Civil rights and discrimination

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A civil rights or a discrimination complaint is different than requesting a fair hearing. Some people confuse filing a fair hearing with a civil rights complaint or a discrimination complaint.

California county welfare departments may not discriminate against you on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, disability, marital status or age. This means that these agencies must provide the same aid, benefits and services to all individuals and groups, except as authorized by federal or state law or the Governor's executive order.

If you believe that you have been discriminated against, you may take one or all of the following actions:

1.)  You may talk with the county welfare department's Civil Rights Coordinator. State the basis of the discrimination (for example, age, race, sex), the specific allegation (who, what, when) and the resolution you are seeking.

     Shasta County's Civil Rights Coordinator:

     Kerry Fasking, (530) 225-5029

You have 180 days from the date the alleged discrimination occurred to make a complaint or request an investigation. If the representative fails to resolve your complaint to your satisfaction, you may request an investigation. The county will investigate the complaint and inform you of the outcome.

2.)  You may file a discrimination complaint with CDSS by email, writing or calling:

     California Department of Social Services
     Civil Rights Bureau (CRB)
     744 P Street, M.S. 15-70
     Sacramento, CA 95814

Or call collect:
(916) 654-2107
Email address: crb@dss.ca.gov

TDD/TTY Users may call direct: (916) 654-2098 or toll free by calling (888) 741-6241.