Civil Rights

Here at El Dorado County Health and Human Services Agency, we strive to provide equality in offered services and treatment to all our applicants and clients. Our Civil Rights Unit is tasked with maintaining integrity for this initiative, ensuring effective access and nondiscrimination for all recipients and applicants for benefits and services provided by the California Department of Social Services (CDSS).

Civil Rights Act

You have the right to receive the same services, consideration and equal treatment given to all other applicants.

Guided by California Department of Social Services, Division 21, HHSA’s Civil Rights Team is responsible for reviewing and investigating all complaints of discrimination, as well as reviewing and administering compliance to CDSS guidelines. In addition, programs are administered by the following laws and regulations:

  • Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
  • Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
  • Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990
  • The Age Discrimination Act of 1975
  • The Food Stamp Act of 1977
  • California Civil Code, Section 51 et seq.
  • California Government Code, Section 11135 et seq.
  • California Government Code, Section 4450
  • California Welfare and Institution Codes
  • Other applicable federal and state laws and their implementing regulations

PUB 13 Pamphlets

“Your Rights Under California Public Benefits Programs” (PUB 13), is a pamphlet available in multiple languages, as well as in regular or large print. This provides important information to all our applicants and clients regarding what your civil rights are, who they protect, and how to file a complaint or State Hearing. This information applies to those who are applying for, or who have received public assistance or services. Programs include but are not limited to: CalFresh, SNAP Ed, CalWORKS, In-Home Supportive Services, and Child Welfare Services.

Please click the links below to access a digital copy of PUB 13, translated to your language.

Filing a Civil Rights Complaint

Who may file a Civil Rights Complaint?

Program applicants and recipients of programs funded by the California Department of Social Services (CDSS). For El Dorado County, these programs include but may not be limited to:

  • CalFresh
  • SNAP Ed
  • CalWORKS
  • In-Home Supportive Services
  • Child Welfare Services

What Constitutes a Civil Rights Complaint?

If you feel you have been discriminated against in applying for and/or receiving benefits and services from El Dorado County HHSA, you may file a Civil Rights complaint against HHSA staff and/or contracted staff. Please note that in order to qualify as a complaint against your civil rights, the discrimination must involve a protected class as prescribed by CDSS and one of the aforementioned programs. If your complaint does not fit these parameters or you are seeking a different outcome than Civil Rights can provide, please see instructions below for all other complaints.

Our primary focus is on identifying and eliminating any instances of discrimination within the process. Please note:

  • This process will not change benefit levels.
  • This process will not result in obtaining custody of children.
  • This process will not result in monetary changes.

How do I File a Civil Rights Complaint?

You may file your civil rights complaint by submitting through mail, email, in-person, or by telephone to the HHSA Civil Rights Unit. Complaints must be filed within 180 days of the alleged discriminatory act to make a complaint or request an investigation. Complaint forms are not required, although are linked below for your convenience.

  • In-Person: 3057 Briw Rd., Ste B, Placerville, CA 95667
  • Mail: HHSA Civil Rights Unit
    Attn: Stephanie Wunschel
     3057 Briw Rd., Ste.B.
    Placerville, CA 95667

Email: hhsa-civilrights@edcgov.us

Phone: 530-642-4844
Fax: 510-217-2385

Complaints can also be filed directly with the state CDSS Civil Rights Section, by writing: California Department of Social Services Civil Rights Section 744 P. Street, M.S. 9-7-041, Sacramento, CA 95814, calling 916-654-2107, toll free at 866-741-6541, collect calling 800-688-4486, or California Relay Service Operator at 800-735-2929, or via email crb@dss.ca.gov

If you require any accommodations or assistance initiating or through the investigation process of a Civil Rights complaint, please do not hesitate to reach out to the Civil Rights coordinator. Your comfort and understanding throughout this process are of utmost importance to us.

 

Civil Rights Complaint Forms

 

All Other Complaints

All Other Complaints

Participants denied or dissatisfied with a service provided by the El Dorado County Health and Human Services Agency have the right to file a complaint. Download the complaint form now(PDF, 11KB). For more information about the Agency’s complaint process, please contact the agency at (530) 621-6150.

 

Reasonable Accommodations

Under California law, disability is defined to protect individuals with conditions that limit one or more major life activities from discrimination. If you have a physical, mental, or emotional condition that makes it difficult to apply for benefits or meet requirements, you may qualify for a reasonable accommodation.

A reasonable accommodation involves modifying our usual procedures to better assist you. Some accommodations may require advanced notice, so we encourage you to contact the applicable program ahead of time or notify reception when you arrive. We're here to help!

Language Access Services

All clients have the right to interpreter services provided by El Dorado County due to language or disability. Advance notice may be necessary.

More Information:

 

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