M E M O R A N D U M

IM-97  08/01/02 LANGUAGE PREFERENCE CODES


SUBJECT:
LANGUAGE PREFERENCE CODES
 
DISCUSSION:
The Division of Family Services is committed to providing good customer service to all participants of the programs/services we provide.  Individuals with limited English proficiency (LEP) present particular challenges in ensuring accessibility to agency programs/services.  It is important that we provide a non-intimidating atmosphere for LEP individuals.  We must be able to effectively communicate so as to provide timely and accurate benefits/services.

We currently do not collect language preference data regarding LEP participants.  Language preference information would better enable us to identify improvements needed in the services we provide LEP participants.  Effective August 5, 2002, collect the language preference for food stamp and Temporary Assistance participants.  Enter the language preference code in the "Language" field in EBTU.  This can be done when you add or update an EBT record.  The language preference codes are as follows:
 

Albanian
L
 Farsi
F
 Russian
R
Arabic
A
 German
G
 Somalian
O
Bosnian
B
 Korean
K
 Spanish
S
Chinese
C
 Kurdish
D
 Sudanese
U
English
E
 Romanian
M
 Vietnamese
V

EBT training materials will continue to be produced in English or Spanish.  English materials will be sent to the household for any language preference entered other than Spanish. 

We are in the process of revising the common area so as to be able to capture language preference for participants of all Income Maintenance programs.  As soon as the revisions are complete, a memorandum will be issued.

Upon identifing the language preference of individuals, use the language line as needed to communicate effectively with the individual.  Refer to memorandum IM-93 dated 7/22/02 for instructions on how to use the language line. 

Important resources to DFS offices in providing program accessibility are refugee-immigrant-migrant centers.  Work with the refugee-immigrant-migrant center in your area to develop out-based application procedures.  Attached is a listing of refugee-immigrant-migrant centers.
 
NECESSARY ACTION:
  • Review this memorandum with all appropriate staff.
  • Enter the language preference for participants who receive Temporary Assistance cash or food stamp benefits via EBT in ETU. 
  • Use the language line as needed to communicate with participants in the language of preference. 
  • Work with refugee-immigrant-migrant centers to develop out-based application procedures.
NEY
Distribution #6
Attachment(pdf)
IM-96
[ 2002 Memorandums ]
 IM-98