Language Access at CDSS
Your rights...
You have the right to free and timely interpretation (oral and signed) and translation services.
State and Federal law requires us to provide you with free interpretation services and to translate information for individuals who have limited English proficiency (LEP). This is to make sure you understand your benefits, rights, and responsibilities and can fully participate in our programs.
We must provide effective communication so that individuals who are LEP can use our government services and programs. We prohibit discrimination in the delivery of public services.
CDSS Programs
The CDSS serves, aids, and protects needy and vulnerable children and adults in ways that strengthen and preserve families, encourage personal responsibility, and foster independence.
The Department’s major programs include:
- Food benefits (includes CalFresh, California Food Assistance Program, SUN Bucks)
- Cash benefits (includes CalWORKs, Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants, Refugee Cash Assistance, Trafficking and Crime Victims Assistance Program)
- Licensing of facilities that serve children and adults
- Housing and Homelessness
- Childcare and nutrition
- In-Home Supportive Services
- Services for foster parents, foster youth, and families
- Facilitation of adoption
- Prevention of child abuse
The Department oversees and administers programs that affect nearly 8 million of California's residents and includes more than 5,000 employees located in offices throughout the state, partnering with the 58 county welfare departments and a host of community-based organizations.