Cal-OAR Resources and Best Practices Guidelines

What is 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 five-year cycles. The first Cal-OAR cycle commences on July 1, 2021 with the implementation of Cal-OAR.

Circle infographic of steps for Cal-OAR best practices

The Cal-OAR team is gathering and sharing county feedback to give each county a chance to share their experiences to improve processes, while also helping each cohort to see the successes and suggestions of other county welfare departments. We strongly encourage a collaboration to learn from each other’s experiences, best practices and lessons learned.

Cal-OAR Resources:

CSA Template Link
Sacramento County Cal-CSA Tracker

Cal-OAR Best Practices:

  • Cal-OAR Project Management (General)
    • Content coming
  • Cal-CSA (County Self-Assessment)
  • Cal-SIP (System Improvement Plan)
    • Content coming
  • Progress Report
    • Content coming

Contact Us

California CalWORKs Program
Outcomes and Accountability Review (Cal-OAR)
Email: Cal-OAR@dss.ca.gov
Phone: (916) 657-2128


Cal-OAR Stakeholders wishing to be added to the Cal-OAR distribution list may email the Cal-OAR inbox at Cal-OAR@dss.ca.gov, using the subject line “Distribution list”.  We look forward to connecting with you!

Quick Links