The California Department of Social Services (CDSS), through its Immigration Services Bureau (ISB), has opened a competitive Request for Application (RFA) process for the Detained Representation (DR) Project. This initiative is designed to provide funding to nonprofit organizations to support legal services for individuals currently held in immigration detention within California. The effort responds to the evolving legal needs of vulnerable immigrant populations, especially those impacted by federal changes in immigration policies and regulations. The DR Project focuses on expanding access to legal representation and implementing innovative strategies that improve service delivery for detained individuals.
The DR Project is authorized under Special Session Senate Bill SBX 1-2 and aims to address significant service gaps in legal representation for detained immigrants. The grant supports the development and provision of legal services that are essential to ensuring due process and equity in immigration proceedings. The program also seeks to enhance the overall capacity of nonprofit legal service providers to respond to these needs effectively across the state.
Applications for funding must include two required parts: completion of an online SurveyMonkey application form and submission of a DR Service Location and Budget Worksheet via email. Additional supporting documents include the Applicant Reference Form, DR RFA Questionnaire with application instructions, Exhibit E outlining insurance requirements, the STD 204 Payee Data Record, and the Trust Fund Eligibility Self-Assurance Form. All materials are to be submitted by June 4, 2025, at 11:59 PM.
Eligibility criteria and detailed instructions are available in the DR RFA Overview. Organizations are encouraged to review these documents carefully to ensure compliance with application requirements. The project term runs from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2027. All interested applicants must adhere strictly to submission guidelines and deadlines to be considered.
Contact for inquiries and submission is via the ISB-RFA@dss.ca.gov email address. Additional contact information includes the general email ImmigrationServices@dss.ca.gov, phone number (916) 651-8017, and fax number (916) 654-7187. The CDSS Immigration Services Unit is located at P.O. Box 944243, Sacramento, CA 94244-2430.
This initiative continues CDSS’s broader efforts to support immigrant equity through various programs, including education, outreach, and other essential immigrant integration services. These programs are part of a larger commitment by CDSS to increase the availability of immigration legal services, particularly for underserved communities in California.
