Department of social services community care licensing division

CCLD Complaint Hotline

If you see something, let us know!

To file a complaint regarding a state licensed community care facility or child care facility visit our Complaint Hotline Page for contact information and more.

CCLD Services and Notifications

Quick Links

• Adam Walsh Information
• Annual Immunization Assessment Reporting
• Translations: (Español, 한국어, 中文, Tiếng Việt)
• California Background Check Process
• Child Care Advocate Program
• Child Care Facility Fatality Data
• Child Care Licensing Orientations
• Child Care Licensing Webinars
• Child Care Transparency Website (Licensing Facility Inspection Reports)
• Disaster Resources
• COVID Test Kit Distribution Resources
• COVID-19 Positive Cases in Child Care Facilities
• Beginning the week of May 3, 2021, CDSS is moving to weekly COVID reporting for Child Care Facilities. The weekly reports will be posted on Wednesday’s and will begin on Wednesday, May 5, 2021.
• Exit Survey
• Forms
• Help Paying for Child Care
• Immunization Information
• Laws and Regulations
• Lead Poisoning Facts Flyer
• Translations: (Arabic, Farsi, Español, Russian,한국어, 中文, Tiếng Việt)
• Lead Toxicity Prevention and Water Testing Information
• Licensed Incentive Resource Webpage for Family Child Care Home Licensees
• Livescan Application Process & Fees
• Megan's Law
• Mental Health and Wellness Resources
• MyChildCare.ca.gov
• Provider Information Notices (PINs)
• Quarterly Updates
• Safe Sleep in Child Care
• Safe Sleep FAQs
• Surveys
• TrustLine

Make a Complaint

To file a complaint regarding a state licensed community care facility or child care facility, call or contact us using the options below:

Phone: 844-LET US NO (844-538-8766)
Email:
Online complaint webpage: https://complaints.ccld.dss.ca.gov/

Remember, when you report suspected violations, you not only protect individuals in care facilities, but also perform a service to your community.

How can I file a complaint regarding a facility, a facility licensee, or a facility staff person?
Determine what type of facility you are filing a complaint against. Is it a Community Care Facility, or is it a Health Care Facility?

Community Care Facilities

(Licensed by the California Department of Social Services)
Less than 24-hour nonmedical care and supervision:

• Child Care Centers
• Family Child Care Homes
• Adult Day Programs

24-hour nonmedical care and supervision:

• Children's Residential Facilities: Group Homes, Foster Family Homes, Small Family Homes, Transitional Housing, Crisis Nursery, Adoption Agencies, Foster Family Agencies
• Adult Residential Facilities: (includes Social Rehabilitation Facilities)
• Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly

Health Care Facilities

(Licensed by the California Department of Public Health)

• Provide care to individuals who require medical care and supervision
• General Acute Care Hospitals, Acute Psychiatric Hospitals, Skilled Nursing Facilities, Intermediate Care Facilities, Chemical Dependency Recovery Hospitals, Adult Day Health Centers, Correctional Treatment Centers, and Rehabilitation Clinics. (There are 30 different types.)
• For complaints against Health Care Facilities, please contact the California Department of Public Health, Licensing and Certification Division.

Who do I contact for complaints against Community Care Facilities?

First, try to resolve minor concerns or differences with the provider. If your concerns are still not addressed and you believe that the provider is breaking licensing laws, a complaint should be filed. Please contact us using the options above. Your identify as the Complainant will remain anonymous unless you give us permission to use it. If you believe there is physical or sexual abuse involved, you should also report it to local law enforcement.

How will my complaint be handled?

The Department, parents, guardians of clients, Licensees, and providers all play a role in protecting the health and safety of clients at licensed Community Care Facilities. The complaint process is an important tool to help monitor the provision of licensed care and ensure that Community Care Facilities meet health and safety standards as required by law.

• The local licensing office will make an unannounced visit to the facility to investigate the complaint within 10 days of receipt of the complaint.
• You will be notified in writing that your complaint has been received, if you have provided your contact information, and a Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) will be assigned to your case who will be your point of contact throughout the investigation.
• When reaching a determination on a complaint, Community Care Licensing uses a “Preponderance of the Evidence” standard, meaning the available evidence must show that it is more likely than not (more than 50%) that the allegation is true. If this standard is met, the allegation will be “Substantiated.” The LPA may reach a finding of “Unsubstantiated” if the investigation shows that this standard hasn’t been met, meaning there isn’t enough evidence to prove a violation occurred. The LPA may reach a finding of “Unfounded” if the evidence shows an allegation could not have happened, is false, and/or is without a reasonable basis.
• Once the investigation is completed, the Department will notify you in writing of the findings if you have provided your contact information. The length of the investigation depends on the complexity of the case.

In the interim, should you have any questions or concerns, you may contact the local licensing office.

REMEMBER: WHEN YOU REPORT SUSPECTED VIOLATIONS, YOU NOT ONLY PROTECT INDIVIDUALS IN CARE FACILITIES, BUT ALSO PERFORM A SERVICE TO YOUR COMMUNITY.

COMMUNICATION WITH COMPLAINANTS, FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)

What is the role of Community Care licensing in California?

How do I find out if a daycare is licensed in California?

How much does a child care license cost in California?

Who licenses assisted living facilities in California?