§ 21-918 Language study.
AC § 21-918
a. For the purposes of this section, the following terms shall have the following meanings: Limited English proficient individual. The term "limited English proficient individual" means an individual who identifies as being, or is evidently, unable to communicate meaningfully in English. Primary language. The term "primary language" means the language in which a limited English proficient individual chooses to communicate with others. b. By January 1, 2019, ACS shall complete a study regarding its ability to provide access to language classes for any child between the ages of 3 years and 12 years who, pursuant to article 10 of the family court act, was removed from the custody of parents or guardians who are limited English proficient individuals and who has been in the custody of ACS for at least 6 months. Such study shall include, but need not be limited to: 1. The number of such children in the foster care system; 2. The languages spoken by such children; 3. The languages spoken by the individuals from whom such children were removed; 4. Strategies to assess the language needs of such children; and 5. Barriers to addressing such language needs. c. The department shall report its findings from its language study to the speaker of the council and post a copy of the report on the ACS website by July 1, 2019. d. As part of the study required pursuant to subdivision c of this section, ACS shall initiate a process to identify and track whether parents or guardians of children removed pursuant to article 10 of the family court act are limited English proficient individuals. If such process is not in place at the time the report required pursuant to subdivision c of this section is complete, such report will include an explanation of the barriers to initiating such process. (L.L. 2018/037, 1/11/2018, eff. 7/10/2018) Editor's note: For related unconsolidated provisions, see Appendix A at L.L. 2018/037.
