Limited English Proficient Policy

Legal Aid and Defender Association, Inc - Civil Law Group - 070081

Abstract Number: 070081

August 2007

Legal Aid and Defender Association, Inc – Civil Law Group (CLG) adopted a Limited English Proficient (LEP) Policy concerning the provision of oral interpretation and translation services to ensure that its staff can communicate effectively with clients/prospective clients with limited English proficiency in their primary language and provide adequate information and legal assistance. 

Application of parts of the LEP policy is determined by the number of LEP eligible individuals in the CLG service area.  CLG defines an LEP person as one who "cannot speak, read, write or understand" the English language at a level that permits them to interact effectively with health care providers, social service agencies or conduct under daily personal business activities. 

According to the LEP policy CLG must provide interpreters by hiring bilingual staff where possible and by contacting outside interpreter services.  CLG staff is encouraged to use professional interpreter and the LEP policy explicitly discourages reliance on family members and friends of clients.  An interpreter must be used whenever the client or the staff person thinks one would be helpful. 

Furthermore, All LEP clients must be informed that they can exercise the right to complain/grieve to the Managing Attorney by using the services of Language Line, which can be accessed by calling the CLG office.

Importantly, CLG will ensure that any person providing interpretation/translation services for its clients understands their obligation to maintain client confidentiality. 

At the time of case closure and supervisory review and sign-off, supervisors will review each case to determine if the need for language service was addressed.  CLG case handlers will be trained periodically on how to work with interpreters, language resources, and making services accessible and inviting to LEP clients.

To access Legal Aid and Defender Association's Limited English Proficient (LEP) Policy please click here ( 349k)

Contact Information:

Joan Glanton Howard
Chief Counsel, Civil Law Group
Legal aid and Defender Association
645 Griswold street, Suite, 2600
Detroit, MI 48226
Phone: 313-964-4111
Fax: 313 964-0466
jhoward@ladadetroit.org

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