All SPOCs, Technical Contacts, and Training Contacts:
The Release 9.5 (R9.5) CTW Final Status Incident Report (VB6) has been posted to the CWDS website. You can locate the document here: Release 9.5 | Child Welfare Digital Services (ca.gov).
For questions regarding this document please contact Customer Relations..
Action Required
None at this time.
CWDS Bulletins
CWS/CMS: CDT Service Desk Bulletin – Citrix Workspace Upgrade Recommended
All Co-Existent County CWS SPOCs, Technical Contacts, and SBC Administrators; All Probation SPOCs, Technical Contacts, and SBC Administrators:
Citrix has identified vulnerabilities in older versions of the Citrix Workspace App for Windows. Citrix strongly recommends that customers upgrade the workspace to the supported versions listed in the bulletin below, which contain fixes to abate the discovered vulnerabilities.
The California Department of Technology (CDT) has performed the recommended upgrade to the Citrix environments that they manage. This communication is being shared to inform counties that manage their own Citrix environments that they should make the same upgrades to mitigate exposure to this potential threat. This includes all Child Welfare Services (CWS) Co-Existent Counties and for all (both Co-Existent and Dedicated) Probation Counties using Citrix.
Action Required
Counties who manage their own Citrix environments are strongly recommended to confirm that their Citrix Workspace App for Windows is at or above the version identified as including fixes for the identified vulnerabilities.
If users experience any issues with Citrix Server Base Computing (SBC), please follow your county process for reporting issues or you may contact the IBM Boulder Help Desk at 1-800-428-8268.
Citrix has identified vulnerabilities in older versions of the Citrix Workspace App for Windows. Citrix strongly recommends that customers upgrade the workspace to the supported versions listed in the bulletin below, which contain fixes to abate the discovered vulnerabilities.
The California Department of Technology (CDT) has performed the recommended upgrade to the Citrix environments that they manage. This communication is being shared to inform counties that manage their own Citrix environments that they should make the same upgrades to mitigate exposure to this potential threat. This includes all Child Welfare Services (CWS) Co-Existent Counties and for all (both Co-Existent and Dedicated) Probation Counties using Citrix.
Action Required
Counties who manage their own Citrix environments are strongly recommended to confirm that their Citrix Workspace App for Windows is at or above the version identified as including fixes for the identified vulnerabilities.
If users experience any issues with Citrix Server Base Computing (SBC), please follow your county process for reporting issues or you may contact the IBM Boulder Help Desk at 1-800-428-8268.
CWDS Migrating to Microsoft Teams for Virtual Meetings
All SPOCs:
The Office of Technology and Solutions Integration (OTSI) has decided to phase out the use of WebEx and will use, instead, Microsoft Teams exclusively for all virtual meetings. Child Welfare Digital Services (CWDS) plans to make the move to Microsoft Teams by Monday, September 30, 2024.
Organizations will see many CWDS project meetings either updated or cancelled and rescheduled to make the change to Microsoft Teams instead of WebEx. This communication is being sent out to explain the reasoning of the updates to the existing meeting invites.
Recipients of “forwarded” meeting invites will not receive the updates to the meetings and will have the previous WebEx link on their calendar if they were not included in the invite distribution. If you have previously forwarded an invite to a meeting that has since been updated, please be sure to forward the updated invite to those parties, or work with the meeting organizer to add them to the invite’s distribution list, if appropriate.
Action Required
Please accept the updated meeting invites and remove the canceled meetings, due to the change from WebEx to Teams, as they are received.
Forward any updated meeting invites that you have previously forwarded, if the new recipients are not included in the meeting’s distribution. The other option is to work with the meeting organizers to add the appropriate people to the invite.
The Office of Technology and Solutions Integration (OTSI) has decided to phase out the use of WebEx and will use, instead, Microsoft Teams exclusively for all virtual meetings. Child Welfare Digital Services (CWDS) plans to make the move to Microsoft Teams by Monday, September 30, 2024.
Organizations will see many CWDS project meetings either updated or cancelled and rescheduled to make the change to Microsoft Teams instead of WebEx. This communication is being sent out to explain the reasoning of the updates to the existing meeting invites.
Recipients of “forwarded” meeting invites will not receive the updates to the meetings and will have the previous WebEx link on their calendar if they were not included in the invite distribution. If you have previously forwarded an invite to a meeting that has since been updated, please be sure to forward the updated invite to those parties, or work with the meeting organizer to add them to the invite’s distribution list, if appropriate.
Action Required
Please accept the updated meeting invites and remove the canceled meetings, due to the change from WebEx to Teams, as they are received.
Forward any updated meeting invites that you have previously forwarded, if the new recipients are not included in the meeting’s distribution. The other option is to work with the meeting organizers to add the appropriate people to the invite.
The CARES Explorer Newsletter – September 2024 Issue
To: CARES SPOCs and Implementation Coordinators
CC: County, Tribe, Probation, and State Leadership, OCM Coordinators, Specific CWDA Staff Related to Child Welfare
We are pleased to share the CARES Explorer - September 2024 issue, the newsletter for staying up to date on the CWS-CARES project.
This is sent directly to our key stakeholders for project communications: County, Tribe, Probation, and State leadership, CARES Single Point of Contacts (SPOCs), Organization Implementation Coordinators, and specific CWDA staff related to child welfare.
This issue contains information on:
The CARES Explorer – September 2024 issue is now available here: The CARES Explorer - September 2024
You may also obtain all CARES Explorer issues on the CWDS website: CARES Compass/Explorer | Child Welfare Digital Services
If you have any questions, need clarification, or have any accessibility issues, please do not hesitate to contact Customer Relations.
Action Required:
We request that all CARES Single Point of Contacts (SPOCs) and Implementation Coordinators coordinate and distribute the CARES Explorer Newsletter to all staff impacted by CWS-CARES.
CC: County, Tribe, Probation, and State Leadership, OCM Coordinators, Specific CWDA Staff Related to Child Welfare
We are pleased to share the CARES Explorer - September 2024 issue, the newsletter for staying up to date on the CWS-CARES project.
This is sent directly to our key stakeholders for project communications: County, Tribe, Probation, and State leadership, CARES Single Point of Contacts (SPOCs), Organization Implementation Coordinators, and specific CWDA staff related to child welfare.
This issue contains information on:
- Stakeholders: Discover the ways that the County Welfare Directors Association (CWDA) is working on the project and understand the role of the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) as the CWS-CARES project sponsor. Read about El Dorado County’s contributions to CWS-CARES and how the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) serves as a voice for tribal governments and native children.
- CWS-CARES: This issue highlights the Case Management Service Area and seven related functions including Prevention Services, Case Plan, and Placement. There is a spotlight on the Smarty Streets address validation feature, an update on connectivity between CWS-CARES and CalSAWS, and ways that counties participate in data conversion.
- Hidden Gems: Learn more about our progress with holistic design, participation in conferences, and take the survey to vote on what merchandise to feature in our new CWS-CARES branded store.
The CARES Explorer – September 2024 issue is now available here: The CARES Explorer - September 2024
You may also obtain all CARES Explorer issues on the CWDS website: CARES Compass/Explorer | Child Welfare Digital Services
If you have any questions, need clarification, or have any accessibility issues, please do not hesitate to contact Customer Relations.
Action Required:
We request that all CARES Single Point of Contacts (SPOCs) and Implementation Coordinators coordinate and distribute the CARES Explorer Newsletter to all staff impacted by CWS-CARES.
CWS/CMS - ICPC State Contact Information Update - SCR 8992 | Oct. 15, 2024
All SPOCs and Technical Contacts:
The Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (ICPC) requires certain forms to be completed to act as a contract and placement documentation for children being placed out of state into a relative, foster, parent, adoptive, or residential placement. ICPC forms must be created in CWS/CMS within a child’s case. These forms pre-populate with incorrect and outdated names and contact information for the Receiving State ICPC Compact Administrators. This issue affects the following forms: ICPC 100A, ICPC 100B, and the Financial Medical Plan.
SCR 8992 will update the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (ICPC) Administrator’s information for each state to “[Receiving State] ICPC Compact Administrator”. For example, an ICPC referral being sent to Nevada would pre-populate with the following: “Nevada ICPC Compact Administrator.” The address of the receiving state ICPC Office will be removed, as all ICPC referrals are now sent electronically to all 50 states, and most states no longer accept ICPC referrals by mail. This SCR will go live by Tuesday, October 15, 2024.
Action Required
No action is required. Informational only.
The Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (ICPC) requires certain forms to be completed to act as a contract and placement documentation for children being placed out of state into a relative, foster, parent, adoptive, or residential placement. ICPC forms must be created in CWS/CMS within a child’s case. These forms pre-populate with incorrect and outdated names and contact information for the Receiving State ICPC Compact Administrators. This issue affects the following forms: ICPC 100A, ICPC 100B, and the Financial Medical Plan.
SCR 8992 will update the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (ICPC) Administrator’s information for each state to “[Receiving State] ICPC Compact Administrator”. For example, an ICPC referral being sent to Nevada would pre-populate with the following: “Nevada ICPC Compact Administrator.” The address of the receiving state ICPC Office will be removed, as all ICPC referrals are now sent electronically to all 50 states, and most states no longer accept ICPC referrals by mail. This SCR will go live by Tuesday, October 15, 2024.
Action Required
No action is required. Informational only.
CWS-CARES Scheduled Maintenance - Oct. 2, 2024 | 5 PM - 8 PM
All Pilot County RFA Implementation Coordinators and SPOCs:
The CWS-CARES team has scheduled maintenance activity for the CWS-CARES production environment for Wednesday, October 2, 2024, beginning at 5:00 PM and concluding at 8:00 PM. During the maintenance window, the CWS-CARES Resource Family Approval (RFA) Application Submission, Review, and Approval Process will be accessible for pilot counties Contra Costa, Fresno, Placer, and Santa Clara.
During the maintenance window, CWS-CARES production environment remains accessible to users however users may experience Mule APIs interruptions.
Action Required
No action required from end-users during this maintenance window.
If users experience any issues with the CWS-CARES, please follow your county process for reporting issues. CWS-CARES County Administrators may contact the CARES Service Desk through the CWDS ServiceNow Customer Support Management (CSM) Portal. Alternate methods are phoning 1-855-292-3444 or via email at Servicedesk@cwds.ca.gov during normal business hours. You may also email after hours, and a Service Desk representative will contact you the next business day.
The CWS-CARES team has scheduled maintenance activity for the CWS-CARES production environment for Wednesday, October 2, 2024, beginning at 5:00 PM and concluding at 8:00 PM. During the maintenance window, the CWS-CARES Resource Family Approval (RFA) Application Submission, Review, and Approval Process will be accessible for pilot counties Contra Costa, Fresno, Placer, and Santa Clara.
During the maintenance window, CWS-CARES production environment remains accessible to users however users may experience Mule APIs interruptions.
Action Required
No action required from end-users during this maintenance window.
If users experience any issues with the CWS-CARES, please follow your county process for reporting issues. CWS-CARES County Administrators may contact the CARES Service Desk through the CWDS ServiceNow Customer Support Management (CSM) Portal. Alternate methods are phoning 1-855-292-3444 or via email at Servicedesk@cwds.ca.gov during normal business hours. You may also email after hours, and a Service Desk representative will contact you the next business day.
CWS-CARES Scheduled Maintenance - Oct. 1, 2024 | 5 PM - 8 PM
All Pilot County RFA Implementation Coordinators and SPOCs:
The CWS-CARES team has scheduled maintenance activity for the CWS-CARES production environment for Tuesday, October 1, 2024, beginning at 5:00 PM and concluding at 8:00 PM. During the maintenance window, the CWS-CARES Resource Family Approval (RFA) Application Submission, Review, and Approval Process will be accessible for pilot counties Contra Costa, Fresno, Placer, and Santa Clara.
There is no anticipated impact for CWS-CARES users. We are sharing this information in the unlikely circumstance that there is an actual impact during the scheduled maintenance window and the CWS-CARES application becomes inaccessible.
Action Required
No action required from end-users during this maintenance window.
If users experience any issues with the CWS-CARES, please follow your county process for reporting issues. CWS-CARES County Administrators may contact the CARES Service Desk through the CWDS ServiceNow Customer Support Management (CSM) Portal. Alternate methods are phoning 1-855-292-3444 or via email at Servicedesk@cwds.ca.gov during normal business hours. You may also email after hours, and a Service Desk representative will contact you the next business day.
The CWS-CARES team has scheduled maintenance activity for the CWS-CARES production environment for Tuesday, October 1, 2024, beginning at 5:00 PM and concluding at 8:00 PM. During the maintenance window, the CWS-CARES Resource Family Approval (RFA) Application Submission, Review, and Approval Process will be accessible for pilot counties Contra Costa, Fresno, Placer, and Santa Clara.
There is no anticipated impact for CWS-CARES users. We are sharing this information in the unlikely circumstance that there is an actual impact during the scheduled maintenance window and the CWS-CARES application becomes inaccessible.
Action Required
No action required from end-users during this maintenance window.
If users experience any issues with the CWS-CARES, please follow your county process for reporting issues. CWS-CARES County Administrators may contact the CARES Service Desk through the CWDS ServiceNow Customer Support Management (CSM) Portal. Alternate methods are phoning 1-855-292-3444 or via email at Servicedesk@cwds.ca.gov during normal business hours. You may also email after hours, and a Service Desk representative will contact you the next business day.
CWS/CMS: CAD Server Upgrade to Training Environment - Oct. 1, 2024 | 6 AM - 10 AM
All SPOCs, Technical Contacts, and CAD Contacts:
The California Department of Technology (CDT) has scheduled an upgrade to the CAD Business Objects (BO) server in the CAD Training environment. The upgrade window is scheduled for Tuesday, October 1, 2024, beginning at 6:00 AM and concluding at 10:00 AM.
All users should be sure to be logged out of the CAD BO Training environment prior to the start of the upgrade window.
Action Required
All users should logoff of the CAD BO Training environment prior to the start of the stated maintenance timeframe.
Contact the IBM Help Desk (800-428-8268) to report any issues with Business Objects.
The California Department of Technology (CDT) has scheduled an upgrade to the CAD Business Objects (BO) server in the CAD Training environment. The upgrade window is scheduled for Tuesday, October 1, 2024, beginning at 6:00 AM and concluding at 10:00 AM.
All users should be sure to be logged out of the CAD BO Training environment prior to the start of the upgrade window.
Action Required
All users should logoff of the CAD BO Training environment prior to the start of the stated maintenance timeframe.
Contact the IBM Help Desk (800-428-8268) to report any issues with Business Objects.
CARES-Live Scheduled Maintenance - Sept. 26, 2024 | 6 PM - 8 PM
All SPOCs and Technical Contacts:
The CARES-Live team has scheduled maintenance for the CARES-Live application. The maintenance is scheduled for Thursday, September 26, 2024, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. During this scheduled maintenance the CARES-Live team will focus on application maintenance changes that are not visible to CARES-Live users.
NOTE: Users will not be able to access the CARES-Live application during the scheduled outage.
Action Required
If users experience any issues with CARES-Live, please follow your county process for reporting issues. CARES-Live County Administrators may contact the CARES Service Desk through the CWDS ServiceNow Customer Support Management (CSM) Portal. Alternate methods are phoning 1-855-292-3444 or via email at Servicedesk@cwds.ca.gov during normal business hours. You may also email after hours and a Service Desk representative will contact you the next business day.
The CARES-Live team has scheduled maintenance for the CARES-Live application. The maintenance is scheduled for Thursday, September 26, 2024, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. During this scheduled maintenance the CARES-Live team will focus on application maintenance changes that are not visible to CARES-Live users.
NOTE: Users will not be able to access the CARES-Live application during the scheduled outage.
Action Required
If users experience any issues with CARES-Live, please follow your county process for reporting issues. CARES-Live County Administrators may contact the CARES Service Desk through the CWDS ServiceNow Customer Support Management (CSM) Portal. Alternate methods are phoning 1-855-292-3444 or via email at Servicedesk@cwds.ca.gov during normal business hours. You may also email after hours and a Service Desk representative will contact you the next business day.
CWS/CMS: Data Quality Fuzzy Reports Available
All SPOCs and Data Quality Analysts:
The latest versions of data quality fuzzy reports for clients & placement homes are now available. Note that Substitute Care Provider (SCP) Fuzzy reports have been replaced by SCR8912 SCP Deduplication. The Client & Placement Home Fuzzy reports assist with data cleanup by providing a greater number of potential duplication matches, using “fuzzy” matching criteria, than would be possible on the more restricted results on the Semi-annual merge reports. Additional information on CWS/CMS data cleansing activities and benefits, including fuzzy reports, is found on the Data Quality Portal.
To help the Data Quality team to keep track of requests for fuzzy reports, a simple online request form has been developed. A new request must be submitted each time to receive the updated fuzzy reports. The Data Quality Fuzzy reports request online form is located at 2024 September DQ Fuzzy Reports Request.
Action Required
If a county wants to request a Data Quality Fuzzy Report (for Client or Placement Home), please complete and submit the online request form located at 2024 September DQ Fuzzy Reports Request.
The latest versions of data quality fuzzy reports for clients & placement homes are now available. Note that Substitute Care Provider (SCP) Fuzzy reports have been replaced by SCR8912 SCP Deduplication. The Client & Placement Home Fuzzy reports assist with data cleanup by providing a greater number of potential duplication matches, using “fuzzy” matching criteria, than would be possible on the more restricted results on the Semi-annual merge reports. Additional information on CWS/CMS data cleansing activities and benefits, including fuzzy reports, is found on the Data Quality Portal.
To help the Data Quality team to keep track of requests for fuzzy reports, a simple online request form has been developed. A new request must be submitted each time to receive the updated fuzzy reports. The Data Quality Fuzzy reports request online form is located at 2024 September DQ Fuzzy Reports Request.
Action Required
If a county wants to request a Data Quality Fuzzy Report (for Client or Placement Home), please complete and submit the online request form located at 2024 September DQ Fuzzy Reports Request.
If unable to find a specific Bulletin, please contact Communications.