California CalWORKs Outcomes and Accountability Review (Cal-OAR)

Cal-OAR is a local, data-driven program management system that facilitates continuous improvement of county CalWORKs programs by collecting, analyzing, and disseminating outcomes and best practices.  As required by Welfare and Institutions Code (WIC) 11523, Cal-OAR consists of three core components: performance indicators, a county CalWORKs self-assessment (Cal-CSA), and a CalWORKs system improvement plan (Cal-SIP).  The Cal-OAR continuous quality improvement (Cal-CQI) process (which includes the Cal-CSA and Cal-SIP) will take place over three-year cycles.  The first Cal-OAR cycle commences on July 1, 2019 with the implementation of Cal-OAR.

See the Cal-OAR CQI Process Overview

CDSS has worked with a stakeholder workgroup since September 2017 to develop the Cal-OAR workplan (which includes the structure and substance of Cal-OAR). Workgroup members included stakeholders specified by statute, including current and former CalWORKs clients, advocates, county staff, legislative staff, as well as a variety of other subject matter experts.

See the Cal-OAR Workplan

Check back regularly for additional information and details as Cal-OAR is implemented statewide!