1 Who is a LEP Person??? LEP, or Limited English Proficiency, is defined as: oPersons born in other countries; oChildren of immigrants born in the United States; oOther non-English or limited English proficient persons born in the United States, including Native Americans.

2 LEP Defined An individual who does not speak English as their primary language and have a limited ability to read, write, speak, or understand English. An individual who does not speak English as their primary language and have a limited ability to read, write, speak, or understand English.

3 LEP Definitions Language Services: Language Services: –Translations, interpretations, bilingual staff or contractors Interpreter: Interpreter: –One who interprets ORALLY for parties conversing in different languages Translator: Translator: –One who translates WRITTEN messages from one language to another Program: Program: –A residential/non-residential facility or activity operated by DJS or a private contractor that is directly involved in the care and treatment of youth under DJS jurisdiction, or a facility or activity licensed and/or certified by DJS.

4 Title VI of the Civil Rights Acts of 1964 Prohibits recipients of federal financial assistance from discriminating against or otherwise excluding individuals on the basis of race, color, or national origin in any of their activities.

5 What are Vital Documents… Definition Vital documents are ALL documents essential to the provision of care and services to youth under DJS jurisdiction. These include such documents as: Vital documents are ALL documents essential to the provision of care and services to youth under DJS jurisdiction. These include such documents as: –Consent and complaint forms; –Key informational brochures.

6 Private Provider Obligations Private Providers are required to provide language services to DJS youth in their care and custody according to State and Federal law; Private Providers are required to provide language services to DJS youth in their care and custody according to State and Federal law; Private Providers are financially responsible for all services provided to youth in their care and custody; Private Providers are financially responsible for all services provided to youth in their care and custody; Private Providers will have access to LEP data via the Internet, which will include other ways to provide language services to youth and/or their families. Private Providers will have access to LEP data via the Internet, which will include other ways to provide language services to youth and/or their families.

7 Program Staff Responsibilities Inform LEP youths or parents of the language services available at NO COST; Inform LEP youths or parents of the language services available at NO COST; Obtain language services for LEP youths and parents in a timely manner; and Obtain language services for LEP youths and parents in a timely manner; and Monitor the provision of services to LEP youths and/or parents. Monitor the provision of services to LEP youths and/or parents.

8 Language Resources LionBridge Global Solutions   On-site  Telephonic  Written CTS LanguageLink   On-site  Telephonic  Written Schreiber Translations, Inc.   Written translations The following information can be used as a resource to procure services for youth who are identified as Limited English Proficient. This list is by no means exhaustive, but should be explored, along with other alternatives, such as hiring of bi-lingual staff, in order to provide language services to LEP youth.

9 Additional Resources Cross Cultural Communications can assist in locating qualified interpreters, recruitment and training of bi-lingual staff, and additional language services. Cross Cultural Communications can assist in locating qualified interpreters, recruitment and training of bi-lingual staff, and additional language services. The Migration Policy Institute, MPI, provides analysis, development, and evaluation of migration and refugee policies at the local, national, and international levels. er.cfm The Migration Policy Institute, MPI, provides analysis, development, and evaluation of migration and refugee policies at the local, national, and international levels. er.cfm er.cfm er.cfm Contact the Maryland Administrative Office of the Courts for a complete listing of court certified and eligible language interpreters. or Contact the Maryland Administrative Office of the Courts for a complete listing of court certified and eligible language interpreters. or The Office of New Americans provides support and services to refugees to ease their transition into American society, and serves as a resource to the Governor and General Assembly on refugee and immigrant policy. The Office of New Americans provides support and services to refugees to ease their transition into American society, and serves as a resource to the Governor and General Assembly on refugee and immigrant policy.

10 Use of Adult Family Members or Other Adult Volunteers The use of family members or other adult volunteers is acceptable only if: The use of family members or other adult volunteers is acceptable only if:  LEP youth and parent are informed of right to receive NO COST language services;  The parent declines language services;  Program staff determines that the use of family members, community members, and/or volunteers does not create a conflict of interest or a breach of confidentiality.

11 Use of Adult Family Members or Other Adult Volunteers, cont… NEVER use children as an interpreter! NEVER use children as an interpreter! Document use of a family member or declination of language services in writing and have all parties sign and date the documentation. Document use of a family member or declination of language services in writing and have all parties sign and date the documentation.

12 Documentation Program staff shall maintain file documentation and records of language services involving DJS youth and parents in a manner that provides confidentiality and security.

13 Confidentiality All interpreters and translators shall agree to keep all interactions with LEP youth and/or parents and guardians confidential. All interpreters and translators shall agree to keep all interactions with LEP youth and/or parents and guardians confidential. Interpreters and translators shall be required to sign a confidentiality agreement. Interpreters and translators shall be required to sign a confidentiality agreement. Celest Womack, Director of Fair Practices Keneithia Taylor, EEO Officer