AG 2010 10 18 - Laserfiche WebLink

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vi. Understands the roles of interpreters and the ethics associated with being an interpreter Describe how the agency ensures the competency of bilingual staff and interpreters: The Commerce Department has one staff member taught Spanish and French in public schools and the Department of Social Services staff members are given oral and written tests by existing staff prior to hiring. b. When staff members have reason to believe that an interpreter is not qualified or properly trained to serve as an interpreter, the staff member will request another interpreter. 4. Using Family Members or Friends as Interpreters a. Applicants /recipients may provide their own interpreter; however the agency will not require them to do so. b. The agency will first inform an LEP person, in the primary language of the LEP person, of the right to free interpreter services and the potential problems for ineffective communication. If the LEP person declines such set and requests the use of a family member or friend, the agency may utilize the family member or friend to interpret only if the use of such person would not compromise the effectiveness or services or violate the LEP person's confidentiality. The agency will monitor these interactions and again offer interpreter services, if it appears there are problems with this arrangement. C. The agency will indicate in the LEP individual's file that an offer of interpreter services was made and rejected; that the individual was informed of potential problems associated with using friends or family members and the name of the person serving as an interpreter at the LEP individual's request. d. Only under extenuating circumstances shall the agency allow a minor (under the age of 18 years) to temporarily act as an interpreter. The agency will keep a written record of when it has used a minor as an interpreter, and this information will be shared with the DCA upon request. G Attachment number 1 F Page 100