CWS-CARES User Resources
Welcome to the stakeholder resources page for CWS-CARES, the new Salesforce-based system designed to replace the existing child welfare system the Child Welfare Services/Case Management System (CWS/CMS). CWS-CARES Version 1 will support new programs like Resource Family Approval and the Family First Prevention Services Act and lay the foundation for Version 2.
Explore the resources below to stay up-to-date on CWS-CARES progress and learn how it will empower California’s child welfare professionals in the future.
Resources for All Stakeholders
Use the following links to read more about the functionality of CWS-CARES, implications for external systems and interfaces, and opportunities to learn more.
- AI Bots Use Guidelines - guidance on the appropriate use of artificial intelligence (AI) bots or assistants in meetings.
- Bulletins - the most recent updates on maintenance notices, system releases, and other important information.
- CWDS Roadmap - overview of project timeline, purpose, and scope for CARES-Live, CARES RFA and CWS/CMS.
- CWS-CARES Acceptable Use Policy - clear guidelines for responsible and secure use of CWS-CARES system and data.
- CWS-CARES Compass and Explorer Newsletter - includes brief project highlights as well as more detailed project information.
- CWS-CARES Environments for User Access - provides a point-in-time overview of system environments, including their purpose, access, and availability, to support testing, training, and readiness activities.
- CWS-CARES Frequently Asked Questions - updated regularly with new questions and responses.
- CWS-CARES Glossary - list of acronyms and defined terms used in CWS-CARES.
- CWS-CARES Infographics, Flyers, and Slogans - materials that your Organization can leverage for communications, with guidelines for how to use them.
- CWS-CARES Meeting Calendar - captures upcoming meetings hosted by CWS-CARES.
- CWS-CARES Meeting & Workgroup Matrix - This centralized resource intended to capture recurring meetings and workgroups where the CWS-CARES Project has invited stakeholders to participate, including Teams Channel links, webpage resources, and contact information.
- CWS-CARES Microsoft Teams Channel Guide - The Teams Channel Guide has been replaced by the CWS-CARES Meeting & Workgroup Matrix, which now includes Teams channel information.
- CWS-CARES Public Library - in-depth resources on specific CWS-CARES topics.
- CWS-CARES Service Areas - descriptions, associated core constituents, and contact information (login required).
- CWS-CARES Stakeholder Briefings - briefings with live demonstrations, Q&A, and project updates.
- CWS-CARES V1 Scope Summary - high-level overview of the functionalities being delivered in CARES V1, organized by service area.
- CWS-CARES Video Series - short videos that highlight benefits of CWS-CARES and provide familiarity with the look and feel of new system.
Resources for Implementation Teams, Core Constituents, and SPOCs
The resources below contain detailed project information that may be useful for those participating in the project or distributing information within their organizations.
- CWS-CARES Implementation Portal - includes Implementation, Organizational Change Management (OCM), and Training Resources (video series; training deck; holistic design overview; advisory workgroup lists; etc.).
- Q&A: County Participation Time Keeping and Tracking - information on how organization staff should track time spent on CWS-CARES efforts.
Additional Resource Pages
Technical and reporting documents and resources for CWS-CARES and other applications.
- Technical Support | Child Welfare Digital Services– includes the following support pages on requirements traceability, security incident reporting, and hardware and software requirements that were previously found on this page:
- Requirements Traceability [Updated 2020] | Child Welfare Digital Services
- CWDS Security Incident Reporting
- Technical_Readiness_Resource_CARES_V1_-_March_2026_Update.docx
- CARES-Live and RFA Users | Child Welfare Digital Services - includes resources on CANS, CARES-Live Release notes, and RFA Release notes, some of which were previously found on this page: