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Washington State Translation Program

A Good Idea

Description

The Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) is a helping hand and lifeline for one out of every four Washington residents. Each year, more than 1.5 million children, families, vulnerable adults and seniors come to DSHS for protection, comfort, food assistance, financial aid, medical care and other services. In order to make those services more accessible to all of Washington's residents, the Department translates all notices, application forms, and important agency documents into seven languages: Chinese, Cambodian/Khmer, Laotian, Korean, Russian, Spanish and Vietnamese. To serve clients who speak less common languages, the agency contracts with private companies to translate materials into another 86 languages on an as-needed basis.

Goal / Mission

The goal of this program is to ensure that Washington's Social and Health Services are available and accessible to all Washington residents.

Results / Accomplishments

Each month, approximately 3,500 to 4,000 documents are translated into 60 or 70 of the less common languages. In the event that the agency is unable to provide written translation of an important document, it sends a notice to clients that oral translation services are available at one of its local offices. In order to improve the quality of its interpretation and translation services, Washington developed a language certification test for all interpreters and translators working for the agency, including contractors.

About this Promising Practice

Organization(s)
The Washington State Department of Social and Health Services
Primary Contact
Sam Senn
The Washington State Department of Social and Health Services
Economic Services Administration
(360) 902-7784
http://www1.dshs.wa.gov/
Topics
Economy / Government Assistance
Community / Governance
Community / Civic Engagement
Organization(s)
The Washington State Department of Social and Health Services
Source
Finance Project
Date of publication
Sep 2004
Location
Washington
Target Audience
Racial/Ethnic Minorities