Agenda - 10-03-2006-10a - Laserfiche WebLink

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Improving Assessment, Resource Coordination and Resource Development At the January 24, 2005 regularly scheduled BOCC meeting, the BOCC approved the realignment of the three-quarter time ESL Coordinator Position to a Limited English Proficiency Coordinator Position responsible for inventorying and assessing with each operating department, beginning with those providing critical services, the current ways in which services are provided to limited English proficient clients, the possible service barriers to such clients, and the unmet needs to be addressed. In August 2005, Marlyn Valeiko was hired as the County's LEP Coordinator, and, beginning July 1, 2006, the BOCC approved a permanent increase in hours for the LEP Coordinator position. Since joining County staff. Marlyn has been focused on two projects - a Spanish language assessment tool and a study of County departments their resources and abilities to serve LEP communities and perceived barriers to serving LEP communities. The LEP Coordinator's work is currently focused exclusively on the Spanish speaking community which is the only LEP community that Orange County is required to provide native language access to according to Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Title VI states that any agency receiving an rLfederal government funding is required to provide reasonable access to programs for LEP populations that are "1000 individuals or 5% of the total population whichever is less." The Spanish Language Assessment Tool, otherwise known as Proyecto Aceso Latino, was developed by the Chapel Hill Institute for Culture and Language Education and the Department of Human Rights and Relations using US Department of Housing and Urban Development funding. The tool is designed to evaluate the level of an individual's ability to speak and understand Spanish and knowledge of Hispanic/Latino cultural differences that might impact service delivery. It was tested with a group of Orange County employees and reviewed by the Orange County Human Services Management Team. The LEP Coordinator used the tool to test applicants for a position in the Department of Social Services where Spanish language ability was required. A few minor revisions were made to the assessment tool following the first official test, and the tool is available for use by any Department Head beginning September 20, 2006. Concurrent with the development of the Spanish Language Assessment Tool, Marlyn conducted an assessment of County Departments with extensive LEP contact to determine their resources, needs and perceived barriers to serving LEP communities. This report serves as a record of County employees efforts to serve LEP communities to date and presents recommendations for improving service to LEP communities based on these Departments stated needs and perceived barriers. FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact related with the BOCC receiving the status report on LEP communities in Orange County. RECOMMENDATIONS: The Manager recommends that the. Board receive the LEP Assessment Report, review the report with special attention to the Recommendations section (pages 21-24 of this agenda abstract -pages 19-22 of the actual report), and provide comments, direction or questions to County Staff.