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Approved December 11, 2001  <br /> <br /> <br />Orange County Government <br />Limited English Proficiency (LEP) Policy <br /> <br /> <br />Orange County is committed to improving the accessibility of services to persons with <br />limited English proficiency (LEP) and to developing and implementing a system that <br />gives LEP persons “meaningful access” to Orange County programs and services. <br /> <br />Purpose <br /> <br />To eliminate or reduce to the maximum extent possible limited English proficiency as a barrier or <br />impediment to accessing core service in Orange County Government. <br /> <br />Background <br /> <br />There has been a dramatic and rapid influx of new immigrants into Orange County who have <br />Limited English Proficiency (LEP). For these new community members language can be a barrier <br />to accessing services or benefits, understanding and exercising their rights, and other information <br />and that may leave them vulnerable. Recognizing this, Orange County has designated eliminating <br />barriers and access to programs and services to the LEP community as an important goal. <br /> <br />Additionally, on August 16, 2000, the President signed Executive Order 13166, mandating that all <br />federal agencies ensure that they and their recipients of federal aid improve access to services to <br />the LEP population. The attached policy was drafted to support the goal and be in compliance <br />with the Executive Order and its policy implementation guidance. The policy as well as the <br />Executive Order provides no new rights or benefits but clarify existing Title VI1 responsibilities and <br />set forth the steps necessary to ensure “meaningful access” to services by the LEP community. <br /> <br />In identifying the language assistance initiatives needed that are consistent with the underlying <br />goal of this policy, it is reasonable to focus on those Departments within Orange County <br />government that have the greatest potential for interaction with the LEP population, that involve <br />vital exchange of information affecting provisions of service, and that grant a benefit or imposition <br />of a burden on the LEP population. Orange County government services can be grouped into <br />five categories based generally on the nature, purpose, and consequences of their interaction <br />with the general public and/or LEP populations. <br /> <br />(A) Departments whose primary mission is to serve the internal management and <br />administrative needs of County government. The interaction of these Departments with <br />the LEP population is infrequent and secondary to services that they perform. <br />(B) Departments whose mission is to service the policy needs of County Government. These <br />Departments either are not dependent on their interaction with the public or historical data <br />suggest that they have no significant involvement with the LEP population. <br />(C) Departments whose primary mission or focus is the provision of services, information, or <br />assistance to third parties. These Departments have the potential for serving significant <br />LEP populations. <br />                                                             <br />1 Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits recipients of federal financial assistance from discriminating <br />against or otherwise excluding individuals on the basis of race, color, or national origin in any of their activities <br />Section 601 of Title VI, 42 U.S.C. § 2000d. <br />8