DETAINED REPRESENTATION PROJECT State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2025-27

Purpose: The California Department of Social Services announces a grant to fund legal services for individuals in immigration detention. Backed by SBX 1-2, the Detained Representation Project aims to expand access to trauma-informed, client-centered legal aid and address service gaps for vulnerable immigrant communities impacted by federal policy changes. Welfare and Institutions Code (WIC) sections 13302-13307 authorize the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) to award funding to qualified nonprofit organizations to provide services to immigrants residing in, or formerly residing in, the State of California. The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) announces a competitive grant opportunity to support the provision of legal services for individuals currently held in immigration detention in California. This funding, authorized under Special Session Senate Bill (SBX 1-2), is intended to respond to the evolving legal needs of vulnerable immigrant communities impacted by federal changes to immigration policy and regulations. CDSS seeks to enhance access to high-quality legal representation for detained individuals, recognizing the heightened vulnerabilities and complex barriers faced by those navigating the federal immigration system while in custody. The Detained Representation Project seeks to address critical service gaps, expand access to immigration legal services for detained individuals, and support innovative strategies to improve detained legal service delivery and respond to evolving needs across the state. CDSS will select grantees who can provide legal services that are client-centered and trauma-informed, and ensure legal representation is tailored to each client’s individual needs. Eligible Applicants: The RFA process is open to all California-based nonprofit organizations that request at least the minimum level of funding to provide detained representation services as defined in this RFA. Applicants shall meet the minimum eligibility criteria. Eligible Geographies: Statewide

• PSCHealth & Human Services, Law, Justice, and Legal Services

• Grant guidelines.html

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  immigrationservices@dss.ca.gov