Serve, aid and protect vulnerable children and adults to strengthen and preserve families, encourage personal responsibility, and foster independence.

Core values

- **Serving Vulnerable Populations**: The CDSS provides oversight and services for nearly 3 million of California’s most vulnerable residents, including foster children, families receiving aid through CalWORKs, and adults and elderly in licensed community care facilities[1][4].
- **Comprehensive Programs**: The department manages programs such as CalWORKs, In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS), and Supplemental Security Income/State Supplementary Payment (SSI-SSP), which are essential for economic stability and healthcare access[1][4].
- **Promoting Independence and Family Preservation**: The mission of CDSS is to strengthen and preserve families, encourage personal responsibility, and foster independence, which are crucial for improving quality of life and community well-being[4].
- **Addressing Civil Rights and Human Rights**: The department ensures compliance with state and federal civil rights mandates, ensuring equal access to benefits and services[1].