Abortion remains safe, legal, and accessible in California, whether or not you live in the state. The webpage link below has current and accurate information about how to access abortion services in California.

• State of California - Abortion Access 
  
• Office of the California Surgeon General – Reproductive Health ​
  

The California Healthy Youth Act (CHYA) requires school districts to ensure that students in grades 7 through 12 receive comprehensive sexual health education and HIV prevention education.

• CA Department of Education - The California Healthy Youth Act 
• American Civil Liberties Union of California - CYHA & Charter Schools (PDF) 

California has a number of laws and​ rights for youth (under the age of 18) seeking health care services.

• The National Center for Youth Law: California Minor Consent & Confidentiality Laws (PDF) 
• American Civil Liberties Union California – Student Health Rights 

Children in foster care have specific protections and rights.  

• Foster Youth Rights Handbook (PDF) 
• California Department of Social Services – Foster Youth Rights Summary (PDF) 

Young parents have the right to breastfeed or express milk when returning to school.

• California Breastfeeding Coalition - Laws That Protec​t Lactating Teens at School 
  

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) allows eligible children with disabilities to access free, appropriate public education, including special education and related services.

IDEA Part C provides early intervention services for children with disabilities from birth through age two, such as assessments, screenings, a variety of therapies, family counseling and more.

• About IDEA - Individuals with Disabilities Education Act 
• UC San Francisco - IDEA Part C FAQ 

The federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protects individuals with disabilities (including children) from discrimination at work, schools and in other settings.

California's Lanterman Developmental Disabilities Services Act says people with developmental disabilities (and their families) have a right to get the services and support they need to live like people who do not have disabilities.

• What is the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)? 
• What is the Americans with Disabilities Amendments Act (ADAA)? 
• Department of Developmental Services – Lanterman Act and Related Laws 
• Department of Developmental Services: A Consumer's Guide to the Lanterman Act (PDF)  (Also available in Spanish (PDF) )
  

The Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) Family Planning, Access, Care, and Treatment (PACT) program provides comprehensive family planning health services to eligible low-income California residents.

• Department of Health Care Services – Am I eligible for Family PACT services? 
• Department of Health Care Services – FPACT provider search 
  

For families who may need additional financial assistance, the California Earned Income Tax Credit (CalEITC) is a refundable, cash back credit for qualified low-to-moderate income working Californians.

If you qualify for CalEITC and have a child under the age of 6, you may also qualify for the Young Child Tax Credit (YCTC). Together, these state credits can put hundreds or even thousands of dollars in your pocket.

New in 2021, California will provide one-time relief payments as part of the Golden State Stimulus to families and individuals who qualify. All you must do is file your taxes.

Also new in 2021, filers who use an Independent Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)—primarily undocumented workers—are eligible for these state credits.

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and the Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs offer free tax filing help in many different languages.

The Federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) helps low-to-moderate income workers and families get a tax break. Those who qualify can use the credit to reduce taxes owed or possibly increase a refund.

• California State Franchise Tax Board – CalEITC and YCTC 
  
• California State Franchise Tax Board – Golden State Stimulus 
• California Department of Community Services and Development – CA Earned Income Tax Credit 
  
• CalEITC4ME – I am an ITIN holder 
• CalEITC4Me - No cost tax filing 
  
• Internal Revenue Service – Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) 
  

Immigration law is complex. The California Courts have a website dedicated to outlining the resources available for those navigating the immigration process.

• California Courts: Immigration Legal Help  (Also available in Spanish )
• Department of Social Services – Immigration Services Contractors 
• California Courts – Special Immigrant Juvenile Status 
• ImmigrantGuideCA 
  

New parents are entitled to accommodations that allow them to continue nursing/lactating even after returning to work. California law requires all employers to provide nursing/lactating employees with breaks throughout the day, as well as private, comfortable and clean places to express/pump breast milk.

There are also rights for nursing/lactating students who are going back to school.

• California Department of Public Health - Lactation Accommodations
  
• California Department of Public Health – Breastfeeding Laws
  
• California Breastfeeding Coalition – Workplace Lactation Accommodation 
• Legal Aid at Work – Work & Family Program 
• California Breastfeeding Coalition - Laws That Protect Lactating Teens at School 

The California Employment Development Department (EDD) offers information and resources about Paid Family Leave (PFL). PFL helps individuals who need to take time away from work to care for ill family, bond with a new child, or attend to a family member being deployed by the military.

The California Department of Fair Employment and Housing offers information about the California Family Rights Act (CFRA). CFRA helps individuals who might need unpaid, job-protected leave. Similar benefits and job protections are also available through the federal government's Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA).

California's EDD offers State Disability Insurance to help individuals if they are unable to work due to non-work-related illness or injury, pregnancy or childbirth.

• California Employment Development Department - Paid Family Leave 
• Department of Fair Employment and Housing – California Family Rights Act 
• U.S. Department of Labor – Family and Medical Leave Act 
• California Employment Development Department – Disability Insurance 
• Legal Aid at Work - Pregnancy/Parenting + My Job in CA 
• Legal Aid at Work - Pregnant and Parenting Workers Rights to Paid Leave and Accomodations in CA 

Immigrants and their loved ones across California can seek and accept medical care, food assistance and public housing without fear or confusion about public charge consequences, thanks to changes in federal policy.

• California Health & Human Services Agency – Change to Public Charge Rule  Alert