Civil Rights

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 (including HIV status), marital status, color, ethic group identification, medical condition, genetic information, immigration status or any other applicable basis.

The Civil Rights unit reviews and investigates all civil rights complaints filed against Siskiyou County Health and Human Services Agency, Social Services Division (SSD) for discrimination. In addition, the unit provides support for policy and training to ensure that SSD is compliant with discrimination, diversity, and the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) regulations.

SSD 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.

For more information regarding CDSS and Civil Rights please follow this link: https://www.cdss.ca.gov/reporting/file-a-complaint/discrimination-complaints

PUB 13

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 persons applying for, receiving or who have received public assistance or services, which includes Medi-Cal, CalFresh, CalWORKs, In-Home Support Services, and Child Welfare Services (CPS).

• PUB 13 - English
• PUB 13 - Spanish
• PUB 13 - Hmong
• PUB 13 – Other Languages

Filing a Civil Rights Complaint

If you have applied for benefits or are receiving benefits/services from SSD and you feel that you have been discriminated against, you may file a Civil Rights complaint against SSD staff and/or SSD contracted staff by submitting a complaint form. You have 180 days from the last date of any discriminatory act to file a complaint.

All Other Complaints

If your complaint does not involve a protected class, therefore not civil rights, please escalate your complaint through the chain of command, to the supervisor or manager of the program involved.  If you are unable to resolve your concerns in a timely manner please contact a Social Services Deputy Director or the Social Services Director

Complaint Forms

• Complaint form - English
• Complaint form - Spanish
• Complaint form - Hmong
• Complaint form – Other Languages

Contacts

Civil Rights Unit

Attn: Joan Hoy

800 South Main Street

Yreka, CA 96097

Email: SSDcivilrights@co.siskiyou.ca.us

Joan Hoy

SSD Civil Rights/ADA Coordinator & Investigator

(530) 841-4024