Language Assistance Plan
Legal Services of Eastern Missouri - 030200
Abstract Number: 030200
December 2003
Legal Services of Eastern Missouri (LSEM) implemented a Language Assistance Plan to ensure LSEM's limited English proficient (LEP) clients receive high quality legal assistance irrespective of their English language abilities. In creating their Language Assistance Plan, LSEM researched the guidance issued by the United States Department of Justice prohibiting national origin discrimination as it affects LEP clients. In addition, LSEM also conducted a statistical analysis of census data to identify the number of low-income LEP clients in LSEM's service area.
From this information, LSEM created their procedural based Language Assistance Plan. The policy has sections providing instruction on how LSEM staff should handle telephone communications, in-person communications, translating documents, use of forms with LEP clients, court and administrative hearings, out-reach, and the oversight that will ensure the incorporation of these procedures into LSEM's day to day services. To support the implementation of the Language Assistance Plan, LSEM held three days of trainings that coincided with LSEM's adoption of the plan. This training is offered to new employees on an ongoing basis.
LSEM is beginning to implement the second stage of the plan which includes launching a coordinated outreach effort to notify low-income, LEP communities about the availability of free interpreters as part of LSEM's services. In addition, LSEM and volunteer lawyers will conduct trainings with community based nonprofit organizations to educate them about the services LSEM offers to LEP clients. To learn more, access the policy below as a PDF document.
Contact Information:
Beth Roper
Legal Services of Eastern Missouri
4232 Forest Park Avenue
St. Louis, MO 63108
Phone: (314) 534-4200
Fax: (314) 534-1425
Email
Additional Information:
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