Department of Child, Family and Adult Services

Sacramento County Department of Child, Family and Adult Services (DCFAS) Ombudsperson is a neutral party who helps resolve complaints or answer questions about DCFAS Agency policies or practices. The Ombudsperson is a liaison between DCFAS and the public, clients, and other governmental and private agencies. The Ombudsperson conducts reviews in an independent and impartial manner to ensure that agency policies or practices are consistent with DCFAS goals and missions. The Ombudsperson seeks to resolve issues in a fair, thorough, and timely manner and to ensure that individuals are treated fairly, respectfully, and with dignity.

Resources
Ombudsperson Brochure (English)
Ombudsperson Brochure (Spanish)

Who can contact the Ombudsperson?

Anyone: children, parents, grandparents, relatives, foster parents, attorneys, physicians, therapists, social workers, teachers, related agencies, or community organizations, etc. 

What does the Ombudsperson do?​

• Provide information, answer questions and/or identify staff or resources to address your concerns.
• Conduct independent complaint reviews regarding agency policies or practices.
• Assure policies and procedures are consistent with Department goals and missions of the Department.
• Assure individuals are treated fairly, respectfully, and with dignity.
• Assure matters are treated confidential as appropriate.
• Make recommendations and referrals when appropriate.
• Facilitate prompt complaint resolution in an independent, impartial, objective and professional manner.

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Is there anything the Ombudsperson cannot do?

• Cannot overturn court orders or make recommendations to the court.
• Cannot give legal advice.
• Cannot investigate matters when appeals or lawsuits are pending against the County.
• Cannot ensure implementation of any recommendation made following investigation.
• Personnel and disciplinary matters are referred to an Agency Manager for appropriate action.
  

How can I file a complaint with the Ombudsperson?
For the quickest response please contact our office by phone or e-mail. You may also submit a complaint in writing. Simply download the complaint form in English or Spanish, complete and either send via email or US mail to:

Susan Kopp, Ombudsperson
She, Her, Hers

9750 Business Park Dr. Suite 220
Sacramento, CA 95827
Phone: 916-875-2000                 
Fax: 916-854-9443
Email: DCFAS-Ombudsperson@saccounty.gov  

What if I disagree with the Ombudsperson's findings?
The Ombudsperson's findings concludes departmental actions.

If you disagree with the Ombudsperson's findings you may contact the following agencies:

Child Protective Services (CPS):

California Department of Social Services, Children's Services Operations and Evaluations Branch,  744 P Street, M/S 8-12-91, Sacramento CA 95814

In-home Supportive Services (IHSS):

California Department of Social Services, IHSS Quality Assurance Program, 744 P Street, Sacramento, CA 95814

Adult Protective Services (APS):

California Department of Fair Employment and Housing, 2218 Kausen Drive, Suite 100, Elk Grove, CA 95758 ​

The Department of Child, Family, and Adult Services (DCFAS) Civil Rights Coordinator is responsible for ensuring Child Protective Services (CPS) and Senior and Adult Services (SAS) adhere to California State Department of Social Services (CDSS) Division 21 regulations.

The purpose of Division 21 Civil Rights Nondiscrimination in State and Federally assisted programs is to effectuate the provisions of the following laws, as amended to ensure that the administration of public assistance and social services programs are nondiscriminatory, and that no person shall, because national origin, color, race, ancestry, ethnic group, age, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, domestic partnership, medical condition, genetic information, religion, political  affiliation, citizenship, immigration status, disability be excluded from participation in, be denied benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving federal or state financial assistance:

Applicable Laws and Regulations:

• Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
• Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
• Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990
• The Age Discrimination Act of 1975
• The Food Stamp Act of 1977
• California Civil Code, Section 51 et seq.
• California Government Code, Section 11135 et seq.
• California Government Code, Section 4450
• California Welfare and Institution Codes
• Other applicable federal and state laws and their implementing regulations
  
  

Applicable Programs:

• Adoption Assistance Program (AAP)
• Adult Protective Services (APS)
• Approved Relative Caregiver Funding Option Program (ARC)
• Foster Care/Child Welfare Services
• In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS)
• Service Animal Allowance
• Kinship Guardianship Assistance (KinGAP) 
• Resource Family Approvals (RFA) 
  
  

Time Limits for A Civil Rights Discrimination Complaint:

If you think you were discriminated against, you must file a discrimination complaint within 180 days of the date the discrimination occurred.

To file a discrimination complaint contact:

Susan Kopp, Civil Rights Coordinator

She, Her, Hers

9750 Business Park Dr. suite 220

Sacramento, CA 95827

Phone: 916-875-2000

Email: DCFAS-Ombudsperson@saccounty.gov​

Additional Ways to File a Discrimination Complaint:

California State:

Federal:

Child Protective Services or In-home Supportive Services: Civil Rights Unit California Department of Social Services P.O. Box 944243, M/S 8-16-70 Sacramento, CA 94244-2430 Phone 866-741-6241 (toll free) E-Mail: crb@dss.ca.gov Adult Protect​ive Services: California Department of Fair Employment and Housing 2218 Kausen Drive, Suite 100 Elk Grove, CA 95758 Phone: 800-884-1684 Web: https://www.dfeh.ca.gov E-Mail: contact.center@dfeh.ca.gov

Only for discrimination based on Race, Color, National Origin, Disability, Age, or Sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity): U.S. Department of Health and Human Services  Office of Civil Rights  200 Independence Avenue, S.W.  Suite 515F, HHH Building  Washington, DC 20201  Phone: 800-368-1019 TDD: 800-537-7697 (hearing/speech impaired) E-Mail: OCRMail@hhs.gov  File a complaint online at: https://ocrportal.hhs.gov/ocr/smartscreen/main.jsf ​