Online CalWORKS Appraisal Tool (OCAT)
Assembly Bill (AB) 74 (Chapter 21, Statutes of 2013) implemented the use of a standard appraisal tool in order to assess strengths and identify barriers of clients in the CalWORKs program. As a result of this legislation, CDSS has developed and implemented the Online CalWORKs Appraisal Tool (OCAT) for use in all 58 counties.
The OCAT is a web based interview tool designed to equip CalWORKs caseworkers with an in-depth appraisal of client strengths and barriers to self-sufficiency. The tool gathers and provides information about the client on a variety of topics, including employment and educational history, housing stability, physical and behavioral health, and domestic abuse, in order to assist caseworkers in developing effective welfare-to-work plans.
OCAT Related Policy Letters: