Investigator Resources

Tools and information for investigating alleged childcare fraud in California

Important: This dashboard identifies patterns commonly associated with alleged fraud but does not prove fraud occurred. All references to fraud are alleged until proven in court. Always conduct proper investigation and consult with appropriate authorities before taking action.

📋 File a Complaint

If you suspect potential fraud or unsafe conditions at a childcare facility, you can file a complaint with the California Department of Social Services.

Community Care Licensing Division (CCLD)

CCLD investigates complaints about licensed childcare facilities including health, safety, and licensing violations.

  • Complaints can be made anonymously
  • CCLD must investigate within 10 days
  • You can track complaint status online
File a CCLD Complaint

Report Suspected Fraud to the OIG

For suspected alleged financial fraud involving federal childcare funds (CCDF, CACFP), report to the Office of Inspector General.

Report to HHS OIG

📄 Public Records Requests

You can request detailed information about childcare facilities through California's Public Records Act.

CACFP Reimbursement Data

Request facility-level meal reimbursement data to identify potential alleged billing fraud:

California Department of Social Services Attention: Public Records Coordinator 744 P Street, MS 8-14-737 Sacramento, CA 95814 Email: cdssfoia@dss.ca.gov RE: Public Records Act Request I request the following records pursuant to the California Public Records Act (Gov. Code § 6250 et seq.): 1. A list of all Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) participating childcare centers for [COUNTY NAME] County 2. Monthly meal reimbursement amounts by facility for fiscal years 2020-2024 3. Any audit findings or corrective action plans related to CACFP facilities Please provide records in electronic format.

Licensing Files

Request detailed licensing history, inspection reports, and complaint records for specific facilities.

CDSS Records Request Info

📞 Agency Contacts

Community Care Licensing Division (CCLD)
Licensing complaints and facility concerns
Phone: 1-844-538-8766
cdss.ca.gov/ccl
California Dept. of Education - Nutrition Services
CACFP program oversight
Phone: (916) 322-1016
cde.ca.gov/cacfp
California Attorney General
Large-scale alleged fraud investigations
Phone: (916) 445-9555
Submit a complaint
FBI - Los Angeles (Public Corruption)
Federal alleged fraud schemes
Phone: (310) 477-6565
tips.fbi.gov
IRS Criminal Investigation
Alleged tax fraud related to PPP/EIDL loans
Phone: 1-800-366-4484
irs.gov/ci

🔍 Research Tools

Business Entity Lookup

Verify business registrations and find connected entities:

Property Records

Verify facility addresses and ownership:

Court Records

Check for related lawsuits or criminal cases:

PPP Loan Data

Search original SBA loan data:

💡 Submit a Tip

Have information about potential alleged childcare fraud in California? Submit an anonymous tip to help investigators.

Tips are reviewed by The GOAT Initiative and may be forwarded to appropriate authorities.

What to include:

  • Facility name and location
  • What you observed or know
  • Dates and times if relevant
  • Any documentation you have
Submit Anonymous Tip

Or email: cory@thegoatinitiative.org

📊 Understanding Our Data

Data Sources

  • Facility Data: CA Community Care Licensing Division (CCLD) public database
  • PPP Loans: SBA Paycheck Protection Program loan data
  • Violations: CCLD inspection and complaint records

Risk Score Methodology

Our risk scores (1-10) are based on patterns from major alleged fraud cases:

  • COVID-Era License (2020-2022): +2 points
  • Closed/Inactive Status: +2 points
  • Short Operation (<24 months): +3 points
  • Shared Phone Number: +2 points
  • Generic Name: +1 point

Limitations

This analysis cannot detect:

  • Facilities that never obtained a license
  • Alleged fraud at facilities with no public red flags
  • The actual amount of allegedly fraudulent claims

High risk scores indicate patterns worth investigating—they do not prove fraud. All cases are alleged until proven in court.

Powered by The GOAT Initiative

Data updated: January 2025