Language Barriers at DCF Still Impact LEP Families in Massachusetts (2024)
Recent survey findings examining the current state of language access at the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families.
People rely on the courts and government agencies to solve serious legal problems, find help, and achieve stability. But inequitable practices can make navigating these complex systems impossible – especially for those who cannot afford legal representation.
The consequences can be devastating and life changing. Denied access to rights and resources, families may be unjustly evicted, lose custody of their children, struggle to escape domestic violence, or become caught in a cycle of debt and poverty.
At MA Appleseed, we believe no one should need a law degree to avoid catastrophe. Through our Access to Justice initiative, we work to:
- Standardize fair treatment in these powerful institutions, whether a person is represented by an attorney or not;
- Protect the language access rights of residents and end language discrimination;
- Increase access to self-help resources that incorporate best practices and center the needs of the most vulnerable; and
- Advocate for innovative technology solutions to create a modern, 21st century court system where all residents have equitable access to legal rights and protection.
Reports & Resources
Campaigns & Partnerships
Mass Speaks Coalition
MA Appleseed co-founded and leads the Mass Speaks Coalition alongside MIRA Coalition, Massachusetts Law Reform Institute, and the Justice Center of Southeast Massachusetts. Mass Speaks is fighting to eliminate language barriers at state agencies and ensure immigrant and limited English proficient residents have equal access to the services and information they need.
Share Your Story!
Stories are one of the most effective tools we have in our advocacy toolbox and help us center the voices of individuals closest to this issue. If you or someone you know has faced language barriers that kept services and information from a Massachusetts state agency out of reach, we encourage you to fill out the form below (available in English, Spanish, Haitian Creole, Portuguese, Vietnamese, and Simplified Chinese) or contact us!
Massachusetts Language Access Coalition
MA Appleseed is a long-time member of the Massachusetts Language Access Coalition. Within this larger coalition, we co-lead the Courts Language Access Working Group, working closely with partners to document and address language barriers in the Massachusetts legal system.
A lack of interpretation and translation services in court can leave limited English proficient (LEP) and Deaf and Hard of Hearing (D/HH) litigants unable to understand important legal documents and proceedings, or what the judge is even saying to them. When LEP and D/HH litigants are denied the ability to meaningfully engage with the court system, their ability to keep custody of their children, stay housed, protect themselves from abusive debt collection practices, and address other serious, life-changing issues can all be jeopardized.
Courts Language Access Working Group Partners:
- Community Legal Aid
- Disability Law Center
- Greater Boston Legal Services
- Massachusetts Law Reform Institute
- The Justice Center of Southeast Massachusetts
We are collecting data and stories from LEP and D/HH litigants to examine language barriers in the Massachusetts Trial Court and develop actionable solutions.
Unlocking Access, Ensuring Justice
“Unlocking Access, Ensuring Justice” shares the stories of Juan and Claudia – two Bay Staters who know firsthand how critical language access is to keeping families safe, stable, and whole.
“It’s inclusion. It’s a question of humanity. For you to be able to understand things and to be understood in your language.”
Claudia Balliana
Policy
H.3384/S.2125
An Act Relative to Language Access and Inclusion
H.1889/S.1064
An Act to Eliminate Disparate Impact
H.1952/S.968
An Act Promoting Access to Counsel and Housing Stability in Massachusetts
Complaint Under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
Federal discrimination complaint against the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families in response to the agency’s failure to provide federally mandated language access to the LEP families they serve.
Filed July 14, 2021 with Lawyers for Civil Rights