunities for improvement.

The results summary includes:

• Survey demographics and response rates across 58 counties
• Weighted average scores for communication helpfulness across key CWS-CARES channels, including the Weekly Digest, CWS-CARES Explorer, and Progress & Engagement Summary
• Current sentiment responses across six categories, including clear and useful communications, confidence on project timeline, and concerns and feedback acknowledged
• Average sentiment trends across all three surveys from 2024 to 2026
• Contributing factors to sentiment trends and recommended action plans for improvement

To view the full results, please see the attached file titled "CWS-CARES Communication Effectiveness Survey #3 - Results Summary - April 2006.”

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Coming Soon Enhanced CWDS Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The CWS-CARES Project is preparing to update the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on the CWDS website to make it easier for organizations to find the information they need in one centralized location.

We heard that CWS-CARES information can be difficult to track when questions and responses are shared across multiple meetings, forums, and communications channels. To help address this, the updated FAQ webpage will include hundreds of new questions and answers, improved categories aligned with CWS-CARES Project areas, and meeting tags to help you identify where topics were discussed.

We will share an update in a future CWS-CARES Weekly Digest when these enhancements are available on the CWDS website.

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Registration Now Open for CWS-CARES Stakeholder Briefing #8

We encourage you to attend the next CWS-CARES Stakeholder Briefing on Wednesday, June 24, 2026! Register now at: CWS-CARES Stakeholder Briefing #8 | 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.

All stakeholders impacted by the changes to CWS-CARES are welcome to attend, ask questions, and hear updates from Project leadership. The full agenda for the June 2026 Stakeholder Briefing is available to view on the CWS-CARES Stakeholder Briefing #8 | Registration page. Updates will include:

• Project Status Update
• Preparing for Production Simulation
• Production Simulation Demo
• Training
• Organizational Change Management (OCM)

Thank you for participating in our Stakeholder Briefing webinar series!  We hope to see you on June 24, 2026 to continue the conversation on the upcoming transition to CWS-CARES.

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CWS-CARES Functionality Spotlight: June 8, 2026

This week, the CWS-CARES Functionality Spotlight features the CWS-CARES Frequently Asked Question (FAQ) of the Week.

June 8, 2026 FAQ of the Week: 

Q: Will converted documents from CWS/CMS to CWS-CARES be in the same format they were originally saved in, or will they be converted to a standard format?

A: Yes, documents converted from CWS/CMS to CWS-CARES will retain their original file formats. The conversion process preserves the document format as stored in CWS/CMS rather than converting documents into a standardized format.

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.

CARES SPOCs, Implementation Coordinators, OCM Coordinators, County Leadership, Tribe Leadership, Probation Leadership, and State Leadership:

In this Weekly Digest:

• Reminder: Register for CWS-CARES Stakeholder Briefing #7
• Follow Our Progress: The CWS-CARES High Level Roadmap is Now Updated
• CARES Explorer April 2026 Issue Now Available
• Thank You for Ordering Items at the CWS-CARES Pop-Up Shop!
• CWS-CARES Core Constituent DemonstrationsConclude
• CWS-CARES Frequently Asked Question (FAQ) of the Week

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Reminder: Register for CWS-CARES Stakeholder Briefing #7

We encourage you to attend the next CWS-CARES Stakeholder Briefing 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 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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Follow Our Progress: The CWS-CARES High Level Roadmap is Now Updated

The CWS-CARES High Level Roadmap has been updated to include the 2026 timelines for Production Simulation and Training. The roadmap provides a broad view of the activities planned ahead of CWS-CARES Go-Live and information about the CWS-CARES Version 1 scope.  

View the updated roadmap on the CWDS Website: CWS-CARES High Level Roadmap - Updated April 2026. 

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CARES Explorer April 2026 Issue Now Available

We are pleased to present  Volume 3, Issue 2 of the CARES Explorer, the long‑form newsletter published every other month! For the best experience, please open the link using the Microsoft Edge browser. This issue includes the following topics: 

Project Updates:  

• Upcoming Activities at CWS-CARES 
• Production Simulation 
• Stakeholder Briefing #6 Recap and Briefing #7 Registration Information 

Explore CWS-CARES:  

• Extended User Scenario Testing (EUST) 3 Concludes 
• Kin-GAP Demonstration Highlights 
• Implementation Corner:  
• Spotlight on Sonoma County 

Implementation Corner:  

• Spotlight on Sonoma County 
• Updated Implementation Approach Highlights 

We recommend that you share this newsletter with all staff impacted by the changes coming with CWS-CARES. All previous issues of the CARES Explorer and CARES Compass are available to view on the CWDS website: CARES Compass/Explorer | Child Welfare Digital Services. 

View the articles from all issues of the CARES Explorer in the CWS-CARES Public Library, a searchable, sharable repository of information related to CWS-CARES. The Public Library is available on the CWDS website on the Resources for CWS-CARES Users page. 

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Thank You for Ordering Items at the CWS-CARES Pop-Up Shop! 

The CWS-CARES Pop-Up Shop #2 closed on Friday, April 24, 2026 with 7,400+ items ordered. Thank you for showing your support for CWS-CARES! Review the FAQs below for what to expect: 

Item Status 

All items except the Econo Cap have met the minimum order totals for production. If you ordered the Econo Cap, it will be removed from your order and not charged. 

When to Expect Your Items 

There is a 3-week processing time for producing items. Shipping times are dependent on the shipping method selected at checkout. For more information on item processing and shipping, please review the CWS-CARES Pop-Up Shop #2 FAQs. 

Will There be More Pop-Up Shops? 

Yes! The next Pop-Up Shop is scheduled for September 2026, featuring a new selection of CWS-CARES-branded items. Request merchandise for the next Pop-Up Shop by completing a 1-minute survey: CWS-CARES Pop-Up Shop Merch Ideas. 

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CWS-CARES Core Constituent Demonstrations Conclude

As of mid-April, the CWS-CARES Core Constituent Demonstration series has concluded. Recordings previous demonstrations are available to view on the CWDS website at: CWS-CARES Product Demonstrations. Please note, a log in is required to view all recordings. 

Thank you to everyone who attended and provided feedback! 

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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.  

April 27, 2026, FAQ of the Week: 

Q: Can you upload a document to the competency evaluation? (e.g., if someone is receiving methadone treatment and their provider writes a letter—currently these are saved elsewhere; can they be uploaded?). 

A: Yes. In the Adoption case for a relinquishment, users can document whether a competency evaluation is required and, if applicable, provide a narrative explanation. Users can also record details such as the provider name, date received, and decision. Supporting documentation (e.g., a provider letter) can be uploaded in the Documents section under the Adoptions category using the Relinquishment document type. 

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’ll 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.  

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.

• SCR 8982 - Add Missing Name for Placement Homes for CARES
• SCR 8983 - Add Missing Name for Non-Foster Care Facilities for CARES
• SCR 8999 - Update Client Dates out-of-range for CARES
• SCR 8985 - Make Name Mandatory for Non-Foster Care Facility
• SCR 8989 - Cleanup Outdated Home Studies
• SCR 8843 - Transfer Enrollment between DOE Schools
• SCR 8967 - Duplicate Hearing Notebook Warning
• SCR 8972 - ACL 22-95 ICWA Eligibility Data Entry Mandatory Fields (Part B)
• SCR 8943 - Expand Merge History Log
• SCR 9020 - R9.6 Training Tools Package

• SCR 8982 - Add Missing Name for Placement Homes for CARES
• SCR 8983 - Add Missing Name for Non-Foster Care Facilities for CARES
• SCR 8999 - Update Client Dates out-of-range for CARES
• SCR 8985 - Make Name Mandatory for Non-Foster Care Facility
• SCR 8989 - Cleanup Outdated Home Studies
• SCR 8843 - Transfer Enrollment between DOE Schools
• SCR 8967 - Duplicate Hearing Notebook Warning
• SCR 8972 - ACL 22-95 ICWA Eligibility Data Entry Mandatory Fields (Part B)
• SCR 8943 - Expand Merge History Log
• SCR 9020 - R9.6 Training Tools Package

• Tuesday, April 29, 2025 (AM or PM session)
• Wednesday, April 30, 2025 (AM or PM session)
• Thursday, May 1, 2025 (AM or PM session)
• Tuesday, May 6, 2025 (AM or PM session)
• Wednesday, May 7, 2025 (AM or PM session)
• Thursday, May 8, 2025 (AM or PM session)

• Monday, June 23, 2025 (AM or PM session)
• Tuesday, June 24, 2025 (AM or PM session)
• Wednesday, June 25, 2025 (AM or PM session)
• Thursday, June 26, 2025 (AM or PM session)
• Friday, June 27, 2025 (AM or PM session)

1. Enhanced Feedback Process: You expressed a desire for better visibility into the status of the feedback you provide and clearer communication about the feedback process. 
   • You can view the status of your feedback at any time through the new centralized user feedback tool in Microsoft Teams. 
   • The Core Constituent Infographic provides an overview or roles, responsibilities, and the feedback process. 

2. Improved Meeting Scheduling and Experience: You shared that meetings should be scheduled in advance, a clear view of upcoming meetings should be available for planning, and agendas should include enough detail to help determine who needs to attend and assist with scheduling. 
   • A standardized Core Constituent Demonstration meeting invite template now includes specific details on agenda items and scenarios.  
   • The CWS-CARES Meeting Calendar is published monthly to reflect a 3 month view of upcoming meetings, including Core Constituent demonstrations, implementation meetings, and key workgroups. In Spring 2025, we will transition to a real-time meeting calendar on the CWDS webpage, ensuring accurate and up-to-date scheduling.  
   • Core Constituent demonstrations and key meetings are now scheduled at least 1 month in advance. 

3. Streamlined Access to Key Information: You requested big picture updates, an updated project roadmap, functionality updates, and demonstrations comparing CWS/CMS and CWS-CARES. 
   • The CARES Compass: Executive Summary and CARES Explorer: Project Newsletter keep stakeholders informed about project updates, including deep dives into service areas, system functionality, and interfaces. 
   • The updated CWDS Planning Roadmap is now available on the CWDS webpage. 
   • The CARES Experiences Timeline reflects organization activities and tasks that provide experiences for direct observation or participation in CWS-CARES up to Version 1 Go-Live.  
   • The Stakeholder Briefings include Product demonstrations with side-by-side comparisons of CWS/CMS and CWS-CARES. 

• A Real-Time Meeting Calendar: A new CWDS Meeting & Event Calendar will launch on the webpage, ensuring accurate, up-to-date scheduling with direct access for Core Constituents. 
• Big-Picture Project Updates: A Project Progress Summary will provide updates on CWS-CARES progress, including updates on Product, External Systems and Data Conversion, User Engagement, Implementation/OCM/Training, and Project Announcements/Engagement Opportunities. 
• Core Constituent Orientation Guide: This resource will provide onboarding support resources for new Core Constituents, including links to key resources. 

1. Leadership Opening
2. A Holistic Design & User Feedback Update
3. Demonstrations and Feature Highlights:
   1. Intake & Investigations (what’s changed since the last session)
   2. Case Management
   3. The Foster Care Eligibility Determination (FCED) interface between CWS-CARES & CalSAWS
4. An External Systems Update
5. Implementation, OCM, & Training Updates
6. Technology Updates
7. Q&A

1. CWS-CARES Data Dictionary Webinar: The CWS-CARES Project will preview the CWS-CARES Data Dictionary and related materials with a small group of counties to gather feedback. A broader webinar session will be held with county representatives in Spring 2025. This webinar session will cover:
   • Navigation of the CWS-CARES Data Dictionary
   • Utilization of the support documentation
   • Use of legacy mapping documentation with the CWS-CARES Data Dictionary

2. Publication & Ongoing Updates:
   • The CWS-CARES Data Dictionary will be published following the county webinar.
   • Quarterly updates to the CWS-CARES Data Dictionary are planned.
   • Please note that the next version will include significant changes and updates, such as additional and updated legacy mapping.

• Leadership Opening
• A Holistic Design & User Feedback Update
• Demonstrations and Feature Highlights:
  • Intake & Investigations (what’s changed since the last session)
  • Case Management
  • The Foster Care Eligibility Determination (FCED) interface between CWS-CARES & CalSAWS
• An External Systems Update
• Implementation, OCM, & Training Updates
• Technology Updates
• Q&A