General Policy
This policy outlines the principles, guidelines, and procedures for translation services to meet the needs of residents who may speak languages other than the English. Identification of the language(s) to prioritize translation services is based on the 2020 Census Data and the 2021 American Community Survey (ACS) which indicate that 15.1% of Fontana households have a Limited English Proficiency, with the primary language spoken in the home being Spanish. All other non-English primary languages were below 2% of the population in these data.
Section 1 Definitions
The City of Fontana Translation Policy aims to ensure clear and inclusive communication with all residents, regardless of their primary language. This policy outlines the principles and procedures for translation services to facilitate access to information and services for all community members.
Inclusivity: City of Fontana is committed to inclusivity, recognizing the linguistic diversity of its residents. Translation services will be provided to communicate essential information in multiple languages.
Accessibility: Information vital to public safety, community engagement, due process and property owner rights, and compliance will be made accessible through translation services. Efforts will be made to ensure translations are accurate, culturally sensitive, and appropriate for the target audience.
Equity: All residents have the right to access city services and information in a language they understand. Translation services will be provided to eliminate language barriers and promote equity.
Section 2 General Scope
Priority Areas: Priority will be given to translating information related to public safety, due process, property owner rights, compliance, and essential city services. These include General Plan Amendments, Zoning Amendments, Moratoriums, fines, penalties, and fee increases.
Official Documents: Certain documents related to the priority areas, and important public notices will be translated into key languages to ensure understanding and compliance.
Online Presence: The city's website can be natively translated into multiple languages. The city will continue to leverage technology that expands the use of closed captioning and translation services for additional online content as the technology becomes available.
Section 3 Procedures
Language Assessment: Regular assessments will be conducted to identify the linguistic needs of the community. The results will guide the selection of languages for translation services.
Translation Partnerships: Collaborations with reputable translation services or community organizations will be established to ensure accurate and culturally sensitive translations.
Community Input: Community feedback will be actively sought to improve the effectiveness and relevance of translation services. Regular surveys and forums will be conducted to understand the evolving needs of the community.
Ad hoc translation services: A significant portion of City Staff have been tested and certified for comprehensive language skills, both written and oral, to support ad hoc translation services as needed at city facilities.
Section 4 Implementation
1. Budget Allocation: Adequate budgetary provisions will be made to support the implementation of translation services.
2. Training: City staff involved in communication and customer service will receive training on the importance of translation services, cultural sensitivity, and best practices in inclusive communication.
3. Regular Evaluation: The translation policy will be periodically reviewed and updated based on feedback, changing demographics, and evolving community needs.
City of Fontana
POLICY AND PROCEDURES
Subject:
Non-English Translation Services Policy
Page
1 of 5
Section
Effective Date
2/27/2024
Issued Date
Approval Date: