The Department of Justice (DOJ) has inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the New York State Office of Court Administration, ensuring that participants with limited English proficiency have access to Rockland County Drug Treatment Court.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams and Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke announced the MOU, which resolves a review of the court’s compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The act prohibits discrimination based on race, color, or national origin by recipients of federal financial assistance, including the failure to provide meaningful language access.
Williams emphasized the importance of providing equal access to court proceedings and programs. ‘Members of the community should not be denied meaningful access to court proceedings and programs offering alternatives to traditional sentencing because of their limited English proficiency,’ he said. ‘This Memorandum of Understanding can serve as a model for all courts in this district to ensure meaningful access to persons with limited English proficiency, in compliance with Title VI.’
Clarke highlighted the necessity of fair communication in the judicial process. ‘Ensuring equal justice under law means doing so in a manner that is fair, accurate and understandable for all,’ she said. ‘People should not be penalized for their limited English proficiency and should receive the language assistance services they need to fairly participate in court proceedings.’
The review began after a complaint alleged that individuals with limited English proficiency could not fully participate in the Rockland County Drug Treatment Court due to the lack of translation and interpretation services. The Office of Court Administration (OCA) became involved, assuming responsibility for the court in March 2024.
Under the MOU, OCA will take additional steps to ensure meaningful access for limited-English participants, including translating all documents into Spanish, Creole, Yiddish, and other requested languages, and securing treatment providers that offer court-mandated drug treatment programs. Information about Title VI and limited English proficiency is available at www.lep.gov.
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Key Facts
- State: New York
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Public Corruption|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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