Your Civil Rights

Yes, DPSS accepts calls from California Connect TTY Relay Operators.  DPSS staff are trained to accept calls from TTY Operators and to contact you via the TTY number you provide or dial 711.

Yes, but only if there are extenuating circumstances.  For example, a minor is allowed to provide temporary interpreter services to verify an appointment.   DPSS offers translation services, free of charge, to all customers in their preferred language.

DPSS provides American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters via Video Remote Interpreter Services (VRI), the same day requested, at DPSS offices and during scheduled In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) home visits.  ASL VRI is available at all DPSS offices.  If you prefer a live in-person ASL interpreter, it will require a minimum of three days to schedule.

DPSS provides forms, documents and other information in large print, Braille, and electronically for use with a computer screen-reading program.  DPSS can also provide audio recording of printed information, tactile interpreter services, and qualified readers to read, explain, and assist you with completing forms and documents.

It depends on the document(s) that need to be signed.  Some documents may be signed telephonically or electronically; contact the Customer Service Center (CSC) at (866) 613-3777 for additional information.  Your needs are a priority to DPSS, please call us in advance of visiting one of our offices so that we may prepare to meet your accommodation needs.

We only allow service animals to enter our facilities.  A service animal is a dog or miniature horse that has been trained to perform a specific job or task for a person.  Emotional support, therapy, comfort, or companion animals provide comfort just by being with a person, they are not trained to perform a specific job or task and are not permitted inside DPSS facilities.

DPSS provides language interpretation services free of charge.  Staff will connect you with a certified bilingual staff member in your preferred language or a certified trained interpreter from one of our Language Interpretive Services vendors.

DPSS will provide all documents and forms in any of the DPSS threshold languages of English, Spanish, Armenian, Korean, Farsi, Russian, Cambodian, Tagalog, Vietnamese, and Chinese.  If there is a document or form that is unavailable in your preferred language, you will be given a GEN 1365, Notice of Language Services, and the document or form will be verbally translated for you, upon request.

Yes, just let us know in person or over the phone, and the Sexual Orientation Gender Identity Expression (SOGIE) Flag will be added to your case to reflect your chosen pronouns.  Staff will address you by your chosen pronouns and staff will also address you by your chosen name if different from your case name.  However, any correspondence from DPSS will be sent using your legal name through the United States Postal Service.

If you have legally changed your gender and or your name, documents that DPSS will accept as verification are: Signed Court Order, Birth Certificate, Passport, and DMV Driver License/Identification.  For legal name changes additional documents, such as your Social Security Card, may be accepted as well.  Call the CSC at (866) 613-3777 for additional information.

You have 180 days from the date you believe you were discriminated against to file a Civil Rights complaint.  The form you may use to file a complaint is the PA 607, Complaint of Discriminatory Treatment Form, available at any DPSS office.  You may submit the form in person, by US Mail or by email at DPSSCivilRights@dpss.lacounty.gov.

The DPSS Civil Rights Section (CRS) does not handle eligibility related complaints.  CRS is here to ensure you receive the same services, consideration, and equal treatment given to all other customers.  If you believe an incorrect eligibility determination was made on your case, please review the back of the Notice of Action you received for guidance or call the CSC at (866) 613-3777 for additional information.