The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) offers a wide range of public assistance programs and services designed to support individuals and families across the state. This article highlights several key initiatives and resources provided by the department, focusing on disaster relief, housing support, programs for foster youth, food assistance, workforce development, and support for immigrants and vulnerable adults.
Progress in Early Learning and Care
California is committed to building a robust and equitable early learning and child care system. The state’s Master Plan for Early Learning and Care serves as a roadmap for ongoing improvements and expansions in this critical area. Significant strides have been made in implementing this plan, aiming to provide better opportunities for children and families across California.
Access a progress report for detailed information on the advancements made.
Celebrating a Decade of CalWORKs Housing Support Program
The CalWORKs Housing Support Program (HSP) has reached its 10-year milestone, marking a decade of providing crucial housing assistance and supportive services to CalWORKs recipients facing or at risk of homelessness. This initiative by the Department Of Public Social Services has played a vital role in helping families secure stable housing and access comprehensive support to improve their lives.
Learn more about the CalWORKs Housing Support Program and read the 10-Year Newsletter to understand its impact over the years.
Community Care Expansion Grants Boost Housing Availability
The Department of Public Social Services has awarded nearly $570 million in Community Care Expansion (CCE) program grants to fuel new housing projects throughout California. These CCE projects are actively creating new housing options, including licensed adult and senior care residences, permanent supportive housing sites, and innovative projects like housing on Tribal lands for elders. These diverse housing solutions aim to offer supportive independent living for older adults and adults with disabilities at risk of or experiencing homelessness, addressing critical housing needs within the state.
For further details on grantees and awards, explore the CCE data dashboard. You can also watch a video to learn more about the impact of these grants.
Enhancing Services for Foster Youth through Rate Reform
California’s Department of Public Social Services is dedicated to transforming the foster care system to better serve children and youth. The Continuum of Care Reform (CCR) emphasizes the importance of family-based care and aims to ensure that all children in foster care have the opportunity to grow up in a loving family environment, rather than congregate settings. To support this vision, the department has introduced a new, permanent foster care rate structure, effective July 1, 2027. This restructured system focuses on the individual needs of each child, promoting equity and addressing historical racial disparities within the foster care system.
Read more about the Foster Care Rate Reform Proposal and access a summary of the new rate structure for in-depth information.
SUN Bucks: Summer Food Assistance for Children
The Department of Public Social Services is committed to combating child hunger through programs like SUN Bucks. This summer food program provides $40 per month for food during June, July, and August ($120 total) to children who typically rely on school meals during the academic year. SUN Bucks ensures that eligible children have access to nutritious food even when school is out, supporting families in need. Automatic enrollment is available for many eligible children, simplifying access to this vital food assistance.
Learn more about the SUN Bucks Summer Food Program and how it supports families in California.
Strengthening the Child Welfare Workforce through Partnerships
The California Department of Social Services is proactively investing in the future of the child welfare workforce. Through the California Workforce Innovation, Support, and Education (CalWISE) program, CDSS partners with leading universities like UC Davis (UCD) and UCLA to enhance training, education, and support for child welfare professionals. This collaborative approach ensures a well-prepared and highly skilled workforce dedicated to providing quality services to children and families involved in the child welfare system.
Visit the UCD website for additional information on the CalWISE program and its initiatives.
Social Work Education Stipends and Training Opportunities
In another effort to bolster the social services workforce, the California Department of Public Social Services is collaborating with San Jose State University (SJSU) to offer training and stipends for social work education. These opportunities are available for both Master of Social Work (MSW) and Bachelor of Arts in Social Work (BASW) students who commit to employment in Adult Protective Services (APS) after graduation. This program helps develop a qualified workforce to protect vulnerable adults in California.
Visit the SJSU website to explore the training and stipend opportunities in social work.
Project Roomkey: A Success in Protecting Homeless Populations During the Pandemic
Project Roomkey, a groundbreaking initiative by the California Department of Social Services, provided non-congregate shelter options like hotels and motels for individuals experiencing homelessness during the pandemic. A recently released report highlights the program’s success in protecting vulnerable populations, minimizing strain on the healthcare system, and saving lives. Project Roomkey stands as a testament to the Department’s commitment to addressing homelessness and public health crises effectively.
For more information on Project Roomkey’s impact, access the issue brief (English), issue brief (Spanish), news release (English), and news release (Spanish).
Safeguarding EBT Benefits Against Theft and Scams
The Department of Public Social Services is actively addressing the increasing issue of Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) theft in California. To protect EBT cardholders, CDSS has created informative videos with security tips, available in English and Spanish. Cardholders are urged to be vigilant and take preventative measures to protect their benefits.
The ebtEDGE mobile app and web portal offer additional tools for California EBT cardholders to manage and protect their CalFresh and CalWORKs benefits. Download the free app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, or access the web-based portal. Learn more about the app through videos in English and Spanish.
Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants (CAPI)
The Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants (CAPI) provides crucial financial support to eligible immigrants in California who are 65 or older, blind, or disabled. This program, administered by the Department of Public Social Services, ensures that immigrants meeting specific criteria based on immigration status, income, and resources can access necessary cash assistance.
Visit the CAPI program website for comprehensive information and application details.
Public Charge Rule Update: Protecting Immigrant Access to Services
The Department of Public Social Services emphasizes that immigrants in California can confidently access essential services like medical care, food assistance, and public housing without concerns about public charge implications. A recent public charge rule by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, effective December 23, 2022, clarifies that participation in CalFresh, public housing, or Medi-Cal (excluding long-term care) will not negatively impact public charge determinations. This ensures that immigrants can seek and receive necessary assistance without fear.
For legal assistance, individuals can consult the list of immigration services providers funded by CDSS.
IHSS: Over 50 Years of In-Home Support for Californians
The In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) program, a cornerstone of California’s Department of Public Social Services, has been empowering residents to live independently at home for over 50 years. IHSS provides essential support services, enabling individuals to avoid institutionalization and maintain their quality of life in their own homes.
Explore the IHSS webpage or contact your local county IHSS office to learn more about this vital program. Watch a video for an overview of IHSS.
Adult Protective Services (APS) Hotline: Protecting Vulnerable Adults
The Department of Public Social Services provides a statewide Adult Protective Services (APS) hotline to ensure the safety and well-being of vulnerable adults. If you or someone you know needs protection from abuse or neglect, call the APS hotline at (833) 401-0832. This hotline connects individuals to their local county APS staff 24/7.
Foster Care Ombudsperson Hotline: Advocating for Children in Foster Care
The Foster Care Ombudsperson hotline serves as a vital resource for addressing concerns related to the care, placement, services, or rights of children in foster care. If you have any concerns, call the Foster Care Ombudsperson hotline at (877) 846-1602, available Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm, excluding holidays.
The California Department of Public Social Services remains dedicated to providing essential support and resources to Californians in need through these and many other programs.
