Program Integrity & Fraud Prevention
Protecting child care resources is a shared responsibility. Learn what fraud is, review the policy that applies to you, and find out how to report suspected fraud.
Protecting Child Care Together
Child care assistance helps children learn, families work, and providers deliver quality care every day. By understanding program requirements and reporting accurate information, we help protect these valuable resources so they remain available for eligible families.
What Is Fraud?
The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) defines fraud as the intentional deception or misrepresentation made by a person with the knowledge that the deception could result in unauthorized benefits or payments.
Fraud is different from an honest mistake. If you’re unsure about attendance, reporting changes, or program requirements, Child Action is here to help.
Examples of Fraud
Fraud may include intentionally:
- Submitting false or inaccurate attendance records.
- Providing false or misleading information about income, employment, residence, or need for care.
- Providing false or misleading information about a child’s attendance or other eligibility factors.
- Withholding information that affects eligibility.
- Falsifying documents, signatures, or using pre-signed attendance sheets.
Fraud Policy Resources
Find fraud policy information for parents and child care providers. Review the policy for your role and explore helpful videos to learn more.
For Providers
Find information about the fraud policy for providers .
Provider Fraud Policy
Fraud Policy Video
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For Parents
Find information about the fraud policy for families.
Parent Fraud Policy
Fraud Policy Video
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Report Suspected Fraud
If you suspect fraud or have concerns about possible fraudulent activity, contact Child Action’s Program Integrity Unit. Your report helps protect child care resources and program integrity.
Call: (916) 369-4466
Email: programintegrity@childaction.org