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

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~r~~---' ~` • Orange County Government Limited English Proficiency (LEP) Policy Orange County is committed to improving the accessibility of services to persons with limited English proficiency (LEP) and to developing and implementing a system that gives LEP persons "meaningful access" to Orange County programs and services. Purpose To eliminate or reduce to the maximum extent possible limited English proficiency as a barrier or impediment to accessing core service 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 hese new community members language can be a barrier to accessing services or benefits, understanding and exercising their rights:, and other information and that may leave themvulnerable. Recognizingthis, 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 fhe 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 clarify exsting_Title VI2 responsibilities and set forth the steps necessary to ensure "meaningful. access" to services by the LEP community. In identifying the language assistance initiatives needed that are consistent with the underlying goal of this policy, it is reasonable to focus on those Departments within Orange County government that have the greatest potential for interaction with the LEP population, that involve vital exchange of information affecting provisions of service, and that grant a benefit or imposition of a burden on the LEP population. Orange County government services can be grouped into five categories based generally on the nature, purpose, and consequences of their interaction with the general public and/or LEP populations. (A) Departments whose primary mission is to serve the internal management and administrative needs of County government. The interaction of these Departments with the LEP population is infrequent and secondary to services that they perform. (B) Departments whose mission is to service the policy needs of County Government. These Departments either are not dependant on their interaction with the public or historical data suggest that they have no significant involvement with the LEP population. s 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.