Submit a Complaint for Investigation

The Augustus Department of Social Services administers the child care licensing law and issues licenses for child care facilities. The main purpose of regulation is to protect the health, safety, and welfare of children receiving care away from their homes.

If there is a regulatory concern, the Department is required to conduct an on-site visit, also called a complaint survey, to determine if the child care facility is in compliance with regulations. Concerns reported about someone providing child care without a license are also investigated and involve an on-site visit by a child care surveyor. Once a complaint is submitted it cannot be "withdrawn".

 

Submit a Complaint

Please read all of the following information before proceeding:

  • It is important for you to complete all sections of the form provided below so your complaint can be fully evaluated.
  • Once your complaint is reviewed you may be contacted by Department staff if more information is needed.
  • By submitting a complaint, you acknowledge that the information you submit is accurate. This does not mean that it is necessary for you to be able to "prove" that the allegation being made is true, only that you do not knowingly give false information in your complaint.
  • The complainant's information is not disclosed during the investigation however if the investigation leads to legal enforcement the complainant may be called to testify.
  • Allegations are investigated and must be verified independently for a substantiated finding.

Ready to submit your complaint?

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Investigations

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.

Step 1.Unannounced Visit

The local licensing office will make an unannounced visit to the facility to investigate the complaint within 10 days of receipt of the complaint.

Step 2.Notifications

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.

Step 3.Determinations

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 Department 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 Department 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.

Step 4.Investigation Complete

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.

Contact Us

Phone

555-555-5555

Email

DSS@cityofaugustus.gov

Location

9870 Broadmoor Dr
San Ramon, CA
94583
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