Knowledge Base

Resources for law enforcement on meaningful language access and avoiding using children as interpreters

Individuals who are limited English proficient (LEP) are those for whom English is not their primary language and they have a limited ability to read, write, speak, or understand English. Meaningful language access is key to ensuring safety and justice for individuals with limited English proficiency. The use of children as interpreters during law enforcement interactions is especially problematic. Interpreting in high stakes situations, particularly when the life, safety or well-being of a loved one may be at risk, is an enormous responsibility that can generate feelings of anxiety and stress, particularly in children, and compound the trauma that these children are already experiencing.

This publication was made possible by grant number 90EV0431 from the Administration on Children, Youth and Families, Family and Youth Services Bureau, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.