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, ethnic group identification, medical condition, genetic information, immigration status, or any other applicable basis.
The Civil Rights Coordinator reviews and investigates all civil rights complaints filed against the Tulare County Health & Human Services Agency for discrimination. In addition, the Coordinator provides support for policy, training, and quality assurance to ensure that the County is compliant with discrimination, cultural awareness, and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) regulations, including Reasonable Accommodation.
Civil Rights investigations are reviewed 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 Pamphlet
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 the Adoption Assistance Program (AAP), Alcohol and Drug Program, CalWORKs, Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants (CAPI), CalFresh (Food Stamps), Covered California Eligibility, Foster Care/Child Welfare Services (CWS), Housing Programs through County Social Service Departments, In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS), Kinship Guardianship Assistance (KinGAP), Medi-Cal – Medi-Cal Dental Program, Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA), Resource Family Approvals (RFA), Approved Relative Caregiver Funding Option Program (ARC), and Service Animal Allowance.
PUB 470 Pamphlet
The pamphlet “Your Rights Under Adult Protective Services” (PUB 470) provides information on what your civil rights are, who is protected, 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 through Adult Protective Services.
Filing a Civil Rights Complaint
If you have applied for benefits or are receiving benefits/services from Tulare County and you feel that you have been discriminated against, you may file a Civil Rights complaint against County staff and/or County-contracted staff by submitting a complaint form through email, mail, telephone, or in person. Complaints must be filed within 180 days of the discriminatory action.
Complaint Form
For additional languages, please follow this link: www.cdss.ca.gov/reporting/file-a-complaint/discrimination-complaints
Contact:
Michelle Villarreal
Civil Rights Coordinator
5957 S. Mooney Blvd.
Visalia, CA 93277-9965
Email: TCCivilRights@tularecounty.ca.gov
Phone: (559) 624-8078
Do you have any physical, mental, or emotional conditions that make it hard for you to apply for benefits or meet program requirements? We can give extra help. We call this type of help a reasonable accommodation. The law protects people with physical, mental, and developmental disabilities, as well as others with serious health problems (42 U.S.C. § 12132). For more information, contact your worker. You can reach the Civil Rights Coordinator at TCCivilRights@tularecounty.ca.gov or (559) 624-8078.