In Home Supportive Services (IHSS) has a noble and practical purpose: help the most vulnerable Californians with significant health issues stay as long as possible in their homes by providing some level of caregiving assistance. These individuals are eligible for Medi-Cal, which means their income is typically less than $1,000 a month. IHSS is unique to California, is administered by counties and is funded with a mix of county, state, and federal funds.

It is much less costly for both the state and counties to provide hands-on care for frail and vulnerable people in their homes, rather than relegating them to more costly nursing homes. Yet the system, designed with the best intentions, is still susceptible to fraud from persons who prey on the sick and elderly. In response to concerns about fraud, Los Angeles County instituted a model IHSS Anti-Fraud effort developed by the Department of Public Social Services in partnership with the District Attorney and State Investigative Section.