18 Miss. Code. R. 6-1-I-I
Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42 U.S.C. § 2000 d
Prohibition against exclusion from participation in, denial of benefits, and discrimination under federally assisted programs on grounds of race, color, or national origin.
No person in the United States shall, on the grounds of race, color, or national origin be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity overseen by the Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS) and receiving Federal financial assistance.
Mississippi Department of Human Services - Division of Family and Children's Services (MDHS-DFCS) shall ensure that persons with Limited English Proficiency (LEP) have meaningful access and an equal opportunity to participate in our services, activities, programs and other benefits. The policy of MDHS-DFCS is to ensure meaningful communication with LEP clients and their authorized representatives while they are involved with MDHS-DFCS. The policy also provides for communication of information contained in vital documents, including but not limited to, waivers of rights, consent to treatment forms, financial and insurance benefit forms, etc. (documents applicable to our agency). All interpreters, translators and other aids needed to comply with this policy shall be provided without cost to the person being served, and clients and their families will be informed of the availability of such assistance free of charge.
Language assistance shall be provided through use of competent bilingual staff, staff interpreters, contracts or formal arrangements with local organizations providing interpretations or translation services, or technology and telephonic interpretation services. All staff shall be provided notice of this policy and procedure, and staff that may have direct contact with LEP individuals shall be trained in effective communication techniques, including the effective use of an interpreter.
MDHS-DFCS shall conduct a regular review of the language access needs of our client population, as well as update and monitor the implementation of this policy and these procedures, as necessary.
18 Miss. Code. R. 6-1-I-I