| TO: | ALL COUNTY OFFICES |
| FROM: | JANEL R. LUCK, DIRECTOR |
| SUBJECT: | FAMIS LANGUAGE PREFERENCE (FM8Z) SCREEN |
DISCUSSION:
Effective August 13, 2007 the Language Preference (FM8Z) screen is added to FAMIS to collect data regarding whether an adult in the EU speaks English well, or if not, the EU’s preferred language. The purpose of the FAMIS Language Preference (FM8Z) screen is to meet federal requirements and to determine if an EU speaks only a foreign language. This is not intended to replace the language information captured in the common area. Continue to enter each individual’s language in the common area according to normal policy. The language information captured in the common area may be different than the language information captured in FAMIS for the EU.
EXAMPLE: Mr. A applies for benefits for himself and his wife. He has never received benefits before. Mr. A speaks German and in the common area the eligibility specialist marks that Mr. A speaks German. However, Mrs. A speaks English as her first language, as well as German. On the Language Preference (FM8Z) screen, because Mrs. A speaks English and she is in Mr. A’s household, English is entered.
The question is for informational purposes only and has no bearing on an individual's application for assistance. The applicant may decline to declare a language.
The screen appears in the controlled flow for all programs in FAMIS after confirmation of the Eligibility Unit Member Role (FM3Z) screen for any EU that has not had a language preference entered. For all program applications, take the following actions.
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Enter a “U” on the command line and read the statement on the screen:
The following question is for informational purposes only and will be used to collect data. Your answer to this question has no bearing on your application for assistance
Advise the applicant that s/he may decline to declare a language.
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Then read the question:
Is there an adult in your household who speaks English well? (Y/N)
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If the answer is yes, enter “Y” in the field to the right of the question and press enter. The next question’s field will default to EN (English). Flow forward to the next screen to complete the application process.
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If the individual declines to declare a language, enter “N” in the field to the right of the question. Do not ask the next question. Enter or prompt for the code DD (Decline to Declare) and press enter. Flow forward to the next screen to complete the application process.
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If the answer is no, enter “N” in the field to the right of the question. Read the next question:
What language do you speak?
Enter or prompt for the preferred language of the EU. Press enter. Flow forward to the next screen to complete the application process.
After a language is selected by an EU, the question no longer appears in the controlled flow. To update the information, fast path to the Language Preference screen by typing LANGPREF or FM8Z on the command line and press enter. You may also go through the menus, as follows:
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From the FAMIS Main Menu (FMPX) screen, type 3 on the command line and press enter. The Maintenance Menu (FMPY) appears.
- Type 16 on the command line and press enter. The Language Preference (FM8Z) screen appears.
Follow the steps above to update the information.As per policy, continue to offer interpretive services for EUs/individuals that don’t speak English well. Do not require an EU member under the age of 18 to be an interpreter for the EU.
NECESSARY ACTION:
- Review this memorandum with appropriate staff.
- Advise each applicant that the question is for informational purposes only and s/he may decline to declare a language.
- Capture the language preference of individuals applying for assistance for all programs in FAMIS beginning August 13, 2007.