Utilization of Language Services for Clients with Limited English Proficiency Protocols

Abstract

The US Census Bureau, 2008-2012 American Community Survey, estimated that 29,786 people or 9.9% of the residents in Erie County speak English less than “very well” and speak another language at home; in Niagara County 5.1% of the residents speak English less than “very well” and speak another language at home; in Genesee County 4% of the residents speak English less than “very well” and speak another language at home; in Orleans County 6.4% of the residents speak English less than “very well” and speak another language at home; and in Wyoming County 5.1% of the residents speak English less than “very well” and speak another language at home. Legal Services programs must ensure that this language limitation does not create barriers to our services for those clients with Limited English Proficiency (“LEP”). This policy is promulgated to ensure that clients of Neighborhood Legal Services, Inc., have full, relevant access to the services they need, notwithstanding their limited English proficiency.