Civil Rights

Individuals eligible for, receiving services from or benefiting from programs funded by or through the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) are protected by various laws, regulations, rules, and policies against unlawful discrimination based on race, color, religion, disability, political affiliation or belief, age, sex, including sexual orientation and gender identity, and national origin.

Any customer or person served by Cuyahoga County Department of Health and Human Services (CCDHHS) who believes, he or she has been treated inappropriately because of one of the criteria above is entitled to file a complaint.

If you believe that you have been denied or delayed services for which you are eligible because you must file your complaint within six months of the date on which the incident or treatment happened.

If you have concerns related to customer service or a decision on a case with one of the Health and Human Services agencies, please visit our Complaints, Hearings & Appeals page for more information on how to file those complaints.

Non-Discrimination Statement | USDA In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discrimination.

Civil Rights, LEP and ADA Plans

The Cuyahoga County Department of Health and Human Services maintains a plan that provides information on how the agency will ensure federal laws are upheld by the agency and that the agency is meeting the requirements under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and providing appropriate support to those with Limited-English Proficiency LEP) by providing a civil rights, ADA and LEP plan.

• American Disabilities Act (ADA) – Your right to equal access to programs and services is guaranteed under federal law.

• Limited English Proficiency (LEP) – Interpretation and translation services are available to customers at no cost for services in person, over the phone, and by video.

How to File a Civil Rights Discrimination Complaint

You may choose any of the following methods below to file your civil rights complaint about a program or service offered by one of our CCDHHS divisions.

To File a Complaint with a Civil Rights Coordinator

The Civil Rights Coordinator can assist you by:

• Serving as a liaison between Ohio Department of Job and Family Services - Bureau of Civil Rights and agencies of Cuyahoga County Department of Health and Human Services (CCDHHS). 
• Coordinating with all parties involved on communications and correspondence.
• Monitoring, record, and fact-finding customer complaints alleging civil rights discrimination.
• Providing information on your rights.
• Working to ensure that your rights are upheld.
• Working in collaboration with the Office of Customer Relations to ensure that the public, customers, and community partners, are obtaining efficient and quality services from the CCDHHS.
• Sharing your concerns with CCDHHS and other agencies to improve services.
• Providing training, including civil rights and development to agency staff based on community feedback received and customer satisfaction information.

We have civil rights coordinators at each of these agencies within the Department of Health and Human services. You may also see the Civil Rights, LEP and ADA Plans for each agency listed with their coordinator:

To File a Complaint with the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services Bureau of Civil Rights

We recommend you reach out to the local Civil Rights Coordinator, listed above to file your complaint, so we may guide you through the process, however you do have the option to choose to file a civil rights compliant directly with the Ohio Bureau of Civil Rights:

The Ohio Dept. of Job and Family Services
Bureau of Civil Rights
30 East Broad Street 30^th Floor
Columbus, OH 43215
Telephone: (614) 644-2703
Toll Free: 1-866-227-6353

You may call the Bureau of Civil Rights to submit your complaint, or you may submit your complaint in writing.

• Written Complaint: If the complaint is submitted in writing, you can use the online BCR Discrimination Complaint Form. At the top of the online form, you will find instructions for completing the form. Be sure to click “Submit” at the bottom of the page to submit your complaint. [GL1] 
• Telephone: If the complaint is submitted by telephone you can call (614) 644-2703 or Toll Free 1-866-227-6353.

To File a Complaint with a Federal Agency

It is recommended that individuals contact the ODJFS Bureau of Civil Rights before attempting to file their complaints directly with any of the federal agencies listed below. The reason for this is so that the filing will be with the correct federal agency, based upon the kind of program, service or benefit involved.

Workplace Discrimination

Any employee or perspective employee who feels they have been discriminated against by the Department of Health and Human Services or Cuyahoga County contact the Cuyahoga County Department of Human Resources at 216-443-7190 or via email at humanresources@cuyahogacounty.us.

Ohio Civil Rights Commission at 614-466-2785 or visit their website at https://civ.ohio.gov/home. You can also contact the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission at 1-800-669-4000 or visit their website at www.eeoc.gov. 

View the Equal Employment Opportunity Plan.