CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES IMMIGRATION SERVICES FUNDING PRIMARY GRANTEE CONTACT LIST

As many of you know, recent ICE enforcement actions have deeply affected students, families, community members, co workers, and community partners across California—especially in Los Angeles and San Diego areas. This does cause significant distress and uncertainty for those we serve, including trauma, loss, fear, and disruptions in their lives.

To help you support your clients, families, peers, and others during this challenging time, we have compiled key local resources for legal aid, mental health support, “Know Your Rights” education, rapid-response assistance, and guidance on protecting client confidentiality specific to our roles as clinicians, therapists and social workers.

Therapist’s Ethical & Legal Responsibility to Protect Client Confidentiality

Your clients’ safety depends greatly on maintaining confidentiality, especially in contexts involving immigration enforcement. As licensed clinicians in California, you are required by law and ethical codes to protect client privacy, including:

• California Confidentiality of Medical Information Act (CMIA)
  This law protects medical and mental health information from unauthorized disclosure.

• California Evidence Code § 1014 and § 1017
  Provide privilege protections for confidential communications between therapist and client.

• HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act)
  Federal protections regarding client health information apply to many clinical settings.
  

Resources for further reference and guidance:

• California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS): bbs.ca.gov

• National Association of Social Workers (NASW) California Chapter:naswca.org — Ethical guidelines and updates on confidentiality and immigration.

• Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC) — guidance on confidentiality in immigrant contexts: ilrc.org/confidentiality 

Los Angeles Area Resources

• Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles (CHIRLA)
  Legal services, “Know Your Rights” education, and community support for undocumented individuals.
  Website:chirla.org
  Phone: (213) 353-1333

• Bet Tzedek Legal Services
  Free trauma-informed legal clinics, including immigration and housing support.
  Website:bettzedek.org
  Phone: (323) 939-0506

• Asian Americans Advancing Justice – Southern California
  Multilingual legal advocacy for immigration, workers’ rights, and domestic violence cases.
  Website:advancingjustice-la.org
  Phone: (213) 241-1500

• Los Angeles Unified School District: resources for students and their families. If you or your family need assistance regarding immigration, health, wellness, or housing, please call LAUSD's Family Hotline at (213) 443-1300. https://www.lausd.org/weareone

Bay Area Resources (San Francisco, Oakland, San Jose, and surrounding areas)

• Bay Area Legal Aid & CARECEN
  Free immigration legal services, including DACA, asylum, and removal defense.
  Bay Area Legal Aid:baylegal.org | (800) 551-5554
  CARECEN:carecencal.org | (415) 821-1000

• Asian Law Caucus
  Legal assistance focused on Asian American and Pacific Islander immigrant communities.
  Website:asianlawcaucus.org
  Phone: (415) 896-1701

• Catholic Charities and Asian Pacific Islander Legal Outreach
  Immigration legal support including deportation defense and asylum.
  Catholic Charities SF: (415) 972-1200
  API Legal Outreach: (415) 567-6255

• Bay Area Rapid Response Networks
  Hotlines for urgent community response:
  Alameda County: (510) 241-4011
  San Francisco: (415) 524-0900
  Contra Costa: (925) 229-6829

San Diego Area Resources

• Border Angels
  Outreach, legal support, rights education, and day labor assistance.
  Website:borderangels.org
  Phone: (619) 233-5800

• San Diego County Safe-Haven Policies
  Information on local law enforcement policies limiting ICE cooperation.
  San Diego Sheriff:sdcounty.ca.gov

Additional Supports Across California

• Know Your Rights Materials
  California Teachers Association provides multilingual “Know Your Rights” cards and posters ideal for schools and clinics: CTA Home Is Here Resources

• Immigrants Rising Wellness Groups
  Peer support and clinician-led groups for undocumented individuals coping with stress and trauma:
  immigrantsrising.org

• Trauma-Informed Legal and Mental Health Support
  Programs at Bet Tzedek and ICWC Law integrate mental health support with legal services to support healing and safety.

• Attached is the CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES IMMIGRATION SERVICES FUNDING PRIMARY GRANTEE CONTACT LIST STATE FISCAL YEAR 2023-24

Advocacy: How You Can Help Create Change

Supporting clients also means advocating for fair and humane immigration policies at local, state, and federal levels. Here’s how you and your clients can get involved:

• Find Your Representatives
  Use the official government tool to find your U.S. Senators and House Representatives based on your ZIP code: 

• • house.gov/representatives/find-your-representative 

  • senate.gov/senators/contact 

• Contact Your Representatives
  Write or call your elected officials to express concerns about immigration enforcement practices and support policies that protect immigrant families and communities.

• Support Local & State Legislation
  Stay informed about bills affecting immigrants and share this information with your clients and community.

• Join or Support Advocacy Groups
  Partner with organizations like CHIRLA, Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC), and local immigrant rights coalitions to amplify your voice.

• Engage in Community Action
  Attend town halls, public comment sessions, and peaceful demonstrations to advocate for change. 

How You Can Help

• Protect client confidentiality with extra care during this sensitive time.

• Distribute “Know Your Rights” materials in your practice and community.

• Keep local rapid-response hotline numbers accessible for clients and colleagues.

• Encourage self-care and share coping strategies with your clients experiencing fear and trauma.

• Stay connected with local immigrant advocacy and support organizations to learn about training and community events.

• Advocate for policies that promote safety, dignity, and justice for immigrant communities.
  

Thank you for the vital work you do every day to support vulnerable communities. If you have any questions or need additional resources, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

In solidarity, 

Briana Fair, LCSW, CSCW President 
Diversity Equity and Transformation Committee 
Communications Committee