P-0185 - Orange County Government Limited English Proficiency Policy 12-11-2001

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ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT Meeting Date: December 11, 2001 Action Agenda Item No. R-.~ SUBJECT: County Limited En lish Proficiency Policy and Action Plan DEPARTMENT: Human Rights and Relations & PUBLIC HEARING: (Y/N) No Purchasing ATTACHMENT (S): Draft Policy Draft Action Plan INFORMATION CONTACT: Annette M. Moore, ext. 2254 Pamela Jones, ext. 2652 TELEPHONE NUMBERS: Hillsborough 732-8181 Chapel Hill 968-4501 Durham 688-7331 Mebane 336-227-2031 PURPOSE: To consider approving a policy to eliminate or reduce to the maximum extent . possible limited English proficiency as a barrier or impediment to accessing core services in Orange County Government. BACKGROUND: There has been a dramatic and rapid influx of new immigrants into Orange County who have Limited English Proficiency (LEP). For these new community members, language can be a barrier to accessing services or benefits, understanding and exercising their rights, and other information, which that may leave them vulnerable. Recognizing this, Orange County has designated eliminating barriers and access to programs and services to the LEP community as an important goal. Additionally, on August 16, 2000, the President signed Executive Order 13166, .mandating that all federal agencies ensure that they and their recipients of federal aid improve access to services to the LEP population. The attached policy was drafted to support the goal and be in compliance with the Executive Order and its policy implementation guidance. The policy as well as the Executive Order provides no new rights or benefits, but does clarify existing Title VI' responsibilities and set forth the steps necessary to ensure "meaningful access" to services by the LEP community. The policy includes information about the types and ways in which language assistance can be provided, when translation of vital documents is necessary, identifying LEP population, notice requirements; outreach to the community, staff training and monitoring. Estimated periods in • which the individual elements are achievable are indicated in bold as appropriate: ' Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits recipients of federal financial assistance from discriminating against or otherwise excluding individuals on the basis of race, color, or national origin in any of their activities Section 601 of Title VI, 42 U.S.C. § 2000d.