The California 2011/12 Budget indefinitely suspended the Child Welfare Services Web Project due to the state’s fiscal crisis. Pursuant to Assembly Bill 106, Chapter 32, the California Department of Social Services (CDSS), in partnership with the Office of Systems Integration, legislative staff, the County Welfare Directors Association of California, the California Technology Agency, and county and other stakeholders, was responsible for preparing a report to the Legislature on topics surrounding Child Welfare Services (CWS) practice and automation needs.

The CDSS commissioned a team of state, county and contractor experts, called the CWS Automation Study Team, to lead the preparation of the legislative report. The scope of the report included an assessment of the business needs of CWS, an assessment of the existing system, an analysis of viable automated system options to meet the critical business needs, communication from the federal government regarding Statewide Automated Child Welfare Information System redesign requirements, and a recommendation on next steps, including a timeline and implementation approach.

The legislative report, Child Welfare Services Automation Study, was completed in the first quarter of 2012. It was submitted to the Legislature on April 18, 2012.

A copy of the Child Welfare Services Automation Study is available at the following website:  http://www.cdss.ca.gov/cdssweb/PG2400.htm