California's Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 1 on Health and Human Services convened on May 16, 2023, to discuss significant advancements in the Keras project, aimed at overhauling the state's child welfare system. This initiative is set to replace the outdated Child Welfare Services Case Management System (CWS CMS), which has been in use for decades and serves approximately 30,000 users statewide.

The meeting highlighted the approval of the SPR Six special project report, which outlines a comprehensive plan for the new system's development, including vendor contracts and a clear timeline. The project is structured into two phases: Version One, scheduled for delivery in October 2026, will facilitate the transition from the old system, while Version Two, expected by April 2028, will enhance the system to meet federal requirements.

The total projected cost for the Keras project is approximately $1.7 billion, which includes significant contributions from counties and tribal entities. Key components of the budget include $250 million for county and tribal participation, $225 million for implementation and stabilization, and $150 million dedicated to data infrastructure. This infrastructure aims to ensure effective data utilization for case management and analytics, ultimately improving service delivery to families.

A notable aspect of the project is the emphasis on collaboration with county and tribal partners. The Department of Social Services is implementing a core constituent participation model, engaging 37 counties and two tribes in the design and testing phases. This approach is intended to ensure that the new system meets the diverse needs of all stakeholders involved in child welfare services.

The meeting also addressed the importance of accountability and transparency in the project's execution. Enhanced user feedback mechanisms and a revised implementation strategy will allow for real-time adjustments based on input from county workers. The decision to adopt an all-at-once rollout, rather than a phased approach, reflects a commitment to streamline operations and minimize confusion among users.

As the Keras project progresses, stakeholders are optimistic that these changes will lead to a more efficient and effective child welfare system in California, ultimately benefiting the families and communities it serves. The next steps will involve rigorous training and testing to ensure a smooth transition to the new system, with a focus on maintaining high standards of service delivery throughout the implementation process.