Welcome to The CARES Connection.
Your destination for all things CARES!
Check back often for all the updates, developments, and news related to the replacement of CWS/CMS - currently in development!
CWS-CARES: What Is It?
Child Welfare Services-California Automated Response and Engagement System (CWS-CARES) is the new system being developed for the State of California. CWS-CARES will be a modern, web-based software application that is flexible, scalable, and more intuitive to use. CWS-CARES will consolidate functionalities that are in various systems into a single system and include multiple interfaces with other applications, thus providing Child Welfare workers with critical case information more efficiently.
CWS-CARES Highlights At A Glance
CARES is the new software system being developed for the State of California to comply with Comprehensive Child Welfare Information System (CCWIS) requirements.
- CARES will be implemented in two versions:
- Version 1 (V1) launches in October 2026
- Version 2 (V2) launches in April 2028
- CARES V1 is intended to cover the functionality required to decommission CWS/CMS and support new policies and programs, such as Family First Prevention Services Act (FFPSA), Resource Family Approval, and more.
- CARES V1 will have a statewide rollout approach, which means all users will implement CARES V1 at the same time in October 2026.
CWS-CARES Timeline
CWS-CARES will be implemented in two versions. Version 1 launches in October 2026 and Version 2 launches in April 2028. Our communication approach supports the CWS-CARES project lifecycle and timeline. Proactive communication helps prepare users for the new system and manage potential resistance to change, ensuring a smoother transition and adoption.
Why CARES? A Case for Change
We are excited to introduce the first video, Why CARES? A Case for Change, which highlights why the CARES modernization project is important to child welfare and how modernization will benefit YOU.
CWS-CARES - A New Way Forward
The next video, CWS-CARES: A New Way Forward, was developed with all end-users in mind and expands on the benefits of CWS-CARES from the first video (Why CARES? A Case for Change).
CWS-CARES - 101
The third video of the series, CWS-CARES101, was developed with all end-users in mind, and expands on the benefits of
CWS-CARES from the previous two videos.
Questions? Send us an email at DCFAS-CWS-CARESInfo or visit the Child Welfare Digital Services FAQs site for frequently asked questions.
CWS-CARES: Child Welfare Management for Today's Child Welfare Workforce
