Limited English Proficiency (L.E.P.) Resources: Policy
Policy Regarding Clients with Limited English Proficiency
Pine Tree Legal Assistance - 030083
Abstract Number: 030083
May 2003
In the mid-1990s, Pine Tree Legal Assistance (PTLA) implemented a "Policy Regarding Clients with Limited English Proficiency" to ensure LEP clients are able to receive high-quality legal services irrespective of their English language abilities. PTLA's policy provides guidelines for how PTLA serves LEP clients both during intake and how staff should follow up with the client after intake if further services are needed. For language needs unavailable from PTLA staff, employees will use either a phone-based translation service or arrange to have a translator provide assistance from RRPinterpret, a translation service provided by the Refugee Resettlement Project. Access the full policy below.
PTLA staff also offers community legal education material in languages other than English. PTLA has had a tremendous amount of success using volunteers to translate community legal education materials through Volunteer Match, an online organization that connects volunteers with organizations in need of volunteer support. PTLA posts ongoing volunteer requests and will send out materials for translation as volunteers indicate an interest in working on translations.
Contact Information:
Nan Heald Executive Director Pine Tree Legal Assistance 88 Federal Street P.O. Box 547 Portland, ME 04112 Phone: (207) 774-4753 Fax: (207) 828-2300 Email
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