Certified Interpreter for Juvenile Probation Office

A deaf youth with many learning problems found himself in serious trouble with the law. He was to attend an important meeting with his parents and probation officers to discuss his offense. The family called several times to make sure an interpreter was available for this youth who was deaf since, in the past, there appeared to be a problem with even well prepared certified interpreters. The youth didn't seem to understand the seriousness of his offense, and interpreters were concerned that he may be punished for something that he may not have even done. He would nod his head that he understood, but 3 interpreters voiced concerns that they had not adequately expressed themselves to him.

The probation officer stated that there would be an interpreter at the proceedings. However, when the family arrived, the only interpreter available was not certified, and although he knew some sign language, he was really a security guard and just trying to help out.

The original probation officer said that we should have asked for a certified interpreter and left the meeting. The meeting went forward with a different probation officer. Later, the advocate expressed concern to the Children, Youth, and Family Department (CYFD) about their policy for use of interpreters.

CYFD responded promptly by offering another meeting to the family with a certified interpreter and the assurance that a certified interpreter would be provided in the future to any youth needing this kind of assistance.