You have the right to receive the same services, consideration and equal treatment given to all other applicants or customers regardless of age, race, religion, ancestry, sexual orientation, domestic partnership, national origin, language, political affiliation, sex, gender identity, gender expression, disability, marital status, color, ethnic group identification, medical condition, genic information, immigration status or any other applicable basis.

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Our Civil Rights team reviews and investigates all civil rights complaints filed against the Imperial County Department of Social Services (ICDSS) for discrimination. ICDSS programs are administered based on state and federal laws and regulations, including Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; Americans with Disabilities (ADA) Act, Title II, Public Access to Programs and Services; USDA Nondiscrimination Statement 2015; and the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) Manual of Policies and Procedures (MPP), Division 21.

PUB 13 Pamphlets:

The pamphlet “Your Rights Under California Public Benefits Programs” (PUB 13) provides information on what your civil rights are, who they protect and how to file a complaint or State Hearing. The information in the pamphlet is for people applying for, receiving or who have received public assistance or services, which includes Medi-Cal, CalFresh, CalWORKs, In-Home Supportive Services and Children and Family Services.

• PUB 13 – English

• PUB 13 – Spanish

• PUB 13 – Other languages

 

Filing a Civil Rights Complaint:

If you have applied for benefits or are receiving benefits/services from ICDSS and you feel that you have been discriminated against, you may file a Civil Rights complaint against ICDSS/or ICDSS contracted staff by submitting a complaint form through email, mail, in-person or telephone. Complaints must be filed within 180 days of the discriminatory action. 

 

Complaint Forms:

• Complaint Form – English

• Complaint Form – Spanish

 

For additional languages, please follow this link: 

www.cdss.ca.gov/reporting/file-a-complaint/discrimination-complaints.

 

Contacts:

ICDSS Civil Rights
2995 South 4th Street Suite 105
El Centro, CA 92243
Email: civilrightsic@co.imperial.ca.us

 

Martha Castañeda
ICDSS Civil Rights Coordinator
760-337-7861
marthacastaneda@co.imperial.ca.us

 

Marco Briones
ADA Coordinator
760-337-6880
marcobriones@co.imperial.ca.us

 

Zaida Bretón
Civil Rights Investigator
760-482-2033
zaidabreton@co.imperial.ca.us

 

Claudia Hawkins
Civil Rights Investigator
760-337-7817
claudiahawkins@co.imperial.ca.us