LANGUAGE ACCESS
The Dymally–Alatorre Bilingual Services Act became the law in 1973 to eliminate language barriers that block non-English speakers from equal access to public services. The Act directs every state and local agency that serves a significant percentage of non-English speakers to provide translators in their languages and must also provide educational materials in those languages. Every two years, each State and local agency must review the number of people who primarily use languages other than English in their area. The results of this survey are collected by the California State Personnel Board and reported to the Legislature.
ABOUT CHILD SUPPORT SERVICES
California Child Support Services oversees 47 local or regional child support agencies that provide child support help to the general public. Enrolling for child support services can help both parents with the legal process and explain the child support system, often avoiding many legal and court costs. These services also create a record of all child support payments and provide a neutral go-between for parents. All Child Support Services staff act in the public interest and do not represent either side of a child support case.
DEPARTMENTAL POLICY STATEMENT
Child Support Services is responsible for ensuring that all persons, including those who are non-English speaking, are provided equal access to the available services and information about child support programs, and must deliver services in ways that honor individual differences and are sensitive to cultural differences. Effective communication with customers who are non-English speaking must be achieved through bilingual staff, translated written materials, and contracted interpreter/translation services.
If you have any questions, need more information about the Dymally–Alatorre Bilingual Services Act, or have a complaint about the level of bilingual services from California Child Support Services, please contact the Office of Civil Rights at dcsdocr@dcss.ca.gov.
